September is approaching and with it the return of trips, meetings and thoughtful outfits. In 2026, a little news slips into the equation: jazz shoes, flat lace-up shoes that are driving fashion girls crazy. Enough to dust off your basics without sacrificing comfort.
We already see them in windows and on Instagram, with jeans, suits or midi dresses. Between demure ballerinas and imposing moccasins, they promise a chic middle ground. It remains to be understood what these shoes really are and why they promise to be essential for the start of the 2026 school year.
Jazz shoes: what does this hybrid shoe look like?
Originally, the jazz shoe was a dance shoe: very soft leather, closed shape, laces and thin sole. Adapted to the city, it becomes a little minimalist derby, almost without a heel, reminiscent of a lightweight brogue. It covers the foot more than a ballerina and offers reassuring support, while maintaining the lightness of a flat shoe.
Popularized in the city by Repetto’s Zizi in the 1970s, worn by Serge Gainsbourg, the jazz shoe became a Left Bank symbol. It keeps this spirit: a small flat shoe with a slightly masculine look, easy to wear for both men and women, which marks a studied style without seeming forced.
From catwalks to celebrities: why they are exploding in 2026
Jazz shoes have also conquered the catwalks. We saw these flat brogues from spring-summer 2025, then in 2026 at Celine, Prada, Bottega Veneta and Simone Rocha. Available in black or ecru but also in bright red, cobalt or yellow, they take the leading role in the fall-winter 2026-2027 silhouettes.
Very quickly, the street follows. Repetto’s Zizi returns via collaborations with Kaia Gerber, while Charlize Theron, Lily Collins, Gracie Abrams and Nicole Kidman appear in cream, white, black or braided jazz shoes. Increasingly seen as an alternative to ballerinas and sneakers, they offer a more chic look while remaining flat, flexible and laced to last all day.
How to adopt jazz shoes for the 2026 school year
For the 2026 school year, start with a simple pair. A black or ecru jazz shoe in smooth leather goes with most of your office and weekend outfits. For a more bohemian touch, suede works very well with denim, leather or velvet, perfect when temperatures start to drop.
At the office, combine black jazz shoes, straight jeans or pleated pants, a white shirt and blazer for a clean look. In the evening, a flowy midi dress and thin socks transform them into going-out shoes you can actually walk in.
