I would definitely be interested in more shoe reviews. There aren't anywhere nearly enough of these out there, so I think they're among the most helpful for people like me who don't have many local options and have to outsource shoes by ordering them on the internet.
I bought the men'JSS Block s tap shoe, the women's tap shoe was ro narrow...love these tap shoes, worth the money. Feels so great on the feet. Sound is awesome... Thanks Jason and Block.
I have these shoes and ordered them a size larger (I wear a 7.5/8 in street shoes and ordered an 8.5 in these), and didn't have an issue with them being to short! So that's another possibility for people interested in these shoes, but don't want to take them to get stretched. Definitely can't order them in your normal size though.
I didn't add anything to these shoes... the tap on these and my Miller and Ben's are lower than the rest of the shoe, which I don't mind. The only shoes that have an extra piece are my Capezio K360's and those were done by the Capezio store.
The company actually suggests that you buy the Women's shoes (which are also made a bit more narrow) 1/2 to 1 size up for womens shoes based on how they are made. You can also buy an over-the-counter shoe stretcher if that is preferred. The mens sizes actually run bigger (not smaller) and are great for wider feet. The retailers who sell the shoe as well as the websites are all supposed to have this sizing guideline information available to consumers. As with any shoe - its always best to try it on first or double check exchange policies prior to purchasing. Thanks for reviewing!
+divinerhythmnyc Hey Elka, I just received a question above from Lauren Casson regarding sizing. I thought you would be the better person to answer than I would be, so check it out. Thanks!!
Thanks for this video. I am a 50 year old beginning step dancer from Canada. I have been wearing the beginner Bloch split sole shoe and love the flexibility but need more support and cushioning. This video helped me decide what to purchase. I purchased the Jason Samuel Smith shoe ($220 Canadian funds) and needed a full size larger than I normally wear in Bloch shoes. Would love to see a video on heel inserts. I didn't know it but I seem to have narrow heels.
Very informative! I have a 12 year old tap dancer ready for her first "professional" pair. Since we do not know if she is still growing, we didn't want to spend too much. This brand was recommended to us. Thank you! It is hard to find honest opinions like this!
True about the size! I think is because they have a thicker sole with less space inside so the big toe is touching the superior part of the shoes getting compress
Very helpful! I just purchased these for my 13 year old daughter! I will be asking her if she needs the stretching! Great tip! I was wondering if you knew where to purchase extra laces? They are so thin and I am concerned that they will snap before a competition or performance!
I just got these in the mail today to try them out. I didn't know you could get them stretched. they definitely are a smidge too short and narrow. I need to try the sodanca TA815 again. I feel like those were a better fit, but I didn't like how thin the shoe was. (I'm coming from a capezio premiere tap which is padded all over.) I really liked the Capezio K543 because of how cushioned the sole is and its arch support - flat feet suck! Can you do a video or just comment on your arch supports, please?
Question about shoes, I wore my Bloch Audeo shoes (which I love, don't get me wrong) to a class last night and the soles of my feet were extremely sore the next day, and show a bit of bruising. The teacher teaches a more grounded 'Hoofer' style of tap. Is this a sign that I should invest in shoes with more buildup? Thanks!
Can you post info on the arch supports you mentioned? I have flat feet and just recently switched from split soled to these primarily because I felt they would give my feet more support. I'd be interested to see what else I can do to make my feet feel better.
+Claudia Eubanks I posted some reviews on my favorite body repair tools... I believe part 2 is where I talk about the arch supports I put in my tap shoes. They do fit in my Bloch shoes, so definitely check that out!
Hi Shelby, I just bought a pair of these in white and one shoe squeaks and kind of clicks in the toe area quite noticeably....is this something you've experienced? Should I ask to swap them do you think, or will they bed in a bit? Thanks for the great videos, they have helped me so much. x
I never experienced my shoes squeaking or clicking, so maybe it is the specific pair you got? I'd say to take them back and see if they will switch it for you? Not sure...
Just bought these shoes. I wear 7.5-8 in street shoes. Ended up with a 9 because the store didn’t have an 8.5. at the time I thought they fit perfect. I started dancing in them and now they are a tiny loose. I can’t return or exchange them because they are used. I think the 8.5 would have fit best. Oh well. I also had to consider my socks and my feet swelling too. I also just took my shoes to a shoe cobbler to put the grips on the bottoms. They are a bit slippery without them. I also did rub rosin on my taps to make them less slippery on the floor. I have read scratching you taps on cement can ruin the sound quality somewhere on the internet.
