Apolla and the Bloch Sox

Not All Dance Socks Are Created Equal: A Deeper Dive into The Original vs. The Alternative

When we first introduced Apolla Shocks to the dance world, our mission was clear: to create a tool that would help dancers train harder, perform longer, and recover better. We saw a critical need for footwear that did more than just cover the foot—it needed to support it. As the original dance sock, we pioneered a new category of athletic equipment.

Now, the market has seen other brands, like the well-established dancewear company Bloch, release their own version, the "Blochsox." We welcome innovation that helps dancers, but we also believe it's crucial for you to understand the fundamental differences in philosophy, technology, and validation that set these products worlds apart.

When you’re choosing a tool as vital as what’s on your feet, you deserve to know what’s inside.

Philosophy: Foot Health vs. Movement Features

The most significant difference lies in the foundational "why" behind each product.

Apolla's Philosophy: Our Shocks were born from a partnership with dance medicine professionals and a deep dive into biomechanics. Our goal has always been to reduce injury and promote overall foot health. We focused on the science of targeted compression and energy absorption to provide stability, reduce inflammation, and combat foot fatigue. An Apolla Shock is a piece of athletic equipment designed to support your body's foundation from the ground up.

Competitor's Philosophy: The Blochsox is designed with a focus on specific dance movements.1 Features like the "Spin-Spot" and "Brake Lines" are created to assist with actions like turning and stopping.2 While these features can be helpful, they address specific actions rather than the underlying health and endurance of the foot and ankle throughout an entire class or rehearsal.

It’s the difference between treating a symptom and strengthening the entire system.

The Decisive Factor: Scientific Validation and Medical Acceptance

This is where the choice becomes clear for dancers, parents, and educators who prioritize safety and health.

Apolla is the only dance sock to have earned the prestigious American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.

What does this mean? The APMA Seal is not a paid endorsement.3 It is a rigorous, scientific evaluation by a committee of podiatrists who verify that a product promotes good foot health. Our Shocks were tested for safety, quality, and effectiveness. This seal certifies that our product does what we say it does: provides stability, reduces fatigue, and supports the structures of the foot.

Furthermore, our patented technology is the result of years of research and development. The targeted compression zones offer 20-30mmHg of compression precisely where dancers need it, providing stability to the ankle's tendons and ligaments, much like athletic taping. The knit-in energy absorption in the heel and ball of the foot is a feature you can feel, reducing the force and impact that leads to chronic injuries like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

A Side-by-Side Comparison

The Choice Is Yours: An Accessory or Equipment?

Ultimately, dancers now have a choice. You can choose a sock with features designed for specific movements, or you can choose a scientifically engineered piece of athletic equipment that is medically certified to support your feet, enhance your performance, and prioritize your health for the long run.

We created the dance sock not just to help you point your toes, but to support your entire journey. We believe your feet are your most valuable asset, and they deserve a tool  that is as serious about dance as you are.

Invest in your health. Invest in your performance. Choose the original, proven, and podiatrist-approved dance sock.