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This really boils down to the definition of "blocked ball", and how loose equipment is handled. When it comes to loose equipment that belongs to the offense, that is really limited to equipment that is not involved in the game. So a loose bat in front of a dugout, or a loose glove sitting in foul territory by the offensive team's bullpen, etc., would be susceptible to a blocked ball call.
But if the equipment is involved in the game, then a ball touching that equipment is not considered blocked unless the offense does something intentional. So when the batter discards her bat, or a runner's batting helmet flies off while running the bases, those aren't considered loose equipment. I would say the same applies to a runner's shoe that inadvertently comes off.
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"Let's face it. Umpiring is not an easy or happy way to make a living. In the abuse they suffer, and the pay they get for it, you see an imbalance that can only be explained by their need to stay close to a game they can't resist." -- Bob Uecker
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