Ya, definitely don't wear tap shoes on cement! I guess just try to add inserts etc to make the shoes feel snugger? I always keep Birkenstock arch supports in my tap shoes. That might help?
Curious to know your thoughts on the height of the heel. I typically wear Miller and Ben's Triple Threats and any time I put these on I can tell that the heel is noticeably shorter and it takes me a bit to get used to.
Hey Jeffrey! I just saw this for some reason... I could have told you the answer to this in person last month, but here is as good of a place as anywhere. lol. I personally prefer the slightly shorter heel (like the Sportaps and Jazz tap masters from M and B) than a triple threat. The heel height on these is similar to those other ones as well as my K's, which is a double build. I think it's really like any new pair where you have to adjust to the differences, and it might just take a second to get used to it. Just be thankful you never have to wear high heel tap shoes. That feels REALLY different. :)
Just out of curiosity, can you put taps on any of Bloch's heeled character shoes? Their website is very unhelpful when it comes to the question of whether or not any of their character shoes can have taps added.
@@shelbykaufman The reason I ask is because their US website doesn't say if you can add taps to their character shoes, and third party dancewear retailers either don't tell you or say that certain styles can't have taps.
I know this video is old, but did you ever post a review or info about your Birkenstock inserts? I'm getting back in to the tap game after taking 12 off. I'm guessing that my 34 year old, 3-babies-later body is going to need a little extra love and attention. I'd love to know what kind of inserts you use. Thanks for the videos, just found your channel and I've been binge watch the reviews and tap-torials.
I am 34 (minus the 3 babies but plus the 7 days a week of tap dancing) so I wear my Birkenstock arch supports in nearly every pair of shoes I own. I believe I talk about them in one of my two body repair tools videos, so check those out.
The womens run 1/2-1 size smaller and mens run true-1/2 size bigger and are slightly wider- again this accommodates differently based on different feet. Everyone has different experiences and no two feet are exactly the same in length or width regardless. They can easily be stretched if you still insist on buying your true street size regardless of the advised sizing guidelines that are provided to every retailer. We always suggest trying them on first to navigate sizing which is really something you should do with any shoe you buy.
Sorry, I never saw this before... I think I got my regular shoe size, but I never fit the size guides of any brand so I would maybe not base any of this on me. Some brands recommend sizing up and I end up needing to size down. lol.
Have you compared the Bloch Jason to the Miller & Ben shoes? I've also heard that the Jason is heavier, but then heard the opposite. Do you have an opinion?
i have both and they are grossly similar: you would expect Miller and Ben is heavier, because its a bigger shoe at the same size (longer in toe, wider in two, higher in heel, thicker in forefoot triple vs twin leather), but the weight distribution may be different, with M&B heavier in forefoot.
I'm seriously considering a pair of these- my old faithfuls need retiring. It's off topic, but what do you guys think about split sole taps? I've never used them before, but i'm imagining lovely pointed tap toes....and zero arch support. What are your experiences? I like the styling on the J-Sams and the padding looks lush!
You still have flex (definitely more in some brands than others) but with support under your feet, which you need in a tap shoe! Of course everyone is different, but I struggle with needing an even stronger sole sometimes since I have a lot of foot problems, so flex is the last of my personal concerns. Once shoes are broken in, they are usually decently flexible. Hope that helps!
+Thomas Harle the split soled jazz-type shoes also don't have as good sound quality. the taps on the JSS are so much better and angled closer to the floor.
I used dance in capezio's split sole. I loved them because they let me move my feet easily. After going bloch lace-ups and tapping w/out competition style in the mix, I feel in love with a hard sole. I don't think I could go back to a split because the sound isn't great. On the plus side, it allows you to really point and extend your foot. It's a matter of preference and always worth a try, but don't expect them to last too long or produce a rich sound.
Hey! A pair of these that I just bought came in, and I was wondering if you took yours to a shoemaker to put on the rubber sole, or if you didn't put it on/ what it's purpose really is?
The rubber is to make it so you don't slip. The problem is that rubber also makes it so you can't slide, so most of us just don't have rubber on our shoes to allow sliding... but stages and floors can definitely be slippery so it's a personal preference.
