Dancers have many things to consider when deciding on a pair of jazz shoes. Available in both full sole and split sole versions, the split sole is more flexible and easier to point. Full sole shoes can look more like a street shoe on stage, which can be good, and they can offer more arch support or can be fitted with flexible custom orthotics if necessary.

If you are looking for a very customized fit and want a shoe that is great for quick changes then consider a slip-on jazz shoe. Instead of laces the shoe has elastic to hold the shoe on. This shoe, which is currently made by Capezio and Bloch, may also be a good shoe for lyrical since it comes in tan leather.

The jazz boot differs from the low jazz shoe both in the look and the increased ankle support. The jazz boot may be a little harder for a quick change. Teacher preference, especially if you are on a team or in a show, usually solves the dilemma.

Capezio and Bloch are now offering a new jazz shoe that doesn't have laces. Instead, it has elastic on the sides. This shoe is ideal for quick changes since it slips on and off with ease, yet stays on your foot without laces. Since the shoe also comes in tan leather, it can be used for lyrical as well.

Companies that carry jazz shoes/boots: American Jazz Art Stone Award Bloch Capezio Danshuz La Mendola Leo's Sansha and many more.

Many materials are used to make jazz shoes. The upper part of jazz shoes is often made of leather but you'll also find synthetic leather, neoprene, elastic and canvas. Jazz shoes have a rubber heel and the sole is most often made of rubber and sometimes suede leather. The rubber soles are great on slicker floors while the suede improves turns on vinyl flooring.

Sansha makes canvas jazz shoes in a variety of color combinations, so you have many fun choices. Since the leather jazz shoes can be pretty expensive the canvas can be a good choice for class.

Capezio and Block have both introduced new jazz shoes with an elastic arch. So far it comes only in the low jazz shoe. The shoe makes pointing your foot look and feel great. It hugs your arch perfectly. These are absolutely wonderful shoes.

Dance sneakers are a great choice for a jazz shoe. They are also very comfortable as a teaching shoe. The hard outer sole allows you to wear them outdoors, while the split sole design allows you to pointe your foot with ease. The sneakers have a hardened toe area that allows dancers to go up on their toes for brief amounts of time. The Capezio brand dance sneakers are the best for standing on pointe. It's a good idea to try standing on pointe in the store because if the shoe is too big you will find out when you stand on the shoe.

Capezio dance sneakers do not come in a wide width and some people may find that the Capezio shoes are too tight. For them, I recommend the Bloch dance sneakers. The Bloch dance sneakers are softer and wider. They are more comfortable, but you cannot stand on pointe in them for long because the toe area isn't as reinforced as in the Capezio shoes. The Bloch shoes also come in a black and white combination that look similar to Adidas shoes. Both companies make the shoes in low or hightop styles. Capezio has the black and tan dancesneakers now available in a suede finish.