Bloch womens Elasta Bootie Dance Shoes Review
Founded in Sydney in 1932 by Jacob Bloch, the iconic brand has been at the forefront of technical dance footwear. With a rich history of producing handmade pointe shoes for professional ballet dancers worldwide, Bloch has recently ventured into the realm of mainstream footwear. The Bloch womens Elasta Bootie dance shoes are a perfect blend of innovative design and functionality, crafted to meet the demands of modern dancers who crave street-ready style.
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Features
- Leather Upper: Made from 100% leather, providing durability and comfort.
- Split Sole: Features EVA forefoot and heel pads that enhance flexibility during various movements.
- Elastic Insert: This unique design eliminates the need for laces, allowing for easy wear and adjustment.
- Toe Shape: Designed to allow toes to spread comfortably in demi pointe position.
- Sizing: Available in the same size as your regular street shoe.
Pros
- High-quality leather construction ensures longevity.
- Elastic insert provides convenience and a secure fit.
- Excellent flexibility for enhanced movement.
- Exceptional fit in the upper arch supports stability.
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with wider feet.
- Lack of traditional lacing may deter some users.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Bloch Elasta Bootie | Alternate Dance Shoe A | Alternate Dance Shoe B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | 100% Leather | Canvas | Synthetic Leather |
| Flexibility | High | Medium | High |
| Design | Half boot/half shoe | Full shoe | Half boot |
| Weight | Lightweight | Medium | Lightweight |
Detailed Review
The Bloch womens Elasta Bootie dance shoes stand out due to their remarkable combination of style, flexibility, and support, making them a top choice for dancers. The leather upper strikes a balance between durability and softness, allowing your feet to breathe while still providing the necessary support. The split sole design with EVA forefoot and heel pads grants you the freedom to point and flex your feet without restriction, which is crucial during intense dance sessions.
One of the most notable features is the elastic insert that replaces traditional laces. This innovation not only simplifies the process of putting on and taking off but also ensures a secure fit without compromising comfort. Dancers will appreciate the tailored fit achieved in the upper arch, which offers additional support where it is needed most. The toe shape design allows for natural toe placement, catering to the demi pointe position, which many dancers strive for.
However, it's essential to consider that these shoes might not accommodate wider feet comfortably, which could limit their accessibility for some dancers. While the absence of laces can be seen as a convenience, traditionalists might prefer the security that comes with laced shoes. Overall, the Bloch Elasta Bootie manages to deliver a well-rounded option that caters to both performance needs and everyday wear.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Soft leather and flexible design ensure a comfortable fit. |
| Performance | 4.7/5 | Excellent flexibility and support for various dance styles. |
| Durability | 4.6/5 | High-quality materials guarantee long-lasting wear. |
| Style | 4.8/5 | Trendy design that transitions well from studio to street. |
User Reviews
My daughter wears an 8. So I was concerned about size and if it will be a true fit. I ordered 8-1/2. Just in case, they fit with some wiggle room. So this slipper is a perfect fit. 8 would ad fit her perfect. The slippers are very well made and look great. I can't believe the price was this low. Fast shipping. Will definitely purchase here again.
My daughter’s favorite shoe with her wider feet. The only shoe she will wear.
Really like these shoes. They don't look awful and get the job done. Stayed intact through a whole run of a show and plan on using them for hopefully years to come.
My 8-year old has tried on many shoes and this is the only one she will wear. She likes the elastic on the side rather than on top, as she says it feels better. An the Bloch shoe seems to have a deeper arch. But beware: these shoes do run small (as with most dance shoes). She normally wears a 3 in girl's shoes, or 5 1/2 in women's, and she currently wears a 6 1/2 in this shoe. I recommend order a size larger than your normal shoe. Otherwise, these are great!
Comfortable
I use to wear these dance shoes all the time when I taught and performed years ago. I tried purchasing the medium width at another store, recently, because they didn't have narrow. Had to return them because they were too big. The narrow hugs my feet and feels perfect and I do not have narrow feet, they are actually a bit wide. I wear a size 6.5- 7 shoe and buy these in a 7.
My daughter loves these jazz shoes. The fit is excellent, with the right amount of grip to prevent slipping but allow multiple turns. She dances 10+ hours each week and we generally purchase one new pair a year. Great shoe that is durable and long lasting.
My 11 year old daughter dances and until this point only wore Bloch tap, jazz, ballet and character shoes because they came in narrow and fit her perfectly. We owned these jazz shoes in black and needed a tan color for a recital so we ordered the same size in tan. The sizing on this has been CRAZY in the tan. She is a women's 5.5 very narrow, so we ordered a 7.5N to give some growth room over the 7.0N we own. WAY too big and wide. Then the 7.0N and the 6.5N were both huge. These are supposed to be narrow and the toe area is so wide it would be comical if I didn't have to send back multiple pairs of these shoes. We also had difficulty with Bloch narrow character shoes being too wide that we've ordered for years. Is it a narrow size issue? If you have regular width foot or wide toes, you might try the narrow because it should fit you perfectly. This is going back.