+Lauren Casson I'm not sure, but based on the response below from devinerhythmnyc (who by the way, is someone who actually knows about this because she represents Jason), it seems like she might recommend the mens? I asked her below to answer your question when she has a chance. You don't have anywhere nearby to try them on?
Hello Lauren, I have a wide foot too and I went with the mens sizing- I would suggest going to try them on first to see what feels best. if that's not an option for you then consider purchasing them from a retailer with a great return policy. Onstage Dancewear based out of NYC ships worldwide and keep a variety of sizes in stock. They will also extend a discount if you tell them we sent you. I hope this is helpful.
J Bentjee Most dance wear stores will carry tap shoes. You can try Bloch or Capezio stores as a starting off point. They have expensive professional ones, but also simple inexpensive ones if you are just starting out.
I'm so disappointed I wear shoe size womens 11 ordered j Sam's size 12 womens to short. What about the mens maybe size 12.5? I see girls wearing the mens but no one mentions difference to compare to womens sizes i ask UA-cam's no answers ugh
The mens shoe definitely looks similar to the womens one and would be fine for women to buy. I am not sure about the sizing though, so you might want to call the Bloch store and speak to them about that.
I would definitely be interested in more shoe reviews. There aren't anywhere nearly enough of these out there, so I think they're among the most helpful for people like me who don't have many local options and have to outsource shoes by ordering them on the internet.
SandraSaysStuff I will continue to review as many brands as I can. I am glad these have helped you!
I bought the men'JSS Block s tap shoe, the women's tap shoe was ro narrow...love these tap shoes, worth the money. Feels so great on the feet. Sound is awesome... Thanks Jason and Block.
I have these shoes and ordered them a size larger (I wear a 7.5/8 in street shoes and ordered an 8.5 in these), and didn't have an issue with them being to short! So that's another possibility for people interested in these shoes, but don't want to take them to get stretched. Definitely can't order them in your normal size though.
did you put the rubber "skid" on the bottom? if so, do you have a recommendation for type of glue to use? or a how to video to help apply properly?
I didn't add anything to these shoes... the tap on these and my Miller and Ben's are lower than the rest of the shoe, which I don't mind. The only shoes that have an extra piece are my Capezio K360's and those were done by the Capezio store.
The company actually suggests that you buy the Women's shoes (which are also made a bit more narrow) 1/2 to 1 size up for womens shoes based on how they are made. You can also buy an over-the-counter shoe stretcher if that is preferred. The mens sizes actually run bigger (not smaller) and are great for wider feet. The retailers who sell the shoe as well as the websites are all supposed to have this sizing guideline information available to consumers. As with any shoe - its always best to try it on first or double check exchange policies prior to purchasing. Thanks for reviewing!
+divinerhythmnyc Hey Elka, I just received a question above from Lauren Casson regarding sizing. I thought you would be the better person to answer than I would be, so check it out. Thanks!!
Thanks for this video. I am a 50 year old beginning step dancer from Canada. I have been wearing the beginner Bloch split sole shoe and love the flexibility but need more support and cushioning. This video helped me decide what to purchase. I purchased the Jason Samuel Smith shoe ($220 Canadian funds) and needed a full size larger than I normally wear in Bloch shoes.
Would love to see a video on heel inserts. I didn't know it but I seem to have narrow heels.
Very informative! I have a 12 year old tap dancer ready for her first "professional" pair. Since we do not know if she is still growing, we didn't want to spend too much. This brand was recommended to us. Thank you! It is hard to find honest opinions like this!
So glad I watched this review before ordering, never having worn bloch before, a lot of folks in reviews suggested just ordering half size up.
True about the size!
I think is because they have a thicker sole with less space inside so the big toe is touching the superior part of the shoes getting compress
Very helpful! I just purchased these for my 13 year old daughter! I will be asking her if she needs the stretching! Great tip! I was wondering if you knew where to purchase extra laces? They are so thin and I am concerned that they will snap before a competition or performance!
I just got these in the mail today to try them out. I didn't know you could get them stretched. they definitely are a smidge too short and narrow. I need to try the sodanca TA815 again. I feel like those were a better fit, but I didn't like how thin the shoe was. (I'm coming from a capezio premiere tap which is padded all over.) I really liked the Capezio K543 because of how cushioned the sole is and its arch support - flat feet suck!
Can you do a video or just comment on your arch supports, please?
Question about shoes, I wore my Bloch Audeo shoes (which I love, don't get me wrong) to a class last night and the soles of my feet were extremely sore the next day, and show a bit of bruising. The teacher teaches a more grounded 'Hoofer' style of tap. Is this a sign that I should invest in shoes with more buildup? Thanks!
