Bloch Men's Dance Synchrony Split Sole Stretch Canvas Ballet Slipper/Shoe Review
The Bloch Men's Dance Synchrony Split Sole Stretch Canvas Ballet Slipper stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and innovation synonymous with the Bloch brand. Established in 1932 by Jacob Bloch, this company has been at the forefront of dance footwear, constantly evolving to meet the needs of dancers worldwide. The Synchrony slipper is designed for those who seek comfort and functionality without compromising on style.
This ballet flat showcases a streamlined fit with an ultimate stretch canvas construction that molds beautifully to your foot, providing superior flexibility. The unique wide elastic design replaces traditional binding, reducing pressure on the achilles tendon and dorsal surface of your foot. This consideration enhances your comfort when dancing, allowing you to focus solely on your performance.
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Features
- Ultimate stretch canvas material for flexibility
- Wider toe box allows natural toe spread
- Wider outsole shape for increased stability
- Wide elastic around the top line for secure fit
- Crossed elastic at the instep for additional support
Pros
- Exceptional comfort due to stretch canvas design
- Reduced pressure points thanks to innovative wide elastic
- Split sole suede outsole provides good traction
- Sleek appearance suitable for both studio and street wear
Cons
- May require a break-in period for optimal comfort
- Limited color options available
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Bloch Synchrony Slipper | Capezio Daisy Ballet Slipper | Sansha Pro 1 Sole Ballet Slipper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Stretch Canvas | Leather | Canvas |
| Elastic Design | Wide & Crossed | N/A | Standard |
| Outsole | Split Sole Suede | Full Suede | Full Leather |
| Toe Box | Wider | Narrow | Regular |
Detailed Review
When it comes to performance-oriented ballet slippers, the Bloch Men's Dance Synchrony stands out for several reasons. This shoe caters not just to aesthetics but prioritizes the dancer's function and comfort. The combination of the ultimate stretch canvas and thoughtful design allows for a snug fit that supports yet moves with your foot.
The wide elastic at the top line offers a secure feel, meaning you won’t have to worry about adjustments mid-performance. Additionally, the crossed elastic at the instep enhances support, which is particularly beneficial for more intense routines. Dancers will appreciate how the wider toe box accommodates different foot shapes, allowing for natural spreading of the toes, which can help prevent fatigue during extended use.
On the downside, while the initial fit may feel slightly tight, many users find that the slippers do require a short break-in period. Furthermore, the limited color options might not appeal to everyone, especially those wanting to express their personal style in class or performances.
In summary, whether you're practicing in the studio or stepping out into the street, the Bloch Synchrony Slipper delivers a classy look paired with exceptional functionality, making it a top choice for serious dancers.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Soft canvas and elastic provide excellent comfort. |
| Fit | 4/5 | Streamlined yet spacious toe box enhances performance. |
| Design | 4.5/5 | Sleek and modern design suitable for various occasions. |
| Durability | 4/5 | High-quality materials ensure lasting performance. |
User Reviews
I am a "true" size 10 in Men's street shoes. Since these aren't stretch canvas and you're buying them online (vs trying on at store) I feel I owe it to the consumer to be as specific as I can about the sizing.I ordered a size 10 of these slippers and really wanted to love them because the quality was on point - the suede pads felt great, there was rich, wide elastic to keep the shoe on, and there was grippy gel diamond detailing in the interior heel and ball pads (<3), but I found the slippers would slide around when I was doing center floor. In particular, the shoes would almost twist off during pirouettes and I would be that guy that screws up the pirouette and then adjusts his shoe as a lame excuse.I should point out that I never wear socks with my ballet shoes because I'm mostly blessed with non-sweaty feet and because I find socks to be bulky and uncomfortable. Since, again, I wanted to love these, I washed them on hot and threw them in the drier to see if they would shrink. They shrunk a little but still too big. The only way they fit perfectly now is if I wear thicker socks with them. In retrospect, I would probably order a size 9 or 9.5 in these. I ended up switching to another brand's stretch canvas, which I tried on in-store.I keep this particular pair of Bloch slippers in my bag as backups and still dream of what could be.
Design and Construction: 10/10Fit: 6/10, if you're used to the Pro Elastics ;)At this point, I wear Bloch's elastic ballet shoes exclusively unless I'm required to wear leather shoes or issued something else by a costumer.Both the Synchrony and the Pro Elastic models shape beautifully to the arch of my foot without bunching, which means they show my feet off really well. My feet are probably the best part of me, so that really helps!That said, there are small but meaningful differences in fit between the two models that are worth considering, especially since the Pro Elastics aren't available in white (which is one of the standard colors for male dancers).In my experience, these and the Pro Elastics are love/hate shoes: either they're perfect for your feet, or they won't work for you at all. If you have really good feet for ballet (the proverbial "banana feet"), they're likely to work for you.Bloch's Synchrony shoe seems, in short, to be a little wider than the Pro Elastic. My Pro Elastics fit perfectly in a 7.5 B or C (I'm sort of between; B is perfect barefoot or with most tights; C is better with socks or extra-thick tights). In the Synchronies, the C width is too wide.I'm able to make them work by altering the arch elastics, but one of the chief pleasures of Bloch's flexible canvas shoes is that they usually work right out of the box. Right now, my Synchronies in a 7.5 C peel off in turns and tours lent, which is alarming and a little on the dangerous side, unless I wear really thick socks (which makes my feet hot, which turns me into a big whiny baby).Overall, these are great shoes. Build quality and design are excellent. Just know that the fit is not quite the same as that of the Pro Elastics, so if you're used to those, you might need to go with a narrower option or adjust your arch straps.
This stretch canvas slipper is amazingly comfortable! Fits like a sock! I wear an 8.5 street shoe, ordered a 7, perfect! Highly recommend!
I was a professional ballet dancer for many years and I always prefered Bloch's ProLite II for their fit and split soles (which I always find more comfortable). Now in my late forties, I am returning l to ballet as my daily exercise. I decided to try these in lieu of my regular shoes (these are inexpensive and available on Amazon). I don't like the fit as well as the ProLite II, as these are more of a beginner shoe, but they are comfortable and the stitching looks properly done. So far, I'm happy with them. I may eventually go back to favorite, but for now these are doing the job adequately.
These are very well made, fit great; fabric stretches just enough to adjust without being flimsy or not staying on. They follow your foot beautifully I've had more compliments on my arches with these than I've had since I started dancing! I'll stick with this slipper.
I’m a woman who wears an 11w or 12, and I needed ballet slippers for a dance class. After pondering the size chart I ordered these in a men’s 10, as well as a cheaper brand. These are a tiny bit big, but very comfortable. Compared to the cheap ones they have more stretch in the fabric and more padding in the split sole. You can feel the quality, I kept these and returned the others.
Very good quality. Had to replace only once a year for my son whom takes 8 Ballet classes a week.
These got my son through three practices before they were falling apart. Holes everywhere. He only wears these on the stage so I was very surprised by the wear just after a few uses.