Best Jazz Shoes [The Top 6 Jazz Dancing Shoes in 2022]
There is quite an extensive range of jazz shoes available on the market today. With so much choice in brands, materials, colors and varying prices, finding exactly what to look for can be confusing. If you are on the hunt for the best jazz shoes on offer but are not entirely sure where to start, you have come to the right place.
Here we aim to provide you with a complete guide of the best jazz dancing shoes most idyllic for your needs. Whether you are on a budget or you have your eyes set on a special needs pair such as; the best jazz shoes for flat feet, we'll take you through what to consider when making your purchase.
This guide will include how to make sure your shoes fit appropriately, the difference between soles, the best materials, the different brands, the best comfort and fit for kids jazz shoes and adults. In addition we'll recommend six of the perfect jazz dance shoes for you.
Jazz Dancing & What Types of Shoes Are Needed
Jazz dance is an improvised, energetic style of movement that permits people to express themselves physically, through a wide range of different routines. Emerging in the early Twentieth Century, in New Orleans and St. Louis, it's grown into a global phenomenon.
Jazz dancing incorporates an array of fluid movements, comparable to ballet, including leaps, sharp turns and rapid foot work in a show of elegance and flexibility, to the beat of upbeat music. Though, classical jazz, has evolved over time, the trademark still surges through the jazz-based genres. And one thing always remains the same, the specialty shoes required to perform.
The best jazz shoe fits like a leather sock. It's versatile, comfortable, slim and light, made with material that encourages ventilation, maximal foot flexibility and is finished with a whole or a split rubber sole to allow for shock absorption upon movement.
Size and Fitting Guide of Jazz Shoes
There are few questions that we hear often in regards to size and fit. Should jazz shoes be tight? What size jazz shoes should I buy? So let's get straight to tackling these questions.
Jazz shoes are designed to fit in a snug manner, like a sock, baring in mind that they do have a tendency to stretch. In saying this, like all dancing shoes, the fit is deeply personal. Some like theirs to fit a little snugger than others, but there is a general rule of thumb guide to follow when choosing your ideal pair so that they fit just right for you to reduce risk of any injury.
When you first try on your jazz shoes, you want to be able to feel all of your toes when lying horizontally on the ground. Run your hands along the forefoot of the shoe to ensure your toes are close to the top, but the shoe isn't so tight that your feet are scrunching up at the top.
Secondly, it’s important to point your feet and pinch at the loose material above your big toe in the shoe. You should have approximately a thumbnail of space between the big toe and top of the shoe.
To identify any looseness in the heel it's recommended to lift your foot from a flat position to a demi-pointe. If the heel pops out when you lift up, your shoe is slightly too big and you’ll need to go down in a size. This is especially important with a split sole jazz shoe.
Last but not least you need to walk in the shoes. This is a crucial point in your selection because you will be moving around a lot and should seek maximum comfort, avoiding any rubbing or discomfort in the shoes.
How to Choose the Best Jazz Shoe
1. Shoe Fit and Size
A common question when purchasing your jazz shoes is whether the shoes will stretch. This will vary depending on your selection of material.
Leather jazz shoes need to fit more on the snug side because they will stretch with wear. If you are going down this route, it’s recommended to find your ideal size and then purchase a half size smaller, for extended durability, after several years of wear you’ll be thankful as they will still look neat.
Stretch canvas jazz shoes, on the other hand, do not stretch, therefore choosing a pair that fit you perfectly upon first wear is most ideal.
Generally speaking, it’s not ideal to have too much space in your shoes. You want toes as close to the edge of the shoe to encourage articulation of your feet and to deter any tripping over as you move.
When standing, feet should be flat, without any toes scrunching. If you are purchasing jazz shoes for a child who requires growing space, its preferable to purchase an insole for a better shoe fit, which you can eventually remove as the child grows.
2. Sole
First of all its important to determine whether you will need a full sole or split sole jazz shoe.
Full Sole vs Split Sole Jazz Shoes
A full sole is often preferred when purchasing jazz shoes for beginners because it provides better support for the arches and encourages the dancer to build strength in their feet and leg muscles. Spilt sole jazz shoes are best for more advanced dancers as the split sole permits maximum range in flexibility in the arch and promotes optimal pointing for the toes.
Floor Types & Grip
The type of floor being performed on can impact the type of sole you acquire in your shoes. Rubber sole shoes are most preferable if the dancer is performing on wooden or cement floors, as this material provides great grip and traction.
Alternatively, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) is recommended for the sole. This material is similar to rubber and is used on the soles of various sport shoes offering an increased softness and flexibility with movement compared to rubber soles.
