Josephine Lee reviews the Bloch Eurostretch pointe shoes!
The most unique and notable features of the Eurostretch are its split outer sole and stretch satin, making it an incredibly innovative pointe shoe at the time that it came out.
Though Leos was the first brand to have a split sole pointe shoe, this brand was acquired by Bloch, who has now continued with the innovation and expanded on it by adding the stretch satin, allowing the shoe to fully contour to the dancers' feet.
The Bloch Eurostretch is a spin off one of Bloch's most popular and iconic models, the European Balance. Like its predecessor, the Eurostretch features a wide, square box and a large platform for easy balance. Additionally, both shoes from Bloch are slightly tapered on the inside, for an extra comfortable fit.
Where the Eurostretch differs from the European Balance is in the stretch satin and split sole. Because of these new features, the Eurostretch shrinks with your foot as you go up on pointe and pushes you further toward the end of your platform, making this pointe shoe super helpful for dancers who struggle to get all the way over the box of their pointe shoes.
The Bloch Eurostretch features a deep vamp, long wings, square box, and wide platform.
This pointe shoe also has technology under the pleats that help them to be quieter, allowing for a soft and seamless landing from jumps.
The inside of the platform also has extra cushion! There is a small gel insert at the end of the box, for extra comfort and shock absorption. While some dancers enjoy the extra padding, others prefer to go more minimal, so this cushion is easily removal in the Eurostretch pointe shoes!
The throat of the Eurostretch pointe shoes has a U-shape with an elastic drawstring and a low-profile crown, allowing for an extra secure fit.
A common misconception about the Bloch Eurostretch is that the entire shank of the pointe shoe is split. Though the outer sole of the Eurostretch is split, the inner shank is still a full shank, so you have the same support you would in other full sole pointe shoes!
The reason for the split outer sole on the Eurostretch is due to the stretchy nature of the shoes. When the whole pointe shoe is stretchy, the split sole allows for more contour on the foot, creating an extra streamlined look. This is especially helpful for dancers with a disappearing heel. A disappearing heel is when the dancer stands on flat and is one size, then when the dancer steps up onto pointe, they shrink to a smaller size. The stretch satin and split sole help the shoe to hug the foot, even when the foot shrinks in the pointed position.
The Bloch Eurostretch comes in sizes 2-8, or 4-10 in women's U.S. sizing, and has 3 widths, 1X-3X. Even though this pointe shoe only comes in three widths, it is still pretty versatile due to the stretch satin. A variety of different foot shapes love this shoe!
Watch the video to hear Josephine's full thoughts on the Bloch Eurostretch pointe shoes!
Want to give the Eurostretch a try? Get a fitting in one of The Pointe Shop Showrooms!
Already know the Eurostretch is right for you?
Shop Bloch Eurostretch now >>>