My answer is yes. My feet are always less sore when I wear more supportive tap shoes.
Can you post info on the arch supports you mentioned? I have flat feet and just recently switched from split soled to these primarily because I felt they would give my feet more support. I'd be interested to see what else I can do to make my feet feel better.
+Claudia Eubanks I posted some reviews on my favorite body repair tools... I believe part 2 is where I talk about the arch supports I put in my tap shoes. They do fit in my Bloch shoes, so definitely check that out!
So sound-wise, what makes them not as good or professional as a k360 and Miller and Ben?
Well in my personal opinion Miller and Bens sound better than K's. These I think have a slightly deeper sound maybe? It is hard to explain.
Hi Shelby, I just bought a pair of these in white and one shoe squeaks and kind of clicks in the toe area quite noticeably....is this something you've experienced? Should I ask to swap them do you think, or will they bed in a bit? Thanks for the great videos, they have helped me so much. x
I never experienced my shoes squeaking or clicking, so maybe it is the specific pair you got? I'd say to take them back and see if they will switch it for you? Not sure...
Just bought these shoes. I wear 7.5-8 in street shoes. Ended up with a 9 because the store didn’t have an 8.5. at the time I thought they fit perfect. I started dancing in them and now they are a tiny loose. I can’t return or exchange them because they are used. I think the 8.5 would have fit best. Oh well. I also had to consider my socks and my feet swelling too. I also just took my shoes to a shoe cobbler to put the grips on the bottoms. They are a bit slippery without them. I also did rub rosin on my taps to make them less slippery on the floor. I have read scratching you taps on cement can ruin the sound quality somewhere on the internet.
Ya, definitely don't wear tap shoes on cement! I guess just try to add inserts etc to make the shoes feel snugger? I always keep Birkenstock arch supports in my tap shoes. That might help?
Shelby Kaufman Thank you! I will try that plus I can always use more support in my shoes!
Hi do you loosen the screws on your Jason Samuel smith.My daughter just received hers.
With a tiny screwdriver...exactly how you'd guess to do it (righty tighty lefty loosey).
can you make a video of how to expand tap so you don't have waste money on buying more
Unfortunately, when you dance every day using the same pair, its hard not to wear out your shoes. They do last a pretty long time though!
Love my Blochs! I have white and black
Curious to know your thoughts on the height of the heel. I typically wear Miller and Ben's Triple Threats and any time I put these on I can tell that the heel is noticeably shorter and it takes me a bit to get used to.
Hey Jeffrey! I just saw this for some reason... I could have told you the answer to this in person last month, but here is as good of a place as anywhere. lol. I personally prefer the slightly shorter heel (like the Sportaps and Jazz tap masters from M and B) than a triple threat. The heel height on these is similar to those other ones as well as my K's, which is a double build. I think it's really like any new pair where you have to adjust to the differences, and it might just take a second to get used to it. Just be thankful you never have to wear high heel tap shoes. That feels REALLY different. :)
Just out of curiosity, can you put taps on any of Bloch's heeled character shoes? Their website is very unhelpful when it comes to the question of whether or not any of their character shoes can have taps added.
I’m sure you could. I would probably recommend just getting a heeled tap shoe that is made in a more supportive way in the first place.
@@shelbykaufman The reason I ask is because their US website doesn't say if you can add taps to their character shoes, and third party dancewear retailers either don't tell you or say that certain styles can't have taps.
I know this video is old, but did you ever post a review or info about your Birkenstock inserts? I'm getting back in to the tap game after taking 12 off. I'm guessing that my 34 year old, 3-babies-later body is going to need a little extra love and attention. I'd love to know what kind of inserts you use. Thanks for the videos, just found your channel and I've been binge watch the reviews and tap-torials.
I am 34 (minus the 3 babies but plus the 7 days a week of tap dancing) so I wear my Birkenstock arch supports in nearly every pair of shoes I own. I believe I talk about them in one of my two body repair tools videos, so check those out.
YES TO THEM RUNNING SHORT!!!! The size bigger didn't fit but the correct size are killing my toes!!!
+Camillia Courts Yes, well hopefully stretching them will help you??
