Bloch Dance Women's Jazz Full-Sole Leather Tap Shoe, Black, 8.5 Review
When it comes to tap dancing, having the right footwear can make all the difference, and the Bloch Dance Women's Jazz Full-Sole Leather Tap Shoe offers a perfect blend of durability and style. Originally founded in Sydney in 1932, Bloch has a long history of producing high-quality dance shoes, making them a trusted name among dancers worldwide. The introduction of this full-sole leather tap shoe showcases their commitment to innovation and comfort.
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Features
- Constructed from full outside leather for enhanced durability and stability.
- Toe taps are secured to a resonating board, providing a deeper, more resonant sound.
- Equipped with a non-slip pro balance rubber pad for better grip.
- Reinforced eyelets enhance the shoe’s longevity.
- Cushioned insole ensures comfort and shock absorption during performances.
- Features Bloch Techno taps for superb sound quality.
Pros
- Durable leather construction that withstands rigorous use.
- Excellent sound quality due to the resonating board design.
- Comfortable cushioned insole makes prolonged wear enjoyable.
- Stylish black finish suitable for various dance styles.
Cons
- May require sizing up by one full size from your street shoe.
- Initial break-in period needed for optimal comfort.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Bloch Dance Jazz Tap Shoe | Capezio Tyette Tap Shoe | Sansha Pro Tap Shoe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | 100% Leather | Leather/PU | Leather |
| Tap Sound Quality | High | Moderate | High |
| Cushioning | Cushioned insole | Minimal | Medium |
| Sizing | 1 full size up | True to size | Half size down |
Detailed Review
The Bloch Dance Women's Jazz Full-Sole Leather Tap Shoe excels in several categories, making it a fantastic choice for both amateur and professional tap dancers alike.
Quality: The use of 100% leather contributes significantly to its durability, allowing you to perform at your best without worrying about wear and tear. The reinforced eyelets ensure that the laces stay secure, providing a snug fit throughout your performance.
Sound: One noteworthy feature is the toe tap design, which is attached to a resonating board. This ensures not only that the sound is crisp but also that it carries well in larger venues, providing a satisfying auditory experience.
Comfort: The cushioned insole is another strong point. It absorbs shock, offering comfort even during extended periods of wear. This is particularly beneficial for those involved in lengthy practice sessions or performances.
Style: With its sleek black design, these shoes maintain a classic aesthetic that fits well into any dance wardrobe. Whether you're performing in a jazz ensemble or practicing in the studio, they present a polished appearance.
However, it's essential to note that some users may find themselves needing to size up by one full size compared to their usual street shoes. Additionally, like many leather products, these will require a brief break-in period to reach their maximum comfort level.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | 9/10 | Built to last with high-quality materials. |
| Comfort | 8/10 | Cushioned insoles provide good shock absorption. |
| Sound Quality | 10/10 | Exceptional sound due to the resonating board. |
| Style | 9/10 | Sleek and professional look suitable for performances. |
| Fit | 7/10 | Requires sizing up, initial break-in needed. |
User Reviews
These are wonderful tap shoes. I have never tapped before, but they sound and look great so far. My tap instructor says that they are a great quality shoe. These shoes do run about one full size small. I normally wear a 7.5 and ordered a size 8. They are a bit tight and uncomfortable once I stop dancing, but they are leather and will stretch.
These feel and sound amazing. They are solidly built and should last a long time. By far these are the best tap shoes. Amazon had the size I needed for $40 less than the Bloch website. I read reviews that suggested one full size larger, and that was perfect. I wear a 10 women and bought an 11.
These are great shoes but I wish it were easier to size them correctly! For anyone struggling with the size guides, this is my experience. My daughter (age 8) wears a 2.5 street shoe. I believe that translates to a 4.5 dance shoe. But then you need to order up 1-2 sizes. Confusing much? So I started out with a size 6.5 and they were definitely too large - she would have kicked them off in tap class. We went down to a size 6 and while there is a little room to grow, the shoes are a much better fit. I feel confident that she won't kick them off as long as she ties the laces fairly tight. The 5.5 may have been perfect, but I'd sure like to make it through the dance year without having to buy her a new pair of shoes at $70 a pop!! Hope this helps. Good luck and thank goodness for free returns!
I went through three pairs of these shoes before I found ones that fit. Once I found the pair that felt okay, they were pretty comfortable! I usually wear a size 11 in any shoe, but I needed a size 12 in these! That’s the largest they will run. Other than that, the quality has been excellent.
The shoes arrived safely ahead of schedule. What I really want is a pair without taps for swing dancing, but Bloch doesn't offer them (WHY NOT?) and these appeared to be my best alternative. I've worn them on carpet and tried tapping on a piece of scrap wood. The fit seems ok with thin socks, which are thicker than the nylons I wore with my other shoes. They could use another set of eyelets to keep them from slipping off my right heel (since bunion surgery my right foot is smaller). I ordered a full size larger than my too-snug size 8 So Danca shoes, and a half size larger than my too-snug 8.5 Bloch tap shoes (mary jane style). Capezio men's 6.5 oxfords were too small across the instep and yet the heel was too wide. I always need more room across the instep and more depth in the toe. My feet have grown since I started swing dancing 18 years ago, and I've added orthotics. Yes, I'm really old and my feet are worn out but I want to keep dancing. Enough whining. These are good, well-made shoes.
These are both brand new Bloch shoes in the same size 6.5. The shorter one is this full sole. When ordering there is no width to change. To my surprise it came in at a narrow, 6.5N. The other shoe flex is a 6.5 M. The shoe sizing was off for my daughter. Will be returning and trying Capezios.
Good looking tap shoes that fit nicely but they run small so order 1 full size larger!
I wear a true size 7, but went with some reviewers' advice to go one size large for these tap shoes and glad I did because 8 fits perfect. These shoes feel and look great.