Which Jazz Shoes are right for you?

Like any other kind of dancer, those who dance jazz have certain clothing needs.  Footwear is really important to people in everyday life and activities, and is especially so for dancers.  Over the years dance shoe and sportswear manufacturers have put a lot of research and effort into producing practical, comfortable and supportive shoes for dancers.

Jazz shoes are an example of dance specific footwear in which a variety of needs are catered for.  There are loads of styles and designs available on the market.  While this is a good thing, it can make choosing shoes very difficult for those who are inexperienced.  When selecting jazz shoes there are several things that should be taken into consideration.  If you (or your child) are a member of a jazz class, there may well be details of which shoes to buy available from the school, or advice to be had from teachers or fellow students/parents.

Like ballet slippers, jazz shoes should be well fitted, comfortable but not too loose.  You don’t’ want the shoe to chafe, or to come off during practice!  Trying on a variety of makes and styles is advisable, as what works for one dancer may not suit another.  If you are interested in purchasing shoes for a better price online, make sure you know which size you need as they may vary between manufacturers and styles.

Split sole shoes can provide excellent flexibility, helping to allow certain movements, although today a number of full sole options can be very supple.  Another option worth considering is the jazz boot – these provide extra support for the ankle and can be useful to beginners.  Jazz trainers are now available, and they are becoming increasing popular as they offer a good level of ankle support and usually have a hard toe casing to help a dancer remain in a pointe position.  They are, however, quite heavy compared to other designs, which means they lend themselves better to some forms of dance than others.  They are usually used for hip hop and street styles.

The materials used to make jazz shoes are also really important, and your choice will be governed by cost and style.  Leather is expensive initially, but is long lasting, breathable and moulds itself to a user’s foot after being worn several times.  Leather will require careful cleaning and maintenance to keep it in top notch condition.  Canvas shoes are often recommended for youngsters, as they tend to fit well and are less expensive – shoes need replacing frequently for growing feet.  It’s important to have the right clothes when starting to dance, they allow for comfortable movements and can help boost confidence.  After a while, choosing the right jazz shoes for you will be an easy and enjoyable task.

The main purpose of dancing for many is to have a good time, and to get some exercise.  Enjoying dance is of vital importance, the energy and enthusiasm of those who love to dance shines through in their performances for all to see.