In short: a split-sole jazz shoe is more flexible under the arch of the foot and better defines the pointed foot: it is suitable for dancers working on line and pointe work. A solid rubber sole, sneaker-style, provides more support and grip: useful for beginners, jumping, or dancing on slippery floors. Also check what your class requires.
Split sole or solid sole?
On a split sole, the rubber only covers the front of the foot and the heel, leaving the arch free. The shoe bends with the foot, making the pointed foot more visible, but the support under the arch is less. A solid sole covers the entire bottom: more resistance and stability, slightly less flexibility. Beginners often opt for stability, while experienced dancers choose flexibility (sources: Bloch, Dance Parent 101).
Suede or rubber underfoot?
This is another question apart from the shape of the sole. A suede-look sole glides: it helps with turns and glides. A rubber sole grips: it provides confidence for jumps and slippery floors, but slows down pivots.
The right size
Jazz shoes should fit snugly, like a sock, with no room at the toe. Measure your foot in centimeters and compare it with our size converter.
Our jazz shoes
Split sole
- Rondo (€29.99): PU (faux leather), split EVA outsole, low block heel, brown or black, sizes 35 to 43.
- Tamara (€29.99): knit, sock-like fit, two-piece suede-look split sole, sizes 34 to 41.
- Bisan (€39.99): canvas, laces, split sole, unisex, black or white, sizes 31 to 45.
- Pristina (€49.99): leather, slip-on, elastic side panels, split sole, camel or black, sizes 31 to 45.
- Palmira (€54.99): lace-up sneaker, two-piece split sole, sizes 33 to 45.
Sneaker-style rubber sole
- Tempo (€39.99): breathable knit, laces, rubber outsole, low square heel, sizes 34 to 41.
- Malaga (€59.99): breathable knit, laces, rubber outsole, sizes 34 to 42.
The full range: jazz and modern jazz shoes and dance sneakers. Also read: modern jazz, contemporary, hip-hop: which shoes. Not sure? Our quiz offers 3 models in 1 minute.