Bloch Women's Prolite II Leather Dance Shoes Review
When it comes to quality dance footwear, Bloch is a name that resonates with dancers around the globe. Founded in Sydney in 1932 by Jacob Bloch, this iconic brand has dedicated itself to providing superbly crafted shoes for ballet dancers. The Bloch Women's Prolite II Leather Dance Shoes reflect this legacy, combining advanced technical features with stylish aesthetics. Whether you're in the studio or performing on stage, these shoes offer the perfect blend of functionality and fashion.
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Features
- Split sole ballet slipper with tapered toe for enhanced flexibility.
- Crafted from exclusive AAA grade leather that provides excellent abrasion resistance.
- Soft cotton lining ensures maximum comfort and breathability during long wear.
- Thin cotton drawstring for a customized fit that hugs your foot securely.
- Original split sole design featuring tear drop pads to facilitate smooth movement.
- Soft suede insock adds an extra layer of comfort.
- Pre-sewn elastic allows for an immediate snug fit without the need for adjustment.
Pros
- Exceptional comfort due to the padded insock and cotton lining.
- Durable leather construction enhances longevity.
- Customizable fit thanks to the thin drawstring.
- Lightweight design promotes agility and precision.
- Stylish appearance suitable for both practice and performances.
Cons
- Some users may find the sizing runs narrow, especially in wide options.
- The price point may be higher compared to other brands.
- Initial breaking-in period required for optimal comfort.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Bloch Prolite II | Capezio Daisy Ballet Shoe | Gaynor Minden Classic Ballet Slipper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | 100% Leather | Canvas/Leather | 100% Leather |
| Sole Type | Split Sole | Full Sole | Split Sole |
| Weight | Lightweight | Medium Weight | Lightweight |
| Fit Adjustment | Cotton Drawstring | Elastic Strap | No Drawstring |
Detailed Review
The Bloch Women's Prolite II Leather Dance Shoes are designed with the serious dancer in mind. Their split sole construction not only enhances flexibility but also provides the necessary support for performing intricate movements. The tapered toe effectively caters to the anatomy of a dancer’s foot, ensuring that you can execute turns and jumps with precision.
The premium AAA grade leather used in these shoes is another highlight. Not only does it look elegant, but it also withstands the rigors of regular use, allowing you to focus on your performance rather than worrying about wear and tear. The soft cotton lining and suede insock contribute to a delightful wearing experience, making them ideal for long practice sessions.
One of the standout features is the pre-sewn elastic which provides an immediate snug fit, eliminating the hassle of adjusting straps mid-performance. While some may find the shoe initially tighter, particularly those opting for wider sizes, the break-in period is manageable for most.
In terms of versatility, these shoes easily transition from studio rehearsals to stage performances, making them a great investment for any dancer serious about their craft.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5 | The shoes provide superior comfort, though initial tightness can occur. |
| Durability | 5.0 | Made of high-quality leather, they withstand rigorous use. |
| Design | 4.8 | Stylish and functional, appealing for various dance settings. |
| Fit | 4.0 | True to size generally, but can be narrow for some users. |
| Overall Satisfaction | 4.6 | A solid choice for dancers looking for style and performance. |
User Reviews
Perfect ballet slippers for me. Just enough give to mold to foot, comfortable, just supportive enough, fits like glove. I generally wear a size 8 US in other shoes. I purchased 51/2 C in these and they are perfect. Note: please read my review to the Bloch canvas ballet slippers if you are considering getting those.
Love the split sole and the fit. Use for ballet classes.
Starting up ballet as an adult. Read through so many reviews to figure out sizing. Ended up going by the sizing chart but ordered 2 sizes to compare. I’m an 8.5-9. I ordered the 6.5 and 6 and ended up keeping the 6 for a tighter fit. The 6.5 fits but once you point it creates a lot of extra space that I assume you don’t want when dancing. The 6 was perfect and will probably even stretch some due to the leather. Quality seems very good and elastics are comfortable. I love them!
These are beautiful slippers. I'm a former dancer and these are nicer than the ones I used to buy.... very supple leather. I wore them for my first workout tonight, and they were perfect. Snug and supportive for my bones and a perfect fit to show off my point. I wear an 8.5 narrow street shoe 39 eur. I wear a 5.5B in these. They should be very tight...your sweat will stretch and mold the slippers to your feet. If they fit when you try them on, they will likely stretch out and give you a loose point after a few wears. These come with the elastic sewn in, ready to wear, out of the box. Very pleased with my purchase.
First, I wear a 7.5 medium width US women's shoe and ordered the 5.5 C (regular width?).I like these shoes because of the split sole and they seem well made. I am new, so time will tell. I did notice that the shoes were too wide on my foot. If you order a normal size (not narrow or wide) it comes as a size C. I guess they think this is a proper medium width. I have gaps around the sides and I'm thinking I need to order a B (or narrow) next time. Pulling the strings didn't help overly much with that and I didn't want to pull them too tight and have them cut into my heel.Also, I have one foot that is a little smaller than the other. I didn't think this would make a big difference, but when I put the shoes on, it was very clear that I needed to order an extra pair in a 1/2 size smaller for the smaller foot. So I have a different size for each foot (and now a back of up pair of slippers in 5 and 5.5 for when these where out). So I'm good to go.The only thing I will change about my order next time is the width (I'll get the B narrow). I have the sizing down now and know I need to order two different sizes for each foot....at least in these shoes. I don't know how much they will stretch out, so I will see if I need to go down further in size when they have been used more.
Perfect yoga shoes and the bonus is they are super comfy, look super cute and I can pretend I'm a ballerina. Goals!! Normally a size 5.5 to 6 in street shoes, I bought a size 4 Bloch per their guidelines, fit perfectly. I have a narrow foot, tied the elastic all the way tight, love them. For children, you should probably tie it for them so they don't pull out their elastic, if your rougher sew them in even more, before use😬.
I wore my previous pair three times a week in class for the last eight years. They are comfortable and last a long time.
These do not relate in size to street shoe size.