Bloch Unisex-Adult Dance Women's Zenith Split Sole Stretch Canvas Ballet Shoe/Slipper Review
The Bloch Unisex-Adult Dance Women's Zenith Split Sole Stretch Canvas Ballet Shoe is a remarkable blend of tradition and innovation in the world of dance footwear. Founded in Sydney in 1932 by Jacob Bloch, this brand has been at the forefront of technical dance shoe production. Known for their handcrafted pointe shoes, Bloch has evolved to meet the demands of modern dancers, now offering versatile and stylish ballet slippers that transition seamlessly from studio to street.
Crafted from 100% cotton canvas, these ballet shoes feature innovative fibers designed to stretch and recover while maintaining the natural shape of your foot. This ensures not only comfort but also a sleek and streamlined look that enhances your performance.
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Features
- Innovative canvas material stretches and recovers to fit your foot's natural shape.
- Sleek design that creates a streamlined appearance on your feet.
- Soft, wide elastic at the top line combined with pre-sewn crossed elastic for a secure fit.
- Wider outsole design without ridges allowing for natural toe spreading, improving balance and turning capabilities.
- Sizing recommendation: Start with 1.5 sizes down from your regular street shoe size.
Pros
- Exceptional comfort due to the canvas stretching and recovery properties.
- Versatile enough for both dance practice and everyday wear.
- Secure fit with the combination of elastic features.
- Enhances your natural foot shape and movement.
Cons
- Some users may find sizing tricky and might need to try different sizes before finding the perfect fit.
- Limited arch support compared to traditional dance shoes, which might not suit all dancers.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Material | Outsole | Elastic Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloch Zenith | 100% Cotton Canvas | Suede | Wide and Pre-sewn |
| Capezio Daisy | Canvas | Leather | Regular Elastic |
| Grishko 2007 | Silk and Cotton Blend | Suede | Single Elastic |
Detailed Review
When it comes to comfort and functionality, the Bloch Unisex-Adult Dance Women's Zenith Split Sole Ballet Shoe stands tall among competitors. The use of high-quality cotton canvas ensures a soft yet durable experience, suitable for both practice and performance. Dancers will appreciate how the innovative fibers work to reflect the natural shape of their feet, enhancing comfort and aesthetics.
The design philosophy behind these shoes focuses on usability; the wider outsole promotes natural toe splaying, which contributes to better balance and ease of movement during turns. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced dancer, the added stability makes them a reliable choice. The combination of soft, wide elastic and pre-sewn crossed elastic straps secures the snug fit, giving you confidence during each performance.
However, it's worth noting that sizing can be a bit of a challenge. Many users recommend ordering 1.5 sizes down from your regular street shoe size for the best fit. Additionally, while they excel in comfort and style, some dancers may find them lacking in arch support—an important factor for long-term wear during intensive dancing sessions.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Soft fabric and stretchy design provide excellent comfort for prolonged use. |
| Fit | 4/5 | Generally runs small; consider sizing down for the best fit. |
| Design | 4.5/5 | Sleek and attractive design that enhances foot appearance. |
| Durability | 4/5 | High-quality materials ensure longevity with proper care. |
User Reviews
Excellent shows! Bloch has done it again! Thought I’d try this new design and I love it! They are comfortable and are very flattering on the arch! I am a size 8.5 sometimes 9 (I have a wide foot) and the 6.5 fit perfect! I almost got the 7 and am so happy I didn’t!!! 100% Recommend.
I love these shoes but they run small. I've been wearing Bloch for 15 years. After reading the reviews, I ordered 1/2 size larger than my usual Bloch size. The shoe fit but just barely. I'm sending them back for a bigger size. The shoes are very well made and comfortable. They look great on the arch. I would order them again. If you're going to order this shoe know your size.Update: I usually wear 2 sizes smaller that my shoe size in Bloch. These shoes run very small. I had to order 1 size smaller than my street shoe size. They are still tight but tight in the right places. I would order again.
They came in the mail early, which was amazing! I kind of guessed my size as I am just starting dance again and they fit as expected. I wear them with transfer tights and the fit is very comfortable for dance as far as I can tell.
These are great!! They shipped fast and there were no issues. The fit of the shoe is great and the quality is pretty good. They were a little small but conformed to my foot within a few hours of wearing them. Definitely will be purchasing again next time!
I like this shoe. It molds really well to show off your arches and stretches to fit like a glove.However, the padding on the heels is strangely thick and does not sit right on your heel. I have to keep fixing the position of the heel or else my feet will roll a bit. So that's sort of uncomfortable. Other than that, I really like this shoe since it's lightweight and really stretchy.For reference, I'm a size 6-6.5M and I bought this in 5.5B. It initially fit a bit snug on the big toe, but it stretches out with wear.Its been around 2 months with an average of 4.5 hours of wear per week and they're holding up well so far.
I just got them today, tried them on and absolutely loved them, I would recommend only half size down, the company recommended 2 sizes down and that did not work for me.But the new size was amazing, they are comfortable, heel support and can’t wait to dance in them.
I’m a 6.5 for shoes, ordered 5 wide and it’s just right. The elastic band is a bit tight though.
The size 8 fit my size 10 feet perfectly, just like they said on the chart. Great quality too!