While best known for pointe shoes, Bloch has spent recent years expanding its footwear offerings, from commercial heels to sneakers. Now, after a year of testing and refinement, the company is unveiling its first-ever collection of high-performance Argentine Tango shoes, created with the expert guidance of Maria Tsiatsiani—a world-renowned Argentine-tango leader and Latin choreographer on the UK’s “Strictly Come Dancing.” “Tango shoes are an extension of your body, so investing in the right pair can make a world of difference to your performance,” Tsiatsiani tells DRN in an email interview.
While Bloch’s Argentine Tango shoes are already available in limited quantities in the company’s London store, the shoes are set to fully launch in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and Australia later this year. They’ve been designed to deliver three key elements to dancers: “Stability, comfort, and elegance,” says Tsiatsiani. While “a reinforced arch and a perfectly balanced 3.5-inch heel” ensure the first of these three factors, “extra cushioning in the insole…helps reduce foot fatigue, making long hours of dancing and rehearsing much more comfortable,” she says. A specially designed leather outsole also “provides just the right amount of slide and grip, allowing dancers to pivot with ease while maintaining control on different dance surfaces.”
While function was a priority in the design process, “we didn’t compromise on aesthetics,” Tsiatsiani adds. The collection will feature three styles: Malena, a sleek, minimalist design with an asymmetrical ankle-strap available in red, black, and sand; Ayres, a glitter-canvas shoe in red and black; and Poema, a champagne glitter-canvas pair with an encrusted toe band for added detail. Each style will be available in EU sizes 34–39.5, including half sizes, as well as EU 40, 41, and 42.
For Tsiatsiani, this is not just another tango shoe. “It’s a carefully engineered, high-performance tango shoe, backed by decades of Bloch’s expertise in dance footwear,” she says. “I hope to see this line become a go-to for dancers worldwide, setting a new standard in tango footwear.” Apparently, she’s already had glowing reviews from dancers who have tried the shoes out. “When dancers feel comfortable and supported, they move more freely and confidently—this is what we wanted to achieve with the Bloch Tango line.”
Ensuring the Perfect Fit
When it comes to Argentine Tango shoes, “the right fit is everything,” says Tsiatsiani. “Comfort should always come first; if a shoe doesn’t feel good when a dancer first puts it on, it won’t feel better after hours of dancing.” Not experienced in fitting dancers for tango shoes? Below, Tsiatsiani shares her top three tips on what to focus on.
• Arch and heel support: “A well-balanced heel and proper arch support prevent strain and help with posture and stability.”
• Security: “The shoe should hug the foot without being too tight—the toes need space to move slightly, but the heel should be stable and secure.”
• Sole and flexibility: “The sole should allow for smooth pivots but not slip too much. If the shoe is too stiff or too loose, it will impact [a dancer’s] technique.”
Emily May is the editor of Dance Retailer News.