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Jazz dance is a creative and energetic dance. It involves a range of motions through which you can express yourself whenever you hear the different melodies of the musical genre. To perform the motions and express the emotions best, jazz dancers need to feel comfortable whenever they are dancing. Apart from the comfortable dancing attire, what’s the most important is a good pair of dancing shoes.
It is crucial for every jazz dancer to have a good pair of jazz shoes since they use their feet for a wide range of movements. However, if you are a beginner, you may find it difficult to choose from the dance shoes for sale. So, here are some things you need to consider to make the right decision.
Consider the Material
Whenever you look for jazz shoes, start with checking the material. As a dancer, you will wear out your shoes much faster than anyone else, which will make you look for dance shoes for sale more often. All those graceful and energetic movements take a toll on your shoes, as well on your feet. So, your dance shoe material should be a number one priority.
Usually, one of the preferred materials for making jazz shoes is leather, but there are other options you can find, such as canvas, faux leather, and other synthetic materials. Although leather shoes can be more expensive than other material options, they will last longer and are softer and more breathable for your feet. The last benefit is especially important since jazz dancers spend a lot of time in their shoes, and the last thing any dance wants is their feet to be constricted and sweat a lot.
That said, leather or canvas jazz shoes are great, but you can also try synthetic jazz shoes, which are also breathable and stretchier.
Check the Sole
Once you’ve inspected the upper material of your jazz shoes, it is important to consider the sole as well. The sole is crucial for your shoe wearability and structure. That said, you can choose between full-sole and split sole jazz shoes. The full-sole covers the whole foot underneath with an uncut strip of leather, which provides durability and support.
On the other hand, the split sole shoe has two parts covering the heel and the ball of the feet. These shoes are very flexible and show the arch even more while allowing the dancers to point their feet easier. Also, they can offer a much better grip on most dance floors.
When it comes to the material used for the soles of the shoes, it is usually rubber or suede. Suede soles allow for smoother dance turns on the floor without causing a lot of friction or sticking.
Slip-on or Lace-up Jazz Shoes?
Another thing to consider when looking for jazz shoes is how you will wear them. Some jazz shoes have laces in the front. They are easy to put on and take off because the drawstrings can be loosened. That also makes them better for dancers that have wider feet. They can easily adjust the width of the shoe to find the perfect fit.
Yet, slip-on jazz shoes are typically the best-fitting jazz shoes because the entire shoe pulls in towards your feet. Also, these types of shoes often include a neoprene that provides some give when putting on and taking off the shoes. Thus, if the dancer has narrower feet, a slip-on shoe with neoprene is better.
Also, it’s important to mention that jazz shoes can have a high or low cut. That said, it all comes down to preference, whether it be a slip-on shoe with a low rise or a lace-up shoe with a higher rise.
Consider the Heel’s Height
Jazz shoes usually have a heel that is slightly thicker. This thickness reduces the impact and provides better shock absorption whenever dancers’ feet hit the floor. However, it is critical to determine which level is the most convenient and comfortable for you. A heel tab, for example, is not needed if you want to have better contact with the floor.
Look for the Right Fit
This is quite a crucial step in choosing any shoe, especially dance shoes. Make sure that the jazz shoes fit your feet snugly, just like ballet shoes. This is important since it will lead to impeccable performances without negative impacts on your body as a dancer. It will help you keep the right posture when dancing without any feelings of discomfort or pain.
That said, you need jazz shoes that aren’t too tight or too loose. For example, if the shoes are painful around the sides of your feet, leave them since this pain won’t go away, and you might even develop bunions. Instead, try to look for wider fitting ones that will provide some comfort. However, choosing dance shoes that are too loose is not good either since it will cause a constant rubbing on your feet.
Jazz shoes that make your toes rest comfortably flat on the floor are the perfect fit. One thing to keep in mind is that young dancers should buy shoes that are more flexible and expandable, as shoes that fit snugly will compress over time.
All things considered, once you know your jazz shoe size, you can order dance shoes online. But make sure to check the size chart since some of the brands may have different sizes.
