Bloch Women's Xavier Ballroom Dance Shoes Review
The Bloch Women's Xavier Ballroom Dance Shoes are designed for those who appreciate a combination of style and functionality in their dancing footwear. Featuring a classic oxford silhouette, these shoes are crafted from soft full-grain leather that not only looks elegant but also provides durability and comfort on the dance floor.
One of the standout features of the Xavier shoes is the low wide heel and short shank, which deliver exceptional arch support while promoting flexibility during demi-pointe maneuvers. This thoughtful design ensures that you can move gracefully and confidently as you perform your favorite ballroom or salsa routines.
The cushioned insole is another highlight, offering shock absorption that protects your metatarsals, making each step less taxing on your feet. The suede outsole enhances traction, allowing for smooth turns and slides, essential for any serious dancer.
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Features
- Traditional ballroom and Latin shoe with a classic oxford upper in soft full grain leather.
- Low, wide heel and short shank provide arch support whilst maintaining flexibility for ease in demi-pointe.
- Suede full outsole, perfect for turns and slides.
- Cushioned insole for comfort, shock absorption, and protection for the metatarsals.
- Kashmir lining for added comfort.
- Sizing: Men should start with 2 sizes down from their street shoe size.
Pros
- Stylish and elegant design suitable for various dance styles.
- Excellent arch support and flexibility.
- Cushioned insole for enhanced comfort during extended wear.
- High-quality suede outsole for superior traction.
- Handcrafted by a reputable brand known for dance footwear.
Cons
- May require a break-in period for optimal comfort.
- Sizing can be tricky; careful measurement is necessary.
- Not suitable for outdoor use due to suede soles.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Bloch Women's Xavier | Capezio Women's Dance Sneakers | Sansha Women's Dance Shoes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Material | Full Grain Leather | Canvas/Leather Blend | Leather |
| Outsole Material | Suede | Rubber | Split Suede |
| Cushioning | Yes | Medium | Yes |
| Support Type | Arch Support | Standard | Moderate |
Detailed Review
Design and Aesthetics: The Xavier shoes exude elegance with their classic oxford styling. The smooth leather finish gives them a sophisticated look that is perfect for formal dance events or social gatherings. You will feel confident and chic wearing these shoes on the dance floor.
Comfort: Comfort is critical when it comes to dance shoes, and the Bloch Women's Xavier excels in this area. With a fully cushioned insole and supportive structure, these shoes are designed to keep your feet pain-free even during long hours of practice.
Performance: Performance-wise, the Xavier shoes are impressive. The suede outsole allows for easy gliding and controlled movements, so you can focus on your technique without worrying about slipping. The combination of flexibility and support makes these shoes an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced dancers.
Overall Experience: Overall, the Bloch Women's Xavier Ballroom Dance Shoes are a fantastic investment for anyone serious about dancing. The blend of comfort, style, and performance makes them stand out in the competitive dance shoe market. As you glide across the floor, you will appreciate the attention to detail and quality craftsmanship that Bloch has incorporated into these shoes.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Design | 9/10 | Elegant and classic oxford styling. |
| Comfort | 8.5/10 | Well-cushioned with good arch support. |
| Performance | 9/10 | Great traction and flexibility for all dance types. |
| Value for Money | 8/10 | Quality craftsmanship justifies the price. |
User Reviews
These feel great and look great! However, I did pay attention to all the reviews that said to order about 1 size smaller since they do run large. I wear a 10.5 so I ordered a 9.5 and they fit perfectly and felt very nice. I also ordered the very popular Capezio. These are a matte black color compared to them which are just a little shinier. I couldn't decide which to keep so I kept them both. :) Be careful on the Capezios though, they are opposite these and run small.
These are great shoes, very comfortable. But I did read the reviews before I ordered these shoes and decided to order them a half size smaller than my regular shoes and it was a good decision. Could probably even have ordered a full size smaller that regular shoe size. The width is good, its the length that is a bit large. Also for the price they should include a shoe bag.....kind of a cheap move having to buy a shoe bag when many other shoes come with the shoe bag included.
From reading previous reviews we ordered a half a size smaller for my husband. They fit a little snug but tolerable. In spite of some reviews, i believe they fit true to size. "Surprisingly comfortable. No doubt they dance well and look good but the comfort is a bonus. Danced for 2 hours first time in the shoes, no blisters or hot spots. Love these shoes. Feel like i could have danced all night without a problem".
Shoes appear to be good quality. Heel is somewhat blocky. However, my size is 11, and these shoes are at least one size larger. Needed them badly, or I would have returned.
My second pair. My first pair is still in excellent shape but after six months of dancing four nights a week, the soles are almost ready for new felt, and this pair will go into service while the other pair is at the repair shop. FYI, I wear an 8.5 in soccer cleats and a 9 in dress shoes, but the 8 is a PERFECT fit for dance. I did NOT like the Capezios (ordered two pair, returned both). Capenzios are less expensive but the stitching inside the tongue was very uncomfortable, and the they did not flex across the vamp nearly as well. This is just a much better shoe and worth the additional cost.
After reading reviews I had high hopes for these shoes but they unfortunately fall short of those expectations. First the fit - nearly everyone indicated that these run big and I should order 1/2 to a full size smaller than my normal size. I should have gone with my regular size as they are a bit snug. They might stretch over time but I think they'll still be too small.The bigger issue for me is the design of the shoe. For whatever reason the angle of the heel does not line up with the rest of the shoe. If I were to step down with the heel flat on the floor the rest of my foot would be raised at least 1/2 in off the floor. If I put weight on the ball of my foot the heel only touches at the front 2 corners. That has several implications: (1) the feel on the dance floor is very awkward, (2) the front corners of the heel have already worn through the felt, and (3) the shoe lets out a loud creak as it rocks back onto the flat heel. I guess I'll be going back to my old shoes and re-felt whenever necessary.
Firstly hats off for getting this to us is 20 hours!The shoe fits well but it is quite wide. My dance instructor recommended putting a gel sole in it for comfort. The leather on the shoes is very soft making it super comfortable to wear. The soles are perfect grip once you brush them with a special brush (they were slippery when they arrived) so I would recommend you do that before your first dance especially if it is a quick dance.Good shoe if you do not want to spend hundreds of dollars on Aida's.
The product description indicated that you should order one size larger than normal. That is not the case. Why would a shoe manufacturer not use standardized sizing?! Am returning these. Would have exchanged for smaller size but price has gone up by 30% (they were on special). Not going to pay over $100.