Bloch Etu Pointe Shoe

Coming back to pointe work after having my baby boy was not easy. My feet changed during pregnancy, and I quickly realized that the shoes I had saved no longer fit—plus, they were being discontinued (because of course they were). So the hunt for the right pointe shoe began again. And if you’ve ever had to start from scratch with pointe shoes, you know how overwhelming that can be.

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Enter the Bloch Etu

The Bloch Etu pointe shoe was one of the first new models I tried after returning to class. Designed for advanced dancers with square-shaped feet, the Etu combines modern toe box technology with more traditional shank construction. It’s a solid, durable shoe—and honestly, it got me through many months of classes, rehearsals, and performances. I usually order mine from DanceSupplies.com, since they’re surprisingly hard to find directly on Bloch’s own site.

What I Love About the Bloch Etu

✨ Incredible Comfort — extra padding and toe protection help with pressure and impact.
🔇 Shock-Absorbing & Quiet — cushioning inside the box makes these super quiet and easier on the joints.
💪 Sturdy & Long-Lasting — held up through daily use while keeping shape and support.
🩰 Stable on Pointe — I felt secure and responsive en pointe, which helped rebuild my confidence.

But Are They the Perfect Shoe?

I wear a 3.5 1X, and while the Etu is super supportive and strong, it sometimes feels like too much shoe for my small, narrow feet. The box and platform are just a bit bulky for me, and that’s where the shoe and I don’t quite align.

If your feet are wider or more square-shaped, the Etu might be your dream shoe. For me, it’s a top contender—but not the one. That said, I still wear them regularly because they last longer than most options out there, and pointe shoes are expensive ($90–$150 a pair!). When you find something durable, it really counts.

Still Searching…

Before the Etu, I wore Russian Pointe Rubins Radiance, and I loved them—until they were discontinued, which feels like the cruel joke of pointe shoes. I’ve also recently tried the Bloch Flexus, which are beautiful on my feet, but they die way too quickly. I’d need a new pair every day, which just isn’t realistic or affordable.

So two years postpartum, I’m still on the hunt for that perfect mix of: long-lasting durability, narrow fit, low-profile box/platform, and suits my now slightly larger post-baby feet. I’m grateful the Bloch Etu has been a solid fallback while I figure things out. Honestly, they feel the best when they’re almost dead—which, if you know, you know.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a strong, shock-absorbing, quiet shoe that can hold up to a heavy dance schedule, the Bloch Etu is absolutely worth trying. They’ve helped me rebuild strength and stay dancing while I navigate the new shape and needs of my feet. I’m still adjusting, still testing, and still dancing—and for now, the Etu is keeping up.

Let me know if you’ve found your perfect post-baby pointe shoe! Or if you’re also stuck in the endless cycle of shoe-hunting—I see you. 💪👣