The womens run 1/2-1 size smaller and mens run true-1/2 size bigger and are slightly wider- again this accommodates differently based on different feet. Everyone has different experiences and no two feet are exactly the same in length or width regardless. They can easily be stretched if you still insist on buying your true street size regardless of the advised sizing guidelines that are provided to every retailer. We always suggest trying them on first to navigate sizing which is really something you should do with any shoe you buy.
What arch supports do you use?
Hey, I was wondering about the sizing on this shoe. How much did you size up or do you have the same size as your regular street shoe?
Sorry, I never saw this before... I think I got my regular shoe size, but I never fit the size guides of any brand so I would maybe not base any of this on me. Some brands recommend sizing up and I end up needing to size down. lol.
Have you compared the Bloch Jason to the Miller & Ben shoes? I've also heard that the Jason is heavier, but then heard the opposite. Do you have an opinion?
i have both and they are grossly similar: you would expect Miller and Ben is heavier, because its a bigger shoe at the same size (longer in toe, wider in two, higher in heel, thicker in forefoot triple vs twin leather), but the weight distribution may be different, with M&B heavier in forefoot.
Hi! I am a size 6 and a half in street shoes and was wondering what would be the best size to get in these tap shoes. Thanks!
+Alexi Martin that depends if you like snug or loose fitting shoes. Have you had a pair of blochs before?
I'm seriously considering a pair of these- my old faithfuls need retiring. It's off topic, but what do you guys think about split sole taps? I've never used them before, but i'm imagining lovely pointed tap toes....and zero arch support. What are your experiences? I like the styling on the J-Sams and the padding looks lush!
+Thomas Harle I would definitely say no to split sole shoes...They don't have any support at all.
Thanks for the advice Shelby, I guess i am a little concerned about the super stiff layered soles and not having any flex at all.
You still have flex (definitely more in some brands than others) but with support under your feet, which you need in a tap shoe! Of course everyone is different, but I struggle with needing an even stronger sole sometimes since I have a lot of foot problems, so flex is the last of my personal concerns. Once shoes are broken in, they are usually decently flexible. Hope that helps!
+Thomas Harle the split soled jazz-type shoes also don't have as good sound quality. the taps on the JSS are so much better and angled closer to the floor.
I used dance in capezio's split sole. I loved them because they let me move my feet easily. After going bloch lace-ups and tapping w/out competition style in the mix, I feel in love with a hard sole. I don't think I could go back to a split because the sound isn't great. On the plus side, it allows you to really point and extend your foot. It's a matter of preference and always worth a try, but don't expect them to last too long or produce a rich sound.
Hey! A pair of these that I just bought came in, and I was wondering if you took yours to a shoemaker to put on the rubber sole, or if you didn't put it on/ what it's purpose really is?
The rubber is to make it so you don't slip. The problem is that rubber also makes it so you can't slide, so most of us just don't have rubber on our shoes to allow sliding... but stages and floors can definitely be slippery so it's a personal preference.
I don't like rubber sole can't turn as easy
So if my feet generally run wider should i get mens shoes? Or should i get women shoes and stretch them?
+Lauren Casson I'm not sure, but based on the response below from devinerhythmnyc (who by the way, is someone who actually knows about this because she represents Jason), it seems like she might recommend the mens? I asked her below to answer your question when she has a chance. You don't have anywhere nearby to try them on?
Hello Lauren, I have a wide foot too and I went with the mens sizing- I would suggest going to try them on first to see what feels best. if that's not an option for you then consider purchasing them from a retailer with a great return policy. Onstage Dancewear based out of NYC ships worldwide and keep a variety of sizes in stock. They will also extend a discount if you tell them we sent you. I hope this is helpful.
i don't have anywhere nearby to try them on, but i'll definitely look online and at onstage dance wear! Thank you so much!!
arch support video???
I talk about them in one of my body repair tools videos I believe.
Where do you get tap shoes???
J Bentjee Most dance wear stores will carry tap shoes. You can try Bloch or Capezio stores as a starting off point. They have expensive professional ones, but also simple inexpensive ones if you are just starting out.
The best tap shoes!
I'm so disappointed I wear shoe size womens 11 ordered j Sam's size 12 womens to short. What about the mens maybe size 12.5? I see girls wearing the mens but no one mentions difference to compare to womens sizes i ask UA-cam's no answers ugh
The mens shoe definitely looks similar to the womens one and would be fine for women to buy. I am not sure about the sizing though, so you might want to call the Bloch store and speak to them about that.
@@shelbykaufman tnk u