Sorry to all the dancers out there still scarred by memories of childhood dance classes, but I’m making a case for jazz shoes. And, quite frankly, I’m not alone. Last year, we started seeing them on the runway again, with lace-up styles appearing in Michael Rider’s debut collection for Celine. They brought a relaxed edge to a collection centred on lasting, versatile clothes that still felt exciting.

They’re the kind of flat footwear that can be styled across seasons and worn for an array of different occasions. Seeing them on the runway — whether paired with long trousers or a short, sparkly dress — was all the confirmation we needed that these shoes don't need to be confined to the stage. And it wasn't a coincidence that we saw the same silhouette across the spring summer 2026 runways, from Bottega Veneta in a slightly more heeled version, while the spring summer 2027 collections we’re still in the midst of have continued to bring the style back, this time in a range of different colours.

This isn’t, of course, the first time we have seen these bad boys on the feet of the street-style set. With roots in performance and dance, the jazz shoe found an enduring fashion identity through Repetto’s Zizi Oxford, created by Rose Repetto for her daughter-in-law, dancer Zizi Jeanmaire. By the 1970s, Serge Gainsbourg had adopted the leather lace-ups at Jane Birkin’s suggestion, making them a signature of his wardrobe. And like Gainsbourg — if you're a flat feet sufferer and aren't the fondest of walking in boots or heeled shoes — the jazz shoe can be not only a fashionable choice, but a practical solution too.

Below, we've accumulated a list of our favourite jazz shoes.

Celine Jazz Shoes

Repetto Jazz Shoes

Bottega Veneta Gino Lace Up Shoes

Jimmy Choo Margot Lace Up Shoes

Loewe Embellished Leather Sneaker

Reformation Buffy Oxford Shoes

COS Soft Leather Brogues

Nine West Jazzy Flats

Massimo Dutti Soft Leather Lace Up

Maison Margiela Tabi Jazz Lace Up Shoes

Bared Footwear Warbler flats