Both jazz shoes and dance shoes are highly versatile styles of dance shoes, though each serve a different purpose. Jazz shoes are primarily designed for jazz dancing, although they are suitable for many other styles, including rock ‘n’ roll, modern, and more. Dance shoes are also very flexible but are designed to provide more support to the foot. They are also used for many styles, but are particularly popular for breakdancing, hip hop, and street dancing.
The most striking difference between a jazz shoe and a dance shoe is the appearance of the upper. The upper part of a jazz shoe is usually made of very supple leather, much like the type used to make soft ballet shoes. This allows the shoe to fit the foot almost like a second skin, allowing great freedom of movement for the foot. Dance shoes have a much stiffer upper that has a sneaker-like appearance, making them especially popular for urban and street dancing.
The sole of a jazz shoe has many differences but also shares some similarities with the sole of a dance shoe. Most jazz shoes are available with a full sole or split sole, while dance shoes always have a split sole. This is to offer the foot more freedom of movement and at the same time offer adequate support. Dance shoes also often have smooth points on the soles to facilitate turning, or notches on the heel to make it easier for a dancer to lift a partner off of it. On the other hand, the soles of both types of dance shoes offer shock absorption and are non-marking.
There is a wide range of jazz shoes and dance shoes available on the market from many of the leading dance brands such as Capezio, Bloch and Dance Gear. Some of the most popular jazz shoes include split-sole varieties of leather, and some of the most popular dance shoes include the Capezio Web Dansneaker and the Bloch Boost Dansneaker.
If you’re buying your first pair, or if you’re not sure which size to choose, it’s a good idea to have them fitted at a local dance store. However, if you’re sure you know what size and style you want to buy, you’ll find dance shoes online at much more competitive prices. However, before you buy, make sure the online dancewear retailer you choose has a secure payment gateway and fair terms and conditions to ensure you get the best possible service. It’s also a good idea to check their privacy policy to verify that they won’t share your personal data with anyone else.