Capezio ballet and jazz shoes in NZ are among the most searched dance shoe styles online, and for good reason. Capezio has been making performance footwear for over 130 years. The quality is consistent, the sizing is reliable, and the styles cover every level from beginner to examination candidate.
This guide covers what to look for before you buy, how to size correctly from New Zealand, and which styles suit which disciplines and foot types.
Why Capezio Remains the Go-To for NZ Dancers
Capezio shoes are used in studios across New Zealand and Australia at every level. Teachers recommend them because the construction supports correct technique without fighting the foot. The split sole design allows full articulation of the arch. The leather and canvas options each have distinct advantages depending on the discipline and the dancer's preference.
For a detailed breakdown of how canvas and leather compare across Capezio's ballet range, the complete guide to canvas versus leather Capezio ballet shoes covers the key differences in feel, durability and care.
Capezio jazz shoes follow a similar logic. A leather upper holds its shape over time and moulds gradually to the foot. A synthetic or canvas upper breaks in faster but may not last as many seasons. For serious jazz students, leather is worth the investment.
How to Size Capezio Shoes Correctly from NZ
Sizing is where most online orders go wrong. Capezio shoes are manufactured in US sizing. New Zealand shoe sizes follow a UK-based system, so direct conversion is essential.
- Measure both feet in the afternoon when feet are at their largest.
- Measure in centimetres from heel to the tip of the longest toe.
- Use Capezio's size chart to convert your measurement to US sizing.
- Ballet shoes generally size down by one to one and a half sizes from street shoe size.
- Jazz shoes typically run closer to street shoe size but vary by style.
- Growing children should be sized with no more than a thumb's width of growing room.
If your dancer is between sizes, go up for jazz shoes and down for ballet shoes. A ballet shoe that is too long will wrinkle across the vamp and affect the line of the foot.
Our full sizing and ordering advice for NZ customers is covered in detail in the Capezio buying guide written specifically for New Zealand dancers, including how to read width fittings and what to do if your dancer has a narrow or wide foot.
Choosing Between Ballet and Jazz Styles
Ballet Shoes
The Capezio Hanami is the most popular canvas ballet shoe in the current range. It features an ultra-lightweight construction, a stretch insert at the drawstring, and a pre-sewn elastics option that saves time for younger students. The leather Daisy is a strong choice for younger beginners as it is more durable and easier to keep clean.
Split sole styles suit intermediate and advanced dancers who need maximum floor contact and arch visibility. Full sole shoes offer more support and are generally recommended for children under eight whose foot muscles are still developing.
Jazz Shoes
The Capezio Apex is the most widely used jazz shoe across Australian and New Zealand studios. It has a split sole, a low heel, and a slip-resistant rubber pad. It suits both contemporary jazz and musical theatre styles. The lace-up version provides more security across the midfoot for dancers with narrower feet.
For Latin or theatre jazz styles, a higher heel jazz shoe may be required. Check with your teacher before purchasing if your syllabus specifies a particular heel height.
Ordering Capezio to New Zealand
Total Dance ships all orders tracked from Australia to New Zealand. Delivery times are typically five to ten business days depending on your location. Orders are packed carefully to protect shoe shape in transit.
All Capezio styles stocked in our Australian warehouse are available to NZ customers. You can browse the full Capezio range here and filter by shoe type, size and material.
If you need help confirming a size or style before ordering, contact the team directly. Getting the fit right before you order saves time and avoids the hassle of an exchange. For a broader look at what is available across the full Capezio dancewear range, including apparel and accessories, the Capezio dancewear online guide is a practical starting point.
What to Do If the Fit Is Not Right
Exchanges are straightforward when shoes arrive unworn and in original packaging. Try shoes on a carpeted surface only before deciding on fit. Check the toe box, the heel grip and the vamp length before putting them on a hard floor.
- Heel slipping usually means the shoe is too long, not too wide.
- Toe crowding means the shoe is too short or too narrow.
- Wrinkling across the vamp in a ballet shoe means the shoe is too long.
- A jazz shoe that gaps at the sides of the foot may need a narrower width fitting.
Most fit issues can be diagnosed with a quick message and a photo. The team can advise on whether an exchange is the right call or whether the shoe will settle with wear.
