Bloch Women's Jason Samuels Smith Dance Shoes, Black, 6.5 US Review
The Bloch Women's Jason Samuels Smith dance shoes are a prime choice for serious tap dancers seeking both performance and style. Established in 1932, Bloch has long been at the forefront of dance footwear, and this model is no exception. With a blend of innovative design and traditional craftsmanship, these shoes provide a perfect fit for those ready to take their tap dancing to the next level.
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Features
- TAP SPECIFIC: Designed specifically for tap dancers, focusing on clear and precise sounds with maximum tap plate contact.
- SUPPORTIVE ARCH: Features an engineered arch that promotes proper foot alignment, reducing strain and preventing injuries.
- COMFORTABLE AND FLEXIBLE: Absorbing stable heel reduces impact during high-impact routines, making it ideal for jumping and stomping.
- DURABILITY: Crafted from high-quality leather, ensuring longevity and a comfortable fit that conforms to your foot.
- STYLISH AND VERSATILE: Offers a sleek design available in various colors, appealing to dancers' personal styles.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality for tap performances.
- Supportive structure that enhances foot alignment.
- Comfortable cushioning to absorb impacts.
- Durable leather material ensures long-term use.
- Aesthetically pleasing design suitable for various dance settings.
Cons
- May require a break-in period for maximum comfort.
- Limited color options compared to some competitors.
- Price point may be higher than basic alternatives.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Bloch Jason Samuels Smith | Capezio Jr. Footlight | Sansha Pro 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tap Specific Design | Yes | No | Yes |
| Supportive Arch | Yes | Partially | No |
| Material | 100% Leather | Leather/Synthetic | Canvas |
| Cushioning | Stable Heel | Standard Heel | Moderate |
Detailed Review
The Bloch Women's Jason Samuels Smith dance shoes excel in several categories that are crucial for any dancer.
Comfort: The canvas and Kashmir lining provides an unparalleled level of comfort, which allows for extended wear without discomfort. The absorbing stable heel is particularly noteworthy as it mitigates the stress placed on the feet during vigorous tap routines.
Performance: Specifically designed for tap dancing, these shoes deliver on sound quality. The engineering behind maximizing tap plate contact ensures that every step resonates crisply and clearly, enhancing your overall performance.
Durability: Made from high-quality leather, these shoes promise longevity. Unlike cheaper alternatives, they can withstand frequent use without compromising their structural integrity, making them a worthwhile investment for dedicated dancers.
Style: The sleek design of the Jason Samuels Smith shoes not only functions well but looks good too, allowing you to express your personal style while performing.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional comfort for prolonged use. |
| Performance | 10/10 | Outstanding sound quality perfect for tap dancing. |
| Durability | 8/10 | High-quality materials ensure long-lasting wear. |
| Style | 9/10 | Sleek and elegant design appealing to modern dancers. |
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!