Bloch and Capezio are the two most trusted names in ballet shoes. Both are worn at every level, from first-class beginners to professional performers. But they fit differently, feel different on the foot, and suit different foot shapes. Knowing which one works for your dancer saves time, money, and frustration.
How Bloch and Capezio Ballet Shoes Differ
The core difference comes down to fit and construction. Bloch shoes tend to run narrower through the toe box and have a snugger overall fit. Capezio shoes are generally wider and roomier, especially across the ball of the foot.
This matters immediately. A shoe that pinches across the toes will cause blisters and throw off a dancer's balance. A shoe that is too wide will slip and bunch underfoot, making clean footwork harder.
Both brands produce split-sole and full-sole styles. Full-sole shoes are typically recommended for beginners because they build foot strength evenly. Split-sole shoes allow more articulation through the arch and are better suited to dancers with some training behind them. If you are choosing your child's first pair, our detailed guide to finding the right fit for your dance level is worth reading before you buy.
Choosing by Foot Shape
Foot shape is the most practical starting point.
- Narrow or slender feet generally suit Bloch. The closer fit holds the shoe securely without bulk.
- Wide or broad feet generally suit Capezio. The roomier construction avoids compression across the forefoot.
- High arches often work well in either brand, but Bloch's snug fit can feel more supportive through the arch for some dancers.
- Flat feet or low arches may benefit from the additional room in Capezio styles, which allows the foot to spread naturally.
These are general patterns, not rules. Individual lasts vary between models within each brand, so trying both is always worthwhile when possible.
Bloch vs Capezio: Key Models Worth Knowing
Bloch
- Bloch Prolite II is one of the most popular all-rounder styles. Split-sole, canvas, medium-narrow fit. Works for a wide range of foot types once the dancer has basic training.
- Bloch Dansoft is a full-sole leather shoe and a common first-shoe choice. Soft, durable, and forgiving on growing feet.
- Bloch Arise is a canvas split-sole with a slightly broader fit than other Bloch styles, which makes it a useful option if a dancer sits between the two brands.
Capezio
- Capezio Hanami is lightweight, breathable, and very popular with recreational and pre-vocational dancers. The fit is relaxed through the toe box.
- Capezio Juliet is a leather full-sole style often recommended for younger beginners. Structured enough to support developing feet without being stiff.
- Capezio Cobra is a canvas split-sole that suits dancers looking for flexibility with a bit more room than Bloch split-sole options provide.
Sizing Conventions for Australian Dancers
Both brands use their own internal sizing, which does not always match standard Australian shoe sizes. Bloch uses a letter-and-number system. Capezio uses a numeric system with width designations. Always consult each brand's size chart rather than assuming a child's school shoe size will translate directly.
As a rough guide, ballet shoes are generally sized half to one full size smaller than a street shoe. Growing feet should have no more than a thumb's width of room at the toe. Any more than that and the shoe will not perform correctly.
It is also worth understanding the difference in construction between styles before committing. If your dancer's studio specifies a particular sole type or closure style, check whether that style is available in your preferred brand. For a comparison of different shoe constructions, the article on crossover versus traditional ballet shoe styles covers the distinctions clearly.
Which Brand Do Studios Prefer?
Many Australian studios do not specify a brand, only a colour and sole type. Where a studio does specify, Bloch is more commonly requested in classical RAD and CSTD programs. Capezio is frequently favoured in schools that follow ATOD or freestyle syllabi.
If your studio has no preference, the safest approach is to take your dancer to be fitted in person before buying. If you are buying online, check the return policy and measure carefully using the brand's own size guide.
You can browse the full range of both brands in our ballet shoes collection, with options across canvas, leather, split-sole, and full-sole styles for children and adults.
What to Consider Beyond Brand
- Canvas wears faster than leather but moulds to the foot more quickly and is easier to clean.
- Leather lasts longer and holds its shape well, which suits dancers in multiple classes per week.
- Elastics are usually sold separately and need to be sewn on. Some styles come with elastics pre-attached.
- Replace shoes when the sole thins through, the drawstring no longer pulls snug, or the canvas tears. A worn shoe affects technique and can cause injury.
A well-fitted ballet shoe supports better posture, cleaner footwork, and more confident movement at every level. Whether your dancer suits Bloch or Capezio often comes down to foot shape more than brand loyalty. Use that as your starting point and the rest follows.
For help choosing a complete beginner's ballet wardrobe, the ballet skirt buying guide is a useful next step once shoes are sorted.
