Bloch Girl's ELASTA Bootie, Tan, 2 M US Little Kid Review
Founded in Sydney in 1932 by Jacob Bloch, Bloch has long been a leader in the technical dance footwear market. Initially renowned for their handmade pointe shoes that grace the feet of esteemed ballet dancers around the world, Bloch is now venturing into innovative street-ready footwear. The Bloch Girl's ELASTA Bootie is a testament to this evolution, offering young dancers a blend of performance and style.
Features
- Leather upper for durability and comfort
- Split sole with EVA forefoot and heel pads to enhance flexibility
- Elastic insert eliminates the need for laces, ensuring ease of wear
- Toe shape designed for a natural demi-pointe position
- Upper arch provides exceptional fit
- Sizing recommendation: Start with 1/2 size up from street shoes
Pros
- High-quality leather construction ensures lasting durability
- Great flexibility that supports various dance movements
- Easy to put on without the hassle of laces
- Comfortable fit that allows toes to naturally spread
Cons
- May require sizing adjustments as it runs smaller than typical street shoes
- Limited color options might not appeal to all preferences
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Material | Sole Type | Fit Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloch Girl's ELASTA Bootie | 100% Leather | Rubber | Low-top |
| Sansha Dance Shoes | Canvas | Suede | Mid-top |
| Capezio Daisy Dance Sneakers | Mesh/Leather | Rubber | High-top |
Detailed Review
The Bloch Girl's ELASTA Bootie shines when it comes to supporting the dynamic needs of budding dancers. With a leather upper, it not only looks great but also provides necessary durability as your child moves through intense rehearsals or performances.
One of the standout features is its split sole design. This allows for enhanced flexibility and movement, critical for executing those captivating dance routines. The EVA forefoot and heel pads further aid in providing comfort during long hours of practice.
Designed with convenience in mind, the elastic insert replaces traditional laces, making these booties easy for children to slip on and off independently. As any parent knows, this can be a significant advantage during busy dance classes.
The toe shape is specifically tailored to allow for a natural demi-pointe position, which is essential for developing correct dance techniques early on. Additionally, the bootie's exceptional fit around the upper arch ensures that little feet are supported adequately.
However, you may want to consider sizing carefully. It is advisable to order a half size up from your child's usual street shoe size to ensure a proper fit. Furthermore, while the tan color complements many dance outfits, the limited color range may not cater to every dancer's personal style.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5 | The leather upper and flexible sole provide excellent comfort for extended use. |
| Durability | 4.8 | High-quality materials ensure the booties withstand rigorous use. |
| Ease of Use | 4.6 | Slip-on design makes them user-friendly for kids. |
| Style | 4.2 | Classic look, though color options are somewhat limited. |
| Value for Money | 4.5 | Offers good value considering the quality of craftsmanship. |
User Reviews
Comfortable and great shoe!!
My daughter has been dancing since she was 2. Her foot runs on the narrow side so Capezio jazz shoes run too wide for her. We found that Bloch in a narrow works perfect for her foot. It was difficult to figure out the sizing after 1.5/2. You need to know that it moves to a women’s sizing after that. So my child that wears a little girls 2.5/3 needed to go to a women’s 5.5. Just a heads up.
This is my daughter's second pair. The first kept up with her and I like the quality feel of them. This daughter is quick to complain if something is ill fitting or uncomfortable so it's a compliment when she never said a word about her shoes; she just puts them on and dances. Love em. If ever I return to dancing I would go straight for these as well.
These were purchased for a hip-hop class and we are very pleased to report happy feet results for six year old granddaughter! Great fit, holding up well, and most importantly; loving the dance in these shoes!
Fits true to size
My daughter tends to be very picky about shoes that are tight on her feet. These are very comfortable for her and fit exactly as described on the sizing chart.
Our go to jazz shoe. Both my daughters love this product for fit, flexibility and just enough non-slip grip. I love them because they are durable and only need to be replace once a year.
They are nice Jazz shoes, but run bigger than the size chart.