The Comfy Shoe Trend That's Elevating Your Plain Ballet Flats (& It's Perfect For Older Women)

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There's a majorly comfy shoe trend that's elevating your plain ballet flats; jazz flats. Also known as Derby shoes or jazz shoes, the lace-up style rose to prominence in spring 2026 as a fun twist on the ballet flat (which began their revival in 2023). And from the look of it, it isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

But what constitutes a jazz shoe? They're too dissimilar to their ballet flat sisters and have the same easy, understated appeal (though jazz shoes can have a slight heel). Jazz shoes got their name because they were favored by jazz dancers, so they're usually made from more durable material like flexible leather that offers room for movement. The lace-up version makes the shoe easier to walk in than some ballet flats and they can also be worn with sneaker socks. So they're a better choice for those who don't like to go barefoot in shoes or suffer from blisters and rubbing.

Though the classic ballet flat has continued to be popular — particularly while sky high stilettos are still considered outdated shoes — the jazz flat offers a more polished, sophisticated take that makes them perfect for older women. They're as comfortable as they are practical, easy to style, and can easily go from casual to semi-formal occasions, making them the go-to shoe for playing with the grandkids at the park before heading to a lunch date.

Proving just how popular jazz flats have become, we've seen countless celebs in 2026 strutting their stuff in the comfy and practical footwear. Charlize Theron showed us how to style a jazz shoe as part of an equally fashionable and practical monochrome ensemble in April. The "Bombshell" actor strut through the New York city rain wearing a trendy white version of the shoe with a matching dress. Unlike ballet flats, which don't have the same coverage, Theron's footwear kept her protected from the elements without being too bulky. The look (minus her bag) was pulled from the Bottega Veneta runway, though the runway version featured a more structured jazz shoe that bordered an oxford shoe.

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"Succession" star Justine Lupe also gave us major jazz shoe inspo in October 2025. She opted for a gold pair while outside the "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen" studios that were more open over the top of the foot. Lupe's glam version is perfect for summer, as they offer practicality but with more breathability than the typical jazz flat. She wore hers with a classy, fringe co-ord set, but these could easily have worked with a blouse and summer 2026's hottest pant trend; capris.

The Capezio E Series Jazz Oxford in Caramel are highly practical. They're neutral and understated, so you're sure to get a lot of use out of them, and they can be worn in almost all weathers too. The Bloch Dance Jazzsoft Split Sole Leather Jazz Shoe in White will help make your 'fit feel elegant and suave, and they won't look too dance-y for everyday wear.