Back to school: how to choose the best jazz shoes for your kids?

The school bell is ringing, schedules are filling up, and for dancer’s parents, your next essential step is simple: getting the right pair of jazz shoes.

At Dynadans, there are a variety of dance shoes appropriate to the dance style for all dancers, including jazz, tap dancing, and ballet. If you are confused about how to choose the right jazz shoes for your kids, here's our guide for you.

Always Check with the Teacher First

First of all, check the class syllabus or ask the teacher for specific details of jazz shoes—color, style, or sole type. For jazz shoes, the standard options of color are typically:

Tan: The classic, versatile choice that matches most skin tones and looks clean on stage.

Black: Your first choice for studio use, also a sleek, modern option often preferred for more contemporary routines.

How to Choose: Material, Style & Design

1. Pick Your Material: Leather vs. Synthetic

Genuine Leather: Soft and breathable, molds to the foot. This is why our Dynadans leather jazz shoes are a favorite for dancers—quality and lasting comfort.

Synthetic(PU/Canvas): The tough and trendy option. Easy to clean and maintain. For a durable, low-maintenance start, explore our PU jazz shoes.

2. Find your style: Slip-On vs. Lace-Up

The Slip-on: Simple and sleek. Often has an elasticized collar or insert to hug the foot for quick changes. Great for dancers who like a minimalist feel. Our range of Dynadans slip-on jazz shoes offers that perfect blend of convenience and secure fit.

The Lace-Up: Offers the most customizable fit. Tension adjustable—perfect for narrow feet or dancers who want total control.

3. Select the sole: Full vs. Split

Full sole: More supportive with a continuous sole, especially beneath the arch of the foot.

Split sole: More flexible, with grip pads under the forefoot and heel, balancing traction and glide. All our Dynadans split-sole jazz shoes feature a superior construction, providing the flexibility and floor connection essential for advanced jazz technique.

Final Pro-tips: What Makes the Jazz Shoes Really Fit?

Toes: The toe box of the jazz shoes should be easy to curl up, and your toes are allowed to naturally spread apart without feeling cramped.

Arch: The jazz shoes should conform to the arch and move with the foot, reducing the pressure on the midfoot.

Heel: Good jazz shoes will fully enclose the heel of dancers, and the heel of the shoes features relatively firm material.

First rule: Never buy shoes “to grow into.” Shoes too large may pose a safety hazard, prevent proper technique, and cause blisters. Perfect dance shoes are meant to fit perfectly now.

The right jazz shoes, turning nervous first steps into confident strides, serve as the foundation of their dance journey. Ready to equip your dancer for a shining school year? Explore our collection of Kid’s Dynadans Jazz Shoes designed for every term of their journey!