Jazz shoes may be trending, but I’m sticking with these timeless shoes

Jazz shoes may be trending, but I’m sticking with these timeless shoes

Jazz shoes have been all the rage lately.

The dance-inspired footwear trend taps into the same sleek, minimalist look that made ballet flats a wardrobe staple, but with a slightly more structured design. Think soft leather, a glove-like fit, lace-up details and a low-profile silhouette.

In Celine’s latest spring/summer show, models were seen sporting the look with summer dresses, and Lily Collins and Charlize Theron have also been spotted wearing the trend.

Celine

At first glance, ballet flats and jazz shoes can look pretty similar, but a few things set them apart. Jazz shoes typically feature a lace-up closure, a sturdier frame and a slightly larger heel, compared to your classic ballet flat.

Although jazz shoes are definitely cool, I’m not the biggest fan of their more classic dance-shoe design. For everyday wear, I still find myself gravitating toward ballet flats.

There’s one brand that really stands out for me, and these ballet slippers are the ones I’m currently wearing almost daily on repeat: Tieks.

Collage of two images showing a person wearing bright blue Tieks flats.

Pros:

  • Very easy to break in
  • Shoe conforms to the shape of your foot
  • Durable and grippy

Cons:

  • Only available in full sizes — size down if you’re in between sizes.

These Italian leather flats are available in the largest selection of colors I’ve ever seen. Everything from rose gold to cobalt blue is available, giving you an option for every kind of outfit.

I own the cobalt blue option, and they feature a slightly distressed, textured finish, which I personally love. The color itself is bright and saturated, so it easily stands out against neutral tones.

I’ve paired these flats with beige and off-white dresses, and even bright red ones. They also work well with jeans and short brown suede skirts. I personally love how they contrast against my wardrobe, adding a pop of color to my otherwise monotone color palette.


As for comfort, the very first time I wore these Teiks, I did have to break them in. I had a small blister forming right above my toe where the shoe met my foot.

That said, after the first day — and the second consecutive day of wearing them — I had zero discomfort. They had fully conformed to the shape of my feet, and dare I say, the perfect Cinderella fit, staying put even after walking 20 to 30 blocks.

The sole is grippy, too. I wore them on hardwood floors, tile and New York City sidewalks, and never once did I feel like I was going to lose my footing or slip.

These ballet flats have also shown minimal wear and tear, even though I’ve consistently worn them almost daily for the last month. The elastic still feels strong, and the shoes stay put on my feet without my heel popping out. Yes, the sole is a little worn, as is to be expected, but other than that, the shoes look as good as new.

Our verdict: Are Tieks worth $200?

For date nights and in-office workdays, these shoes remain my absolute favorite. They can be worn all day long without any discomfort, and they look beautiful on. Yes, they’re on the pricier side; most well-made ballet flats don’t run cheap. That said, for their longevity and premium build, they’re absolutely worth it.


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