Confused about which jazz shoes to buy? Our handy guide is here to help you choose the correct jazz shoes for you.
What are the different styles of jazz shoes?
Jazz shoes are similar to a ballet shoe because they feature a flexible sole, but they usually have a small rubber heel. They are typically used in a jazz class to help to reduce friction beneath the foot, which is especially useful when performing pirouettes. Jazz shoes can be worn by both male and female dancers of all ages. They can also be useful for younger children’s dance classes so that bare feet don't come into contact with the floor.
Just like ballet shoes, jazz shoes can be purchased as a split-sole or full-sole shoe in a variety of colours. They can be purchased as a lace-up shoe, lace-up boot or slip-on shoe.
There are also a further two variations of the jazz shoe: jazz boots and jazz sneakers. Jazz boots can be worn just above the ankle or folded over. They have a similar sole to a basic jazz shoe.
Jazz sneakers are sturdier in construction (like a trainer) but usually feature a split sole or highly flexible sole to allow the foot to flex and point. Jazz sneakers are popular for street dance and Zumba. Plus, they are a supportive alternative for dance teachers of all dance styles, who spend many hours on their feet each day.
Split sole vs full sole
| Advantages | Disadvantages | |
| Split sole | Hugs into the arch of the foot emphasising the line of the foot, which is aesthetically pleasing Allows for greater flexibility in the shoe Allows for better use of a technique, e.g. floor pressure |
Less support beneath the foot |
| Full sole | Provides more resistence beneath the arch of the foot, which strenthens the foot A more supportive shoe |
The line and shape of the foot are not emphasised and can hide problems such as clawed toes |
How to fit jazz shoes
Jazz shoes and jazz boots should be fitted in exactly the same way as ballet shoes. Jazz shoes that are too large will have excess material at the toe. In jazz shoes that are too small, the big toe joint is bent.
Jazz sneakers are a little trickier to fit, but once again, they shouldn’t have excess space at the toe. They shouldn’t be so tight that the big toe is bent, however.
Laces vs slip on
Jazz shoes and jazz boots with a laced front can help the shoe to hug into your foot. They are also easy to take on and off as they can be widened by loosening the drawstrings. Jazz sneakers tend to usually have laces, which are in a similar style to running trainers.
Slip-on jazz shoes are normally the best-fitted jazz shoes as the whole of the shoe will pull in towards your foot. Slip-on jazz shoes often feature, for example, a neoprene panel to provide some give when taking shoes on and off. This is also beneficial to the dancer: this material will flex and mould beautifully to the foot while moving.
Jazz shoes vs jazz boots
Jazz shoes are most commonly found in a jazz class. They are available in a range of colours that are ideally suited for class, competitions and dance-school shows. Jazz boots are less commonly used in jazz classes in the UK. They are popular in continental Europe, however. Jazz boots are versatile shoes that can be used as part of a costume when a dancer needs the look of a boot but wishes to retain flexibility through the feet.
Which material is best for jazz shoes?
Jazz shoes and jazz boots can be purchased in leather or PU. Split-sole shoes frequently feature an insert in the shoe to allow for easy removal of the shoe – this can be a flexible material such as neoprene or elasticated panels.
Jazz shoes can also be purchased in a knitted material, which allows for full flexibility and contours to the whole foot.