A dancer who regularly performs on a Marley flooring is recommended to purchase a suede sole jazz shoe. This is to provide more freedom in dance movement, as the rubber and Ethylene Vinyl Acetate soles are not compatible with this surface.
3. Material
Breathable material is a must in jazz dancing, especially in regards to jazz shoes, as the dancer gets hot and sweaty very quickly. The most preferable option is durable leather. This material is soft, durable and it's breathable, providing the dancer with a glove like fit as the shoe is broken in.
Canvas is the budget friendly alternative to durable leather, as the fabric is breathable and will keep your feet cool.
For maximum ventilation of the feet, search for jazz shoes that are fitted with breathable mesh panels, especially if you endure intense dance classes.
4. Durability
Choosing cheap jazz shoes, though budget friendly, runs the risk of falling apart quite quickly. This means you will need to buy an additional pair and spend more money. Purchasing good quality material shoes and sourcing from a trusting dance shoe brand is favourable for durability of the jazz dance shoe.
5. Brand of Jazz Shoes
There are several different brands of jazz shoes available on the market, all of which offer quality, durability, and sleek aesthetic, in addition to accommodating to various additional needs of performers. In saying this there are two top contenders, in regards to brand manufacturers that stand out from the rest. Capezio and Bloch!
Capezio
The brand Capezio, established in the 1880’s, is a very popular brand of dance-wear, renowned for quality and style. Capezio provides a wide selection of jazz shoes suitable for all types of feet, including lace ups, slip on jazz shoes and suede material.
Bloch
Bloch was created a little while later in the 1930's, making a name for itself over the years, creating such beautiful original designs, careful material selection and fantastic construction.
Though Capezio and Bloch are the two top contenders as brand manufacturers, the choice in selection very much narrows down to the dancers personal preference in style, make and budget.
The 6 Best Jazz Shoes Reviewed
Below are reviews to our top recommendations.
1. Capezio Women's EJ2 E-Series Jazz Slip-On
The Capezio E-series jazz shoe offers comfort as well as convenience. Its slip-on style offers a very smooth, sleek aesthetic and provides versatility for the dancer, ideal for quick changes when performing and, more so, younger dancers who are unable to tie their shoelaces.
Made with 100% leather and fabric, the soft, leather upper offers flexibility for movement and moulds perfectly to the shape of the foot. Also, the stretch fabric wraps around the foot for ultimate comfort and support.
These jazz shoes feature a foam padded insole and a soft Achilles topline, as well as an absorbent cotton lining to provide maximum ventilation to ensure the feet stay dry while dancing.
People who suffer from flat feet often struggle to find suitable jazz shoes to accommodate to their arches. The Capezio jazz shoes deliver a complete custom fit, featuring a neoprene arch, which stretches itself around the arch and sides of the feet to give the look of high arches. It is for this reason that these jazz shoes are the best jazz shoes for those who have flat feet.
The sole of these jazz shoes is made with EVA synthetic rubber, featuring a textured design and non-slip heel counter to offer maximum traction whilst moving along the floor.
It comprises of a split sole feature, permitting optimal range when pointing the toes, accentuating the arch and making the foot movements cleaner. This is imperative criteria when competing and during examinations and therefore very beneficial for competitive dancers.
It is recommended, for fitting size, women go up one size from their street shoe and men go up 2.5 shoe sizes. However, it is preferable to try on the shoe for the ideal fit before you purchase to ensure you are 100% satisfied with your purchase.
Whether you are are a beginner or an outstanding professional, you can't go wrong with the Capezio E series, they are highly recommended. You will enjoy countless hours of dancing in these durable, soft and very flexible jazz shoes.
Bloch's Split Sole Slip on jazz shoe will really give you a reason to get out there and dance until your heart is content. They've been expertly engineered to provide an incredible fit, flexibility through the feet and elegance in form.
Manufactured with Bloch’s soft and incredibly strong leather, available in tan and black, and a neoprene insert, your arches will be completely supported in these Bloch jazz shoes. Furthermore, they are conveniently fitted with mesh panels in the sides and cotton lining in the shoe to ensure your feet are perfectly ventilated, preventing any unnecessary sweating whilst dancing.
The bottom of these Bloch jazz shoes feature a split sole, made with EVA rubber on the forefoot and heel pads, to encourage peak performance and optimal movement whilst on the floor of the dance studio.
All in all these Bloch jazz shoes are brilliant for dancers. In addition to being well manufactured by a trusted brand, this pair of Bloch jazz shoes is very affordable, ideal for those who are on a budget but seek maximum durability and comfort in their purchase.
The slip on split sole jazz shoes invites versatility, as they are easy to pull on and slide off, which is great if you are a professional dancer who experiences a lot of costumes changes or even a young dancer who is not well versed in tying up shoelaces just yet.
