I think we can all agree there has been no shortage of shoe trends this year. Truly, the fashion powers that be have spoiled us for choice with comeback styles – we're talking wedges *and* gladiator sandals (!!) – alongside seasonal staples like flip flops. But just when you thought you'd seen the last It style of the summer emerge, we're here to tell you there's another footwear silhouette worth knowing about: the jazz shoe.
Coming courtesy of the Celine spring/summer 2026 runway, held earlier this month in Paris and marking Michael Rider's debut at the brand, we can't help but picture the new creative director à la Davina McCall on the steps of the Big Brother house, looking down the lens of the camera and asking, “Do you want another one?” The answer is an obvious yes, and naturally, the French fashion house delivered.
The shoe in question sits somewhere between a brogue and a ballet flat. Possessing the lace-up detailing and shoe coverage of the former but with a slightly less sturdy structure, the jazz shoe has a much softer silhouette that makes it akin to a ballet pump.
Following the popularity of the sneakerina or ballet trainer, the ‘ugly shoes’ that captivated the collective sartorial consciousness in spring, the jazz shoe feels like a natural progression of fashion's love affair with dance. In fact, the distinct style was first launched in the 1970s by French footwear brand Repetto. The Zizi was named after founder Rose Repetto's daughter-in-law, dancer Zizi Jeanmaire.
Luckily, they look just as good paired with midi dresses and jeans as a leotard, and are an easy way to channel Audrey Hepburn's delicate femininity and inject a bit of retro prep into any ensemble. With the street style set already taking note, now is the perfect time to pick up your own pair and get ahead of the trend.
Shop the jazz shoe trend
Natural Tabitha Simmons x Next Dilly Round Toe Lace Up Slim Jazz Shoes
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
