Bloch Women's Boost Drt Suede and Mesh Split Sole Dance Shoe Review
The Bloch Women's Boost Drt Suede and Mesh Split Sole Dance Shoe is designed with a unique blend of leather and mesh to offer both style and functionality. This sneaker caters to a wide range of dance disciplines, providing dancers with the support and flexibility they need. With a history rooted in the dance community since 1932, Bloch has continuously innovated to meet the demands of modern dancers.
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Features
- Split, non-marking outsole made on a high arch last.
- Built-in arch support and elevation to accentuate the arch.
- Lightweight midsole providing maximum cushioning combined with a four-part high-density outsole for enhanced flexibility.
- Pivot point for 360-degree movement.
- DRT cushioned heel for maximum shock absorption and comfort.
- Lightweight manmade midsole with air cushion of 4PSI for added shock absorption.
- Sizing: Women start with 1 full size up from street shoe; men start with 2 sizes up.
Pros
- Excellent shock absorption thanks to the DRT cushioned heel.
- High degree of flexibility and movement.
- Stylish design that appeals to both dancer and casual wearers.
- Machine washable for easy care.
Cons
- Sizing may require adjustment; recommend trying before purchasing.
- Not suitable for outdoor use due to the non-marking outsole.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Arch Support | Shock Absorption | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloch Women's Boost Drt | Yes | High | Very High |
| Capezio Women's Daisy | No | Medium | High |
| Sansha Pro-1 Dance Sneaker | Yes | Medium | Medium |
Detailed Review
When it comes to choosing the right footwear for dancing, comfort and performance are key factors, and the Bloch Women's Boost Drt Suede and Mesh Split Sole Dance Shoe excels in both areas.
Starting with the design, the combination of leather and mesh not only offers breathability but also ensures durability, making it a great choice for long-term use. The aesthetic appeal is enhanced by the sleek pink color, which allows you to stand out whether you're practicing or performing.
In terms of performance, this shoe shines with its advanced features. The split, non-marking outsole facilitates smooth turns and transitions, while the built-in arch support is advantageous for maintaining foot health during extensive dancing sessions. The lightweight midsole provides ample cushioning without weighing you down, allowing for seamless movement across various dance styles.
Furthermore, the pivot point enhances your ability to execute intricate spins and quick movements effortlessly. The DRT cushioned heel effectively absorbs shocks, reducing the impact on your joints, which is particularly beneficial during rigorous dance routines.
While many users praise the fit and comfort, it's worth noting that some have found the sizing a bit tricky, especially those with wider feet. It's advisable to order a size up as indicated by the manufacturer for the best fit.
Maintenance is an important consideration for dancers, and these shoes are machine washable, making them easier to keep clean after a sweaty practice session.
Overall, the Bloch Women's Boost Drt Suede and Mesh Split Sole Dance Shoe proves to be a top contender in the market, combining fashion with function to meet the needs of today's dancers.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional comfort for extended wear. |
| Performance | 9/10 | Great flexibility and support for various dance styles. |
| Durability | 8/10 | High-quality materials ensure long-lasting use. |
| Aesthetics | 8/10 | Stylish design suitable for studio and street. |
| Care | 9/10 | Easy to maintain with machine wash. |
User Reviews
I love the split sole, and ease of turning.I use them for aerobic dance classes.I wear a 9 1/2 Street shoe. I ordered an 11 and it fits my wide foot well.
These are very good quality, a lot of sole cushioning with gel in the heel, comfortable and enables good turning on the dance floor. Unlike another pair I had, I didn't find them to be too slippery on a wooden dance floor. I think these are better quality than a previous Danskin sneaker. I wear them for Bhangra ( lots of turning, jumping, impact) and Zumba type dance (lots of sliding). I have worn dance sneakers for all kinds of dance for years and am almost 60, and still going strong. I'd recommend good dance sneakers over regular sneakers if you plan to keep on truckin' with your dancing to protect your knees, hips and other joints if you're doing impact or slides and turns in your dancing. They would work well for most dancing, I also do a lot of other styles, for instance salsa, jazz, any aerobics. I reserve them for dancing to not rough up the soles, though there was a time I had patella knee issues and strangely, the only shoes I could tolerate walking were dance sneakers. I'm not into pink much, but it is a light pink and I wanted to try something besides black. I wish they had more color choices. I wear a size 6 in street shoes, and ordered these in 7.5, my big toe touches the front and I have wide feet and sides of my feet snug, but that part of the shoe is leather and stretches with use so are comfortable. They do run small. I think an 8 would have been too big for the rest of my foot. The sizing is whack!
