Bloch Women's Broadway Hi Dance Shoe Review
The Bloch Women's Broadway Hi Dance Shoe in black is designed for those stepping into the world of dance. With its soft, durable synthetic leather construction, this shoe not only exudes elegance but also ensures longevity, making it perfect for both novices and experienced dancers alike.
Founded by Jacob Bloch in Sydney in 1932, Bloch has established itself as a leader in the dance footwear market. Originally crafting handmade pointe shoes for elite ballet performers, the brand has evolved to meet contemporary demands for stylish yet functional dance shoes, culminating in innovative designs such as the Broadway Hi.
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Features
- Plush cushioned lining provides extra support and comfort
- Strong 2 1/2” heel with reinforced shank for optimum stability
- Low, self-locking ankle strap for secure fit
- Fine grid leather front sole suitable for various dance surfaces
- Sizing: Start with 1/2 to 1 full size up from street shoe
Pros
- Exceptional cushioning enhances comfort during extended wear
- Durable materials provide longevity and value
- Stylish design suitable for performance or practice
- Good stability due to the reinforced heel and shank
Cons
- Requires sizing up which may need a trial before purchase
- Limited color options available
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Bloch Broadway Hi | Capezio Daisy Dance Shoe | Sansha Pro 1 Dance Shoe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Synthetic Leather | Leather | Synthetic |
| Heel Height | 2.5 inches | 2 inches | 1.75 inches |
| Cushioning | Yes | No | Yes |
| Available Sizes | Full Size Up Required | True to Size | Half Size Up Recommended |
Detailed Review
Design and Aesthetics: The Bloch Women's Broadway Hi Dance Shoe features a classic design that appeals to dancers of all styles. Its sleek silhouette, coupled with the elegant black finish, makes it a versatile option that can be worn for various performances or rehearsals.
Comfort: One of the standout qualities of this shoe is its plush cushioned lining. This feature significantly enhances comfort, allowing you to dance for hours without feeling fatigued. The strong 2 1/2” heel paired with a reinforced shank provides excellent support, crucial for maintaining balance during intricate movements.
Fit and Sizing: It’s essential to note that the Broadway Hi runs small. Hence, starting with 1/2 to 1 full size larger than your regular street shoe size is advisable. This sizing tip helps ensure a snug yet comfortable fit, preventing any potential discomfort during active use.
Versatility: The fine grid leather front sole is designed to work seamlessly on various dance surfaces. Whether you're performing on wood, tiles, or other flooring types, this shoe offers the necessary grip and flexibility, making it a practical choice for different dance styles.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5 | Excellent cushioning provides superior comfort. |
| Durability | 4.0 | High-quality materials ensure long-lasting use. |
| Design | 4.5 | Sleek and stylish, suitable for multiple dance settings. |
| Fit | 3.5 | May require adjustment in sizing, needs careful consideration. |
User Reviews
Wore them for a 20's themed New Year's Eve Party and the looked perfect for the period. Having used Bloch shoesfor dance in the past, I knew they would be great.
Cute, too small. Not really made for outdoors. Overall quality of the shoe was really nice.
I ordered a size 11. I could barely get my foot into the shoe. For a size 11, one would expect to have a little bit of room to wiggle their toes, but that was not the case. My toes had no room to wiggle and my heel couldn’t go into the shoe. Lubricated or not, stockings or not, sheer socks or not, it didn’t matter. My foot could not get into the shoe. I was extremely disappointed. I was excited to wear these for a performance. I had to order another pair from elsewhere.
Order one complete size larger!
I wear a 10.5 or 11 AA (Narrow) in most dress shoes, and after reading reviews, ordered these in both 11.5N and 12N. I am keeping the 12N. The 11.5 was a little too short. I was worried that the 12N would not be narrow enough, but it seems fine for now, and if they stretch out a bit as they are worn, I'll have room to add a pad to the insole under the balls of my feet. I've only worn them around the house to make sure I don't have any trouble with them before wearing them for rehearsal. I'll update this review if needed after some wear.
Looked at reviews and did buy them bigger than my size 7 street shoe size, I got size 8. Plenty of room without being too loose or looking big like clown shoes, and fits well in the heel. The strap has a good bit left since I have to use the closest hole but I found I can also fasten the buckle and leave it buckled and slide them on, which will be helpful if I have a quick change. The extra bit of strap isn’t bothering me at this point.I’ll definitely need an insert of some kind for the balls of my feet though, after a three hour rehearsal, my feet hurt. I love the height and overall look of these shoes, definitely give the extra glamor I was after. Just need them to feel better and they’ll be almost perfect.
They are made really well and are very pretty. I received the shoes on time and I tried them on but they were a bit small. I think I have to break them in and then they might fit a little better. They do come with an insole so if they are a little big I think that would help them fit better. I have small feet. size 4 1/2. I would have given them a 5 star rating but they did fit snug. I would have returned them but had already worn them out of the house. If you are looking to purchase go a half size up.
I'm a professional dancer and we recently began rehearsals again. I brought my new character shoes to use at rehearsal but when I put them on, it was extremely disappointing. I had gotten a size 5.5 regular width before and they were far too big. I ordered a size 5 narrow width thinking it would solve my problems. Nope! They were hilariously small. For reference, I own a pair of Sperry boat shoes in child size 2.5. I couldn't even get my foot into them and neither could a fellow dancer with even smaller feet than mine. Unfortunately with all of the Covid stuff, I didn't get to try them on until well after the return window had ended so the money I spent is lost.