Men's Jazz Shoe Trend 2026: Why Fashion Guys Are Swinging Towards the Style

As low-profile footwear continues to trend, fashion houses have been seeking more and more inspiration from the dance floor. For a while, it was all about the ballet flat, which has been reworked in seemingly every possible iteration, from sneakers to derbies. But lately, a new form has pirouetted into view: the jazz shoe.This summer, errand-running fashion folk are doing so in thin-soled, tightly-laced, arguably quite sensual jazz shoes. You can spot SPAM professionals (that’s Social Media, PR, Advertising, Marketing) stomping around Paris in them, paired with chopped denim shorts and a breezy long-sleeve tee. There’s Harry Styles, opening the first night of his recent tour in a Celine pair. Additionally, all manner of guys who’ve taken to the summer style hack of color-blocking complimentary shades have chosen a little white jazz shoe as their outfit’s accent aigu. And of course, you can always channel Serge Gainsbourg and Mick Jagger (see the Start Me Up music video) with a pair of Repetto Zizis, flared jeans, and a peak-lapel jacket.Unlike ballet flats, which suggest a delicate athleticism, jazz shoes remind us that dance shoes are designed to be beaten and scuffed—and they look best that way. With their glove-like fit and simple choice of black or white, jazz shoes also pass as a dress shoe without the dreaded break-in period thanks to their soft, supple leather. To help you nail the form on your first try, the 12 jazz shoes selected below consist of the heritage makers still in production today (including the very same pairs worn by Gainsbourg and Jagger), as well as GQ’s favorite contemporary brands putting their own spin on things.Repetto ZiziLet’s start with the OG, shall we. Repetto’s Zizi has been in production since the early 1970s, first introduced for dancers requiring soft leather footwear with the polish to razzle and dazzle. Picked up by Gainsbourg and Jagger soon after, it was the kind of lightweight, aerodynamic shoe that proved capable for their own performances, with nimble calfskin leather and a two-inch heel for heightened stage presence. Apparently, Gainsbourg ran through 30 pairs a year, as you would a pair of Vans.Celine Leather Derby ShoesAnyone who loves to tell you how busy they are will also tell you that their lives are made easier by their new favorite errand shoe. Since debuting in his first collection for Celine, Michael Rider’s take on the little jazz shoe has taken on that mantle. The appeal is that it sits at the intersection of two trends shaping men’s footwear: slim shoes, and a slightly offbeat silhouette. A frequently sold out item, make sure you add it to your watchlist.Our Legacy Collapsing Consultant DerbysOur LegacyCollapsing ConsultantIf you can’t get away with wearing flat-soled shoes to the office, Our Legacy has our pick with its Collapsing Consultant's (great name) stacked soles, which still retain that flexible give with supple leather uppers.Marsèll Leather Lace-Up Derby ShoesMarsèllLeather Lace-Up ShoesThe artisanal charm of Venetian shoemaker Marsèll never ceases to amaze. Made from soft calf leather with a barely-there heel and sole, it’s the folded tongue design that adds even more whimsy to this jazz routine.Maison Margiela Tabi Jazz Leather Lace-UpsMaison MargielaTabi Jazz Leather Lace-Up Ballerina FlatsA shoe getting the Tabi treatment is the ultimate litmus test that a shoe has earned It status. These also resemble what you might actually find at a dance shop, with their split sole for maximum flexibility in the arch.Hereu Plegada Supple Shiny LoafersHereuPlegada Supple Shiny LoafersJazz shoes' shape take after the Oxford with its narrow, pointy toe box. If you’re in the wide-foot camp, Hereu made theirs in a squarer toe with trussed lacing and softly buffed leather.Crown Northampton Talbot ShoeCrown Northampton has been driving the jazz shoe resurgence for a good decade now, picked up by natty dressers from Japan to Canada. Made in England using calf leather, they’ve since opened things up, allowing you to customise your own pair down to the sole color.Jil Sander Hamburg Lace-Up OxfordsJil SanderHamburg Lace-Up OxfordsJil Sander’s Hamburg adds some reinforced structure to the glove-like jazz shoe, making it sturdy and edgy enough for a night at Berghain.Toga Virilis Leather DerbysToga VirilisBlack Leather DerbysRocking jazz shoes certainly suggests an elegant continental look with its lithe, clean lines, which we get isn’t everyone’s vibe. But the Americana obsessives at Toga Virilis give it their signature touch with heavy metallic hardware, trading the salons for the saloon.Ami Paris Lace-Up DerbysAmi ParisLace-Up Derby ShoesThe softness of a jazz shoe has met its match in the soft power of suede, making Ami Paris’ take here an elegant all-rounder in our eyes. And don’t be frightened to scuff suede—it can take it. In fact, I'd say it'll look even better.Lemaire Canvas Souris SneakersLemaireOff-White Souris SneakersParisian brand Lemaire knows what it means to dress city slickers. Having first released their sharp Souris as a leather derby, this canvas version is even lighter on the feet, and most importantly, breathable—ideal for Paris’ increasingly humid summers. In the black or white colorway, you can dress it up and not even remember it’s canvas.Adidas x Y-3 Tokyo TrainersStill getting cold feet about the razzle and dazzle of it all? Take it a step back, and consider a slick leather sneaker in a slim silhouette for a more familiar rubber-soled feel. Adidas and Y-3’s collab on the heritage Tokyo running sneaker is a jazz shoe in disguise, with only a subtle three stripe stitching along the leather uppers. Can’t beat a pair of Yohji training wheels.