I like the 2 different laces option. A stretchy elastic one is provided so you can make the shoe a slip on. It's also a pretty shoe, as shown. I do wish the turn circle on bottom ball was bigger as some turns don't fall exactly where that smooth turn circle is located on the shoe. Also, around the ankles at the top edge of shoe, it's a little fluffy or extra stuffed. Maybe that provides extra support but when I look down, aesthetically I don't like the look of fat ankles. The split sole is great & my feet love the fit. I wear an 8.5 but got a 9 after reading reviews & the 9 fits perfect. So it runs a half size small. Maybe without socks you could wear your normal size, but you want to wear socks just like with an athletic shoe. It's just what I needed, more support than the jazz or ballet shoes I would normally wear. I'm post toe surgery on 1 foot & have recent plantar pasiatis so this dance shoe is a game changer for rehearsals.
I have a few pairs of Bloch dance shoes as well as the black dance sneakers.. ALL 8.5. I even went to a dance store and tried a new run of the sneakers ( all black because the pink was not available at the store) just to double check before ordering from Amazon. It checked out at 8.5 and preceded to order the 8.5. I just received them and my toes are hitting the front of the shoe. I hesitated to order the 9 because they is just a size I have never worn before. And I am concerned about the heel being too wide. I am going to give it a go because I really love these shoes. however. I wonder if these sized for children? I even placed them next to a few pairs of sneakers that are sized anywhere from size 8 to 8.5 and they are smaller then every one of them. Fingers crossed that the 9 fit without being to side.... The sizing inconsistencies should have been a warning...... PLEASE READ BELOW.....UPDATE!! These shoes hurt my foot and leg!! Not the same quality as past Bloch dance sneakers I have purchased. In fact I pulled my tendons in my foot so badly I could not even walk for over a week. When I did start working out again I, wanted to make sure it was the shoes so I did a gentle dance workout and aggravated my foot that was healing, Since then I haven't touched these and am wearing my 3 year old Bloch dance sneakers, I have had no problems. I want to return or exchange these, but the seller says I am past the return date. It took over a month to figure out it was these sneakers... I would like a refund or exchange for a different shoe. I have no use for sneakers that ruin my feet to point I can not walk!!
I normally wear sz 6 & I ordered sz 7 thanks to all the reviews I read. They just fit so I exchanged them for 7.5. I would recommend going 1.5 sz up to be sure you have room in the toe. Although the original shipment seemed to take longer than I expected, I returned the shoes with the free shipping label the next day in exchange for the other sz. I was happy to see the 2nd pair came a day early! I used them tonight in zumba class & was very happy with them! I was afraid to jump around too much for fear of slipping until I get used to them. All in all, it's a great shoe, perfect for zumba, not too slippery but you're able to pivot without torquing your knees. I've always worked out & took karate & never had knee problems until zumba. Thankfully I ordered these shoes after the first 2 classes so no more knee pain! If you're serious about zumba, you need the proper shoes to avoid injury. I was going to order the pink but decided the black is more neutral. A woman in class has the pink & they do not look the color that's shown online. Hers are a much softer nicer pink, not so shocking! The shoes also come with elastic stretch laces for more "give" when you move. I just put them in tonight so I'll know if there's any difference when I wear them tomorrow. The shoe is very comfortable & flexible with the cut-out in the center of the sole. It's not noticeable when you're wearing them but they bend with ease. I looked long & hard at all the different zumba/dance shoes, read tons of reviews & after talking to that woman in class, it confirmed my decision to by the Bloch. It's not a "dainty" dance shoe. My only issue is with the sole being on the bulky side. I'm not sure why they made it so thick. It's not like you'd be wearing these outdoors or at least you shouldn't be. They are somewhat pricey as well. I would definitely order these again but hopefully I won't have to unless they go on sale! So far it's a great shoe!