By
Courtney Falsey,
a writer in L.A. who covers fashion, lifestyle, and wellness.
Her work has appeared in The Zoe Report and Who What Wear. She also writes a newsletter on motherhood, Don’t Forget to Call Mom!
This season, ballet flats have some stiff competition from their funkier stylistic opponent: jazz shoes. A cousin of the heavier-set derby or oxford, jazz shoes are softer in appearance than the latter, featuring supple leather and a glovelike fit meant to carry you through a performance as one of the Jellicles in Cats and beyond. It was Michael Rider’s heavily praised spring 2026 show that cemented the trend. Jazz shoes in hues like cobalt blue, yellow, black, red, and white anchored several looks ranging from structured, shoulder-padded blazers and culottes to mini skirts. (The house just released a caged version of its Ballet Lace Up Shoes in red. Even at $3,000, they sold out almost immediately.)
