Bloch Women's Pro Elastic Ballet Shoe Review
The Bloch Women's Pro Elastic ballet shoe in pink is designed with the serious dancer in mind. Its canvas split sole provides both flexibility and support, while the innovative design eliminates the need for a traditional binding and drawstring. This thoughtful feature ensures that the elastic contours perfectly to your foot, which enhances comfort and reduces pressure points on the Achilles tendon and dorsal surface as you dance.
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Features
- Canvas split sole for increased flexibility
- Elastic replaces traditional binding and drawstring
- Contours to the foot, minimising pressure on sensitive areas
- Pre-sewn crossed instep elastics for a secure fit
- Triangle canvas arch insert that hugs the foot when pointing
- Forefoot outsole pad protects the metatarsals without ridges
Pros
- Excellent flexibility and ease of movement
- Improved comfort with no binding irritation
- Durable canvas and leather materials
- Streamlined design enhances the aesthetic of the foot
Cons
- May require sizing down significantly
- Limited color options available
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Material | Sole Type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloch Women's Pro Elastic | 100% Canvas | Leather | Elastic contouring, pre-sewn elastics |
| Capezio Daisy Ballet Shoe | Canvas/Leather | Leather | Adjustable strap, full sole |
| Grishko Dream Pointe Shoes | Satin | PVC | Custom fit, soft box |
Detailed Review
When it comes to ballet shoes, the right fit and feel can make all the difference. The Bloch Women's Pro Elastic excels in both these aspects. The unique canvas construction allows for breathability, making them comfortable for prolonged wear during rehearsals or performances. The elastic bands are intelligently designed to eliminate the discomfort associated with many conventional ballet shoes, especially around the ankles.
The split sole design offers remarkable flexibility, allowing for natural foot articulation. Dancers will appreciate the forefoot outsole pad, which provides necessary protection while ensuring that there are no ridges to cause bruising upon impact. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who spend long hours dancing.
However, potential buyers should be aware that sizing can be a bit tricky. It is recommended to start two sizes down from your street shoe size, which may take some getting used to. While the pink color is appealing, the limited palette might not cater to everyone’s personal style.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional comfort with elastic support |
| Flexibility | 10/10 | Superior flexibility thanks to the split sole |
| Durability | 8/10 | Sturdy materials withstand rigorous use |
| Fit | 7/10 | Requires careful sizing; may not fit everyone perfectly |
| Style | 9/10 | Stylish design enhances foot appearance |
User Reviews
My daughter hasn’t worn these in class yet, I will update my review if there is any issue with quality in the months to come. In regards to sizing, my 11 year old daughter is a size 3 in children’s shoes. After a fair amount of research, I decided to purchase her a womens 3 in this shoe. First, I converted her childrens size to a womens by adding 2 (3+2=5), making her a womens 5. These shoes aren’t measured in US sizing, so it is recommended that you size down 2 whole sizes. Therefore, I purchased her a womens size 3. They fit perfectly. There is just a small bit of room in the toe area, which is normal. On first inspection the shoes seem like a good quality, the canvas feels sturdy yet soft.
I had to exchange them twice to get the right size. It says to get two sizes smaller than normal shoe size, and that is right. I’m normally a 5½ regular and finally got the right fit with Size 3½. I love the split sole, and these do fit well. A couple of things though: It doesn’t conform well to my heel. Even at the right size there’s a little extra space in the bottom part of the heel. The toes feel a little cramped in the width, but I needed narrow for the arch support. The arch support though isn’t as strong as I thought it would be, and I thought there would have been a lot better metatarsal arch support. All that said, I do like them. They are pretty too.
Overall I'm happy with these shoes. I wish I would have stuck with Sansha, but I wanted to try a shoe without drawstrings and I'm not unhappy enough to return them.I wear a 6 in all street shoes (except my Nike's) and bought a 4 in these. They fit perfect. They are cut lower than I'd like on the sides, but they are really flattering on the arch so I'm just going to have to get used to it! There is a little excess fabric on the pinky toe, but not enough to really affect my dancing. There is also some excess on the heel, but no more than any other ballet shoe (you want a little extra to accommodate the transition between the floor and releve). I do really like the suede padding and it makes turns much easier. The pads are also placed nicely on the ball and heel of the foot.
These are lovely ballet slippers! I have moved from the traditional leather to this stretch canvas, and I like how it conforms to my feet and feels almost like being barefoot but with some support. I normally wear size 10 medium in street shoes, and I did follow Bloch's sizing advice of 2 sizes down, and it worked for me perfectly...I ordered a size 8C (C/D on Amazon) from Online Dancewear through Amazon and I am very happy! I also own the Bloch Pro Elastic, but I think this Synchrony style fits even better on my foot. I am actually using this for yoga because I have plantar fasciitis and need more support on the mat so I don't have foot pain. Online Dancewear was fantastic in answering sizing questions and sending me the shoe super fast! I am very happy with my purchase...thanks!
Every pair of shoes I own is a size 8, and this says True to Size, so I ordered an 8. They are huge! I'm trying a full size down.
These canvas Bloch's are very well constructed and I thought I had found the perfect ballet slippers for ballet class. However, the toe box length is too short causing them to be uncomforably short of my toes. I wear a size 8 US in most shoes style and sizes. I ordered a 6C in this shoe according to size chart recommendation. They fit great in other areas but toes comfort is crucial. If you really want to canvas over the leather and have longer toes order up a bit from the size chart recommendation. Also, the canvas has very little give so there is not really any stretching to fit with these. If they fit properly in all directions I have not doubt you will be happy with these shoes.Note: I ultimately purchased the leather version. If you are considering or comparing the two, be sure to read my review to those as well.
I'm a size 6 in street shoe and I bought the 4B and the 4.5B to see which one would fit better. The 4B fit perfectly! The shoes are so comfortable to wear during class: the pre sewn band is a *tiny* bit off from my arch or where I would normally like to sew them, but that's fine. It does seem like the heel bunches up when you pointe, but it's just a minor nuisance. Overall, I really like wearing these to ballet class.
These ballet shoes are fabulous. They are comfortable and provide for more flexibility/stretch in the arch of the foot with the split sole. I ordered my daughter a size 2 (she wears a 4.5 in street shoes) and they fit very well. So I ordered about 2.5 sizes down from her normal size. I will definitely order her another pair when she outgrows them.