Bloch Women's Grecian Sandal Dance Shoe, Black, 8 Review
The Bloch Women's Grecian Sandal Dance Shoe in black is not just a shoe; it's a staple for dance educators who need to combine comfort with professional aesthetics. Crafted by Bloch, a brand renowned for its commitment to quality since 1932, this sandal stands out with its low heel, designed specifically to provide extra lift while reducing strain during those long hours spent teaching.
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Features
- Designed for dance teachers needing support and comfort
- 1-inch heel reduces strain on Achilles tendon and calf
- Flexible ballet shoe design offers flattering instep line
- Leather upper enhances instep appearance
- Suede outsole provides optimal slip and grip
- Combined elastic and leather strap minimizes pressure on the instep
- Sizing aligns with standard street shoe sizes
Pros
- Exceptional comfort for prolonged wear
- Stylish design suitable for both studio and casual settings
- Reduces foot fatigue thanks to supportive heel
- High-quality materials ensure durability
Cons
- Limited color options available
- May require a break-in period for maximum comfort
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Bloch Grecian Sandal | Similar Alternative A | Similar Alternative B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heel Height | 1 inch | 1.5 inches | 1 inch |
| Upper Material | 100% Leather | Leather/Suede Combo | Canvas |
| Outsole Material | Suede | Rubber | Leather |
| Target User | Dance Teachers | Casual Dancers | Professional Dancers |
Detailed Review
The Bloch Women's Grecian Sandal Dance Shoe is an ideal choice for dance instructors who spend considerable time on their feet. This shoe melds style with functionality, allowing you to maintain a polished look without sacrificing comfort. The leather upper not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also supports the instep beautifully. With a 1-inch heel, you receive just the right amount of elevation without compromising your foot's health.
One standout feature is the shoe's flexibility; it mimics the beloved characteristics of ballet shoes, promoting ease of movement. The suede outsole strikes a perfect balance between slip and grip, making it suitable for various floor types often encountered in studios.
However, some users have noted that the Grecian sandal may require a short break-in period before achieving the utmost comfort. Additionally, the limited color palette may not cater to everyone’s preferences. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overwhelming consensus is that this shoe meets the high standards expected from a brand like Bloch, especially for those who prioritize both comfort and elegance in their footwear.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Excellent support, minimal foot fatigue. |
| Style | 8/10 | Elegant design well-suited for various occasions. |
| Durability | 9/10 | High-quality materials ensure longevity. |
| Flexibility | 8/10 | Mimics the flexibility of ballet shoes effectively. |
User Reviews
I purchased these Bloch teaching sandals in ballet pink in a size 8. I also bought the Sansha teaching sandals in black in a size 10 (they run small and were awkwardly long and narrow... but that’s another review). After swing dancing in my Capezio 1.5” character shoes for 2 years, I wanted a lower-heeled, but still nice-looking dance shoe, especially since I’m currently learning lindy. All three of these shoes are pictured for reference (the Capezio’s are also a size 8). I also have a pair of Block lace-up jazz shoes (size 8) that I have worn to smithereens.Okay - are you ready? These shoes are SO AMAZING. They fit exactly like my Bloch jazz shoes and took exactly zero minutes to break in. I have a wider foot with a narrow heel, so the fact that these shoes come up around the ball of my feet and don’t rub anywhere is a gift from heaven above. The heel is a perfect height for lindy, swing, and contra (I’ve worn these to dance all of those so far) and they aren’t so tight or short that my toes are crying out by the end of the night. The fact that these are indeed sandals also means your feet can BREATHE. I don’t know why they don’t make more all-leather teaching sandals, because they are the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever danced in.These babies are SUPER soft leather with a cloth lining in the toe (which I love, since it makes them more forgiving than the stiffer leather-lined Sansha’s). The heel is suede-lined, as is the footbed, with the exception of the pink leather piece under your heel. The elastic band on the instep isn’t too tight, even for my extremely high arch and instep, and makes them super easy to get on/off. The sole and heel are suede and provide just enough traction, even on not-so-clean wood floors. Also, the color is exactly what you’d expect ballet pink to be. Not a weird nude, just nice, classic ballet pink.One note about sizing: I usually wear an 8 in street shoes, sometimes an 8.5. I am a true 39, if you use European sizing. My Capezio’s (8M) were a bit snug on me in both length and width, but have stretched over time to be perfect. My Bloch jazz shoes (8M) are a smiiiidge big on me, and if I wanted absolutely ZERO room for my feet to move around, I probably would have purchased a 7.5M in these teaching sandals. Since these are a soft sole (they don’t have any support/stiffness between the ball of your foot and your heel), the sole can bend/arch upward under your arch and take care of any extra length you have in the shoe. However, if you want to wear these sandals WITHOUT nylons and DON’T want them to feel like they’re painted on to your skin, go with [the smaller of] your regular street shoe size[s].As Fred Astaire sang: “Put on your dancing shoes, stop wasting time; Put on your dancing shoes, watch your spirits climb!”
These run a bit small, so I ordered a full size larger than my shoe size, and they fit perfectly! Very comfortable!!
It's a dance shoe meant for moving, dancing. Comfort and support are not the priorities for this shoe. I bought a 9 and it fits perfectly, stays on like a glove. The upper is made of a fine, supple leather that allows a tight fit without creating discomfort. I like this shoe but can only wear it for a few hours. There is absolutely no padding in the shoe. It's probably like a ballet shoe. It has a suede bottom (great for spins) and after a number of hours in this shoe you can actually see my toe imprints on the bottom of the shoe. That's how thin it it! It is so flexible that it easily folds over, perfect for rolling your foot in WCS. I just added a cheap foam pad last night which worked alright but still it's thin. I normally wear orthotics but again, for a few hours of dance, I can get away with these. I like wearing them because they are so flexible, fit to well and are light. I especially love doing spins and turns in these shoes. So, I guess you will have to see for yourself!
This shoes are very uncomfortable, missed the deadline to return them. Placing the paper shoes I'm the box for goodwill or salvation army.
They're good dance shoes but they run small. Size up!
These shoes are very comfortable. They fit well. I ordered a 1/2 size up and that was a good idea. They would have been a bit snug if I had ordered my normal shoe size. They allow me to get through an hour dancing lesson every week with no pain.
They are jazz dance shoes, but I also use them to play the organ (pedals). They are soft and flexable to reach different pedals.
Cheaply made