How To Choose The Best Jazz Shoes

Jazz dance shoes are an essential part of every dancer’s wardrobe. Jazz shoes can be worn for training, rehearsing choreography, or performing on stage. Every dancer needs to feel comfortable when dancing, so choosing the right jazz dance shoe is essential. 

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about jazz shoes, including split sole or full sole styles, different materials, and how to choose the best pair for your needs.

What are jazz dance shoes? 

Jazz dance shoes are lightweight dance shoes, designed to sculpt to the dancer's foot allowing maximum flexibility for movement. Jazz dance shoes fit close to the foot enabling dancers to point their toes and articulate through the foot easily.  Most jazz dance shoes are made from leather or canvas, featuring either a split sole or full sole design. Dancers commonly wear black jazz shoes but they can also come in tan and are used in jazz dance classes, musical theatre, contemporary dance and commercial dance styles. 

Black jazz shoes: the most popular choice

When shopping for jazz shoes, you'll notice that black jazz shoes are the most common option. While tan jazz shoes are also popular, especially for performances where a barefoot look is desired, black jazz shoes remain the standard choice for many dancers. Our Alegra Black Basic Split Sole Jazz Dance Shoes are a supportive and affordable everyday jazz shoe. 

• Black jazz dance shoes are mostly worn for dance uniform 
• They look clean and professional on stage 
• Black jazz shoes hide scuffs and marks 
• Many dance schools require black jazz shoes for exams or performances 

Split sole vs full sole jazz shoes

A big decision when buying jazz dance shoes is choosing between split sole or full sole jazz dance shoes. 

Split sole jazz shoes 

Split sole jazz shoes have two separate sole sections: one under the ball of the foot and one under the heel. Professional dancers prefer split sole jazz shoe shoes because they allow the foot to move more naturally. The Move Dance Illusion Split Sole Jazz Shoes are perfect for the advanced dancer who wants to show off their arch! 

Benefits of split sole jazz shoes include: 

• Greater flexibility
• Enhanced foot articulation
• A more pointed line through the arch
• Preferred by advanced dancers

Full sole jazz shoes 

The sole of a full sole jazz shoe runs the entire length of the shoe. Full sole jazz shoes help provide stability and increase strength because there is more resistance when pointing the foot,  which is why these jazz dance shoes are more popular amongst beginners or dancers who are trying jazz for the first time. Our Alegra Orleans Full Sole Jazz Dance Shoes are perfect for your first jazz dance class. 

Benefits full sole jazz shoes include: 

• Support for beginners 
• Greater durability
• Stronger resistance for building foot strength

What are jazz boots? 

Jazz boots are a variation of the traditional jazz dance shoe. Jazz boots extend up the ankle like a boot and can have a 2.5 or a 3 inch heel, you can also get jazz boots with a flat sole like our Alegra Split Sole Jazz Dance Boots. Dancers in training typically use the 2.5 inch heel however, most professional dance jobs require you to have the 3 inch. You will most likely see jazz boots being worn in jazz dance classes and musical theatre performances. Jazz boots are often worn by more advanced dancers and used when costumes require a more polished look or when choreography includes floor work or dramatic movements. Our Danna Jazz Dance Boots come in both a 2.5 inch and 3 inch heel, perfect for the college dancer or the professional. 

Advantages of jazz boots: 

• Extra ankle support
• A sleek stage appearance
• Smooth leg lines for choreography

How should a dance jazz shoe fit? 

It is crucial to get the right fit when buying jazz dance shoes. Jazz shoes may feel tight at first, leather stretches slightly over time. Your jazz dance shoe will mould to your foot after a few classes.

How to know if your jazz shoe is the right fit: 

• Your shoe should feel snug like a sock
• Have minimal extra space 
• Allow toes to lie flat 
• Support full foot articulation  

Leather vs canvas jazz dance shoe

When it comes to choosing the material you should always consider how you are planning to use your jazz dance shoes. Both materials are commonly used for black jazz shoes, and the best choice depends on your personal preference. If you need jazz dance shoes to last, we would recommend our Move Dance Leather Split Sole Jazz Dance Shoes as they are made from a durable leather material, if you are more interested in a lightweight shoe, our Move Dance Canvas Split Sole Jazz Shoes are the shoes for you.

Leather jazz dance shoes: 

• More durable 
• Stretch to fit the foot 
• Long lasting 

Canvas jazz dance shoes: 

• Lightweight 
• Breathable
• Contours to the foot 

Final tips for buying the right jazz dance shoe 

There are lots of factors that contribute to choosing the right jazz dance shoe for you. For beginners a full sole jazz shoe is recommended as they provide more support. However more advanced dancers should choose a split sole for more flexibility and show of arch. Schools often require black jazz shoes, so always check your uniform list before purchasing your jazz dance shoes. For dancers who are entering the professional world, jazz dance boots are the ones for you. The right pair of jazz shoes will support your technique while helping you move confidently across the floor.

The Move Dance Team