Capezio Women's Ds11 Fierce Dance Sneaker

I needed white dance sneakers for an upcoming event. I usually wear Sansha Skazz shoes (good quality but better pricing than Capezio and Bloch), and after much trial and error know my shoe size there, but they didn't have a shoe I wanted in white, so these Capezios were my choice.I know each brand is different, and that was my biggest worry - having time to find the right size and make sure they were comfortable before my all-day line dance event next month. I compiled sizing information from all the reviews for this Capezio sneaker. I wear an 8.5 street shoe, 9 athletic shoe, and most recommendations from others with similar sizing were for 9.5 or 10. I was leaning towards the 9.5, especially since my foot is narrow, and at the time I ordered the 10 was out of stock, so my choice was made, and fingers crossed! The 9.5 fit me PERFECTLY. I wear a thin sock for dance - I would say if you wear heavier socks and/or your feet are wider, the 10 would be your better choice.I wore them for a few hours just walking around the house after receiving them to make sure they didn't rub anywhere, and today I had my first full Soul Line Dance class in them, and they were SO comfortable. The pivot point is slightly off from my other shoes so that took a moment's getting used to, but I could spin, glide and turn with ease.

Excellent dance sneakers

I've been wearing Capezio DS11 for the last 8 years for linedance & the last 2 years for zumba. One pair usually lasts me around 2 years,frequency of use is 4-5 times a week...sometimes as long as 4 hours per session. These shoes have kept my knees & feet in good shape for the last 8 years. Excellent cushioning on the ball & heel which really is important for dancing,especially zumba. In these shoes I could jump,bounce & do pivoting with ease. My knees & feet have been protected from any injury & damage with these shoes. I've been wearing 9.5 all these years & I don't wear other brands besides Capezio. So recently,I ordered this pair again in my 9.5 since my current shoes although still in good condition are starting to show their age,been 2 years already. Imagine my disappointment when I received the shoes. A 9.5 couldn't fit me anymore! The width of the shoe is now way much narrower than my old pair. I forced my feet in but really just couldn't fit anymore. Sadly,I had to sell the shoes to a friend whose size fits. Putting side by side the old & new pair to compare, the difference in the cut is pretty obvious. The new pair cuts very narrow. I don't understand why Capezio now makes such narrow cut for its shoes. It was doing great with the old design for umpteen years. Many loyal Capezioians among my friends. In fact,as recent as last week,4 of my zumba friends bought this exact design upon my recommendation after going to a local shop to try the fit of the shoes. I would still recommend this DS11 for people wanting solid cushioning in their shoes for dance & Zumba but you must make sure you go to a local shop to try on the various sizes to see your best fit then order from Amazon. Don't just buy base solely on reviews here. I tried my friend's 10.5 & the fit was ok but somehow because of the narrow width the shoes didn't feel as great as before. So I won't be buying them for myself anymore. Capezio,please take heed.

Great shoe

The split sole makes it flexible. I did have suede put on the bottoms so I can spin without torturing my knees. The rubber soles are good for street dancing but grab too much on a wooden floor if you are spinning or doing pirouettes. This is my second pair of these dance boots/shoes. This model is a bit more streamlined in shape than my last pair so less clunky.

The shoes were dirt and used

I ordered an 8.5 because I wear an 8 in athletic shoe. The width was fine, but the toe box was too long.So, I exchanged for a size 8. Those shoes ended up being too narrow and tight in the toe box.I pulled out an old size 8 Capezio which I was looking to replace. The toe box on the newer shoes was definitely narrower.Not sure what to buy now. I need to replace my old size 8s. They did hold up for several years though. If you can manage to find the right size, it's a great shoe.

Have worn these for many years! They are very nice quality and the split soles are fantastic.