Bloch Women's Jason Samuels Smith Ballet Flat, Black, 9 Review
The Bloch Women's Jason Samuels Smith Ballet Flat is a remarkable shoe that seamlessly blends comfort with functionality, especially designed for tap dancers. Crafted from high-quality leather and lined with Kashmir, this ballet flat ensures that your feet remain comfortable, even during extended periods of wear.
Founded in Sydney by Jacob Bloch in 1932, Bloch has a rich history as a pioneer in the dance footwear market, particularly known for their handmade pointe shoes popular among ballet dancers globally. With the launch of the Jason Samuels Smith line, Bloch has embraced innovation and fashion, catering to dancers who also desire stylish street-ready options.
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Features
- TAP SPECIFIC: Designed for tap dancers, ensuring clear and precise sounds with maximum tap plate contact.
- SUPPORTIVE ARCH: Features a supportive arch for improved foot alignment and reduced strain.
- COMFORTABLE AND FLEXIBLE: The absorbing stable heel minimizes impact on feet and joints, perfect for high-impact routines.
- DURABILITY: Constructed from high-quality leather for long-lasting use, conforming to your foot over time.
- STYLISH AND VERSATILE: Elegant design available in various styles and colors to match any dancer's preference.
Pros
- Exceptional comfort due to padding and flexible material.
- Durable leather construction ensures longevity.
- Clear sound quality ideal for tap dancing.
- Stylish look suitable for both dance and casual wear.
Cons
- May require a break-in period for ultimate comfort.
- Limited color options compared to other brands.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Bloch Women's Jason Samuels Smith | Capezio Women's Tap Shoe | Sansha Dance Shoes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | 100% Leather | Leather/Synthetic | Leather |
| Arch Support | Yes | No | Yes |
| Sound Quality | Excellent | Good | Average |
| Durability | High | Medium | High |
Detailed Review
The Bloch Women's Jason Samuels Smith Ballet Flat excels in several categories, making it a top choice for serious tap dancers.
Comfort: The combination of canvas and Kashmir lining provides an exceptionally soft feel against the skin. The shoe's flexible nature allows your foot to move naturally while still offering the support needed during rigorous routines.
Performance: Designed for tap dancers, this shoe delivers fantastic sound clarity. Its engineering focuses on maximizing contact between the tap plates and the ground, creating crisp, energetic sounds that enhance your performance.
Design: While performance is critical, style matters too. The sleek design of these ballet flats combines elegance with functionality, making them versatile enough for both rehearsals and outings.
Durability: The high-quality leather construction means you won't have to worry about wear and tear after just a few uses. It retains its shape and comfort level even after extensive use, making it a reliable investment for your dance wardrobe.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional comfort with great cushioning. |
| Performance | 9/10 | Delivers excellent sound quality for tap. |
| Durability | 8/10 | Constructed from strong materials for long-term use. |
| Style | 9/10 | Sleek and elegant design that stands out. |
User Reviews
These tap shoes are the best! They are very heavy duty and great quality. The sounds on these are beautiful! Very sharp and loud sounds. They do run a bit small. I normally wear a 7.5 to 8 in street shoes and I had to get a few sizes before finding a good fit. I ended up with a size 8.5 in this tap shoes and it fits snug (which I wanted). I can still wear a pair of thin socks with them. The toe area was a bit tight when I first got them but have stretched a little since then and are now comfortable. They come with the rubber soles unattached. I chose not to put them onto my shoes (because I didn’t know how and I didn’t want to pay more money to find someone to do it professionally). There is definitely more sliding without them but I’ve gotten used to it. I do feel like the balls of my feet get a bit more sore after dancing for a while probably because of this. Overall, I love these shoes! I’ve had them for about two years now and I still love them. I’m considering getting them in white too! If you get these shoes, you won’t regret it!
Love love love these tap shoes, great quality and amazing deep noise.
Great good quality shoes, great sounds. Bloch says size up 0.5 inch from street shoe its more like 1. Inch. Perfect would be 0.75. Wonderful shoes though just sizing is off
This is a beautiful tap shoe. I saw some other reviews saying they’re fake, missing laces, etc, but the pair I received has the signature under Bloch, and laces. I can confirm you’ll want to size up. I wear a 7 in street shoes (usually 37 in european sizing, and a 4 in Dr Martens). I ordered a 7.5 and it is pretty snug. I probably could have ordered an 8 and it also would fit, but one issue I have with my current shoes is heel slippage and sloppiness, so I’m okay with a pair of white snug shoes that stay put. The shoes are nice, good quality leather, comfortable, and have good sound. Wish I would have started with these. Comfort is important when one is dancing.
They are good, much more easy to get more sounds then beginner tap shoes, nice support.
I was on the hunt to find the perfect pair of tap shoes, and my tap teacher insisted on Bloch's Jason Samuels Smith tap shoes. Although I was a little hesitant at first due to the price, I had been envying hers all year and decided to make the investment and go for it. And holy moly am I glad I did! From the moment I put them on, I knew these were THE pair of tap shoes to own! The inner lining is so soft and supportive, perfect for wicking away sweat and providing comfort, and the body of the shoe is so well constructed and fits my foot like a glove. And the sound! This stacked heel and platform will take a few times to master, but it will be absolutely worth it. The sound is so strong and solid, it's beautiful. I wear a size 7 in street shoes, but I wear a 7.5 in Bloch's SplitFlex Character Heels, so I decided to go with the 7.5s, which turned out to be the perfect fit (I also prefer my dance shoes on the smaller side). If you are thinking about going into the professional theatre/dance world, these shoes are a must have!
Best shoe on the market! So well made and the sound they make is amazing! I would love to have thicker shoe strings for them
Runs small. Size up!