Jazz shoes are unique shoes designed to be worn when performing various dance styles like hip-hop, salsa, aerobics, and musical theatre apart from jazz. While there are many different variations of jazz shoes designed to cater to different needs, styles, material preferences, foot sizes and shapes of the dancers. But some aspects like flexibility, fit and bases are common to most.
Whether you are looking for new shoes for your upcoming performance or are just starting with jazz, this article compiles and briefly explains all the types of men’s jazz shoes to help you better understand the differences between each and help you make an informed choice when shopping for them.
Different Varieties of Jazz Shoes
Split-Sole Jazz Shoes
A split shoe has rubber embedded underneath the heel and ball of the foot. The flexibility of the shoe relies on the gap of rubber on the arch, which can also emphasise the point of the line of the foot and the dancer’s arch. The flexibility of this shoe provides an edge to the dancer as it allows them to execute better foot technique and form with less effort.
Nevertheless, a split-sole shoe doesn’t offer great support under the foot.
Full-Sole Jazz Shoes
Full-sole shoes provide great support as they incorporate a continuous rubber sole that fully encompasses the bottom of the shoe. Since the style of a full-sole shoe is very structured, it helps the dancer to build muscle and strength.
The flip side of using such a shoe is that it underperforms when flexibility becomes a key parameter. The shoe makes up for that by providing better resistance under the arch of the shoe. These would be the right choice for someone who requires sturdy and solid men’s jazz shoes.
Split-Sole Jazz Booties
Many jazz shoemakers blend jazz shoes and jazz boots. Jazz booties can be used for the same purposes as jazz shoes while providing added benefits like greater ankle support. These shoes include side elastic inserts and spilt soles. The inserts nullify the requirement of laces while offering great fitting in the upper arches.
Slip-On Jazz Shoes
Some dancers prefer slip-on shoes as they allow the dancer to slide their feet into the shoes, with there being a need to tie laces and adjust the pressure of the shoe each time. Most often, slip-on shoes provide a much firmer fit as compared to lace-up styles. These shoes also make it much easier for dancers to switch between shoes during performances and practice. These shoes also make them the right choice for kids who struggle to tie laces.
Aesthetically, slip-on shoes provide a much smoother and more cohesive appearance than laced shoes. Ultimately, the option to choose between slip-on and lace-up shoes is left to the dancers and their preferences. For instance, dancers with wider feet generally choose lace-up shoes as they can be loosened as required.
Additional Jazz Shoe Types
Jazz Boots
Jazz boots are sturdy, heavier and structured dance boots that generally consist of full-length soles that help relieve pressure from the ball of the foot. All the jazz boots come only in laced options and no slip-on options.
Jazz Sneakers
Jazz sneakers are sturdier than jazz shoes and are often designed with flexible or split soles to aid the foot in pointing and flexing. They are heavier than most varieties of jazz shoes and look athletic.
Regardless of your foot type, your proficiency in dancing, or your need for suitable footwear, there are multiple options for men’s jazz shoes. Make a note of your preferences beforehand, as doing that shall allow you to filter through the options and help you find the right shoes that match your needs.