If you are looking for quality, durability, comfort and aesthetic you may have found the best jazz shoes for you.
For kids and toddlers check out the Bloch Super Jazz Shoes. The Super Jazz are a split sole and made of leather.
The women’s Leather Upper slip-on jazz shoe created by Dynadans is specifically designed for the jazz dancer and gymnast. Made from a soft cow leather with a neoprene stretch in the arch insert, for maximal flexibility, this pair of jazz shoes is manufactured for both comfort and durability.
This style of jazz shoe is light in weight and contains a split sole, like many jazz dance shoes, engineered from EVA to give the dancer ultimate grip in addition to the split sole offering flexibility through the arches of the feet when performing.
Though the pricing of these shoes is a little bit more steep than other jazz dance shoes on the market, you really are paying for quality material. You can be ensured that these jazz shoes will last you time and time again.
The Bloch lace up jazz shoe offers an affordable, beautiful blend between freedom and structure, allowing the dancer to move with grace and ease throughout a performance. These shoes feature a soft but strong leather upper, with laces at the upper part of the shoe and a rounding at the toes to fit the dancer perfectly.
These Bloch jazz shoes are lined with canvas and feature an arch leather panel and a suede sock, making them a truly great pair of lace up jazz shoes. It doesn’t stop here though; you’ll be grateful that these lace up jazz shoes also have a very strong heel and a split sole, with an EVA rubber forefoot and rubber heel, providing the jazz dancer with traction when moving. This outstanding grip keeps dancers tread fabulous from beginning to end of a sequence.
Though choosing jazz shoes comes down to personal preference, the Bloch lace up jazz dance shoe has one benefit that slip on jazz shoes do not have. The lace up jazz shoe provides amazing support for dancers with wide feet as the laces can be manipulated to make the shoe wider for the most comfortable fit. So, if you do suffer from wide set feet and are looking for premium quality jazz shoes, the Bloch dance women's soft split sole leather jazz shoes are the best jazz shoes for you.
The Capezio Women's Pure Knit Jazz shoes have a low profile and feature a heel sole that is moulded for a great fit, inclusive of a silicon anti- slip strap to comfortably hold the heel. This ingenuity permits the dancer to move freely when performing.
Dancers with a high arch often find it difficult to find a pair of jazz shoe that don’t dig into the top of their feet. For this reason the Capezio's are the best jazz shoes for high arch dancers, as they are engineered with a sock like, compressed textured mesh fit, for the arch and a pattern on the top of the shoe for extra security around the metatarsals.
These women's jazz shoes are true to size and slip on to the foot to permit versatility and ease with wear. With soft, microfibre lining construction inside the shoe, the dancer is guaranteed maximum breathability as they dance.
If you have high arches and have been finding it hard to purchase the right style of jazz shoe, look no further, for these glove like, quality manufactured pair may be the best jazz shoe for you to purchase.
The Pulse Jazz shoe, manufactured by Bloch, make for a very beautiful pair of shoes.
Featuring a glove like fit and high curves on the instep, thanks to the neoprene satin stretch through arch, accentuating the arches in the feet exquisitely and increasing the point in the toes sensationally, these shoes are more than ideal for competitions.
These jazz shoes comprise of a suede, mouldable front sole which permits the dancer ultimate control when stopping their movement. This, in addition to a low-profile heel, enables the dancer to produce very concise turns and spins throughout routines and create a real feel the floor sense of movement.
Other features of these beautiful jazz shoes include a very soft leather upper, textured pleat detail to accentuate the arch, and a split-sole design, to provide ease of wear. They come available as tanned jazz shoes as well as in black and at such a budget friendly price. So if you do find yourself competing regularly and are looking for a shoe that will give you that little something extra when performing, the Pulse jazz shoes are highly recommended pair of dance shoes for you.
Conclusion
Jazz shoes are some of the most versatile footwear available in the dance world. They are utilised for hip hop dancing, cheerleading, ball room and few and far between. This being said it is important to ensure you find the perfect pair, for exactly what you require them for, so that you can excel in your performance.
A good pair of jazz shoes should be durable, comfortable, versatile and well fitted to the foot. You want them to provide you with maximum ventilation as you move to reduce sweating. And though the fit is personal, it’s important your shoes are not too snug or too lose around the top of the foot, feeling just right, reducing any risk of injury.
Take time when selecting your jazz shoes to make sure you are getting exactly what you want and need. Once you find the best jazz shoes for you, get into the studio or on stage and dance until your heart is content.
Commonly Asked Questions
1. Where can I buy jazz shoes?
There are many specialty dance stores around that sell jazz shoes that you should be able to find locally. We recommend checking out either Bloch or Capezio as these are the most popular brands. Or you can always buy online for convenience.