Best Shoes for Zumba in 2022 [Top 6] Reviewed
There is a wide variety of shoes that are suitable to partake in Zumba class with, however it is not an easy feat, as Zumba is not the same as any typical dance class. Shoes that may be suitable for running and cycling won’t necessarily be suitable to dance Zumba in so it isn't a shock that it might be overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. With varying brands, sizes and fits, weight, soles, spin spot, grip, materials, as well as trying to stick within your budget, finding the most the best shoes for Zumba can be exhausting. Whether you have just taken up Zumba or are after a new pair of Zumba shoes to carve up the dance floor, you are in the right place, you'll have Zumba shoes that will have you carving up the dance floor in no time.
Our objective is to provide you with an accurate run down of the finest Zumba shoes on the market. Whatever your particular requirements may be, whether you seek a shoe with all the finest of features, or are after a budget friendly, yet durable shoe, we’ll make sure to cover all the bases in order to guarantee you find the perfect shoe that offers maximum comfort and safety and ensure you have an enjoyable experience during Zumba.
This guide will cover:
- How to ensure you find shoes that fit correctly
- The different types of Zumba shoes
- The main features to look for in a Zumba shoe
- The most recommended Zumba shoe reviews
Zumba Dancing
Zumba is a Latin inspired dancing exercise program that was developed in the nineties through sheer creativity. It involves highly choreographed movements drawn from the likes of samba, salsa, mambo, hip hop and merengue to provide an aerobic-cardio workout that aims to have participants burning 369 calories in 39 minutes. Zumba is high energy, fun, full body workout targeting to strengthen the legs and core and increase agility and flexibility. You don’t need to be a professional dancer to enjoy the big impact dance movements that Zumba provides just two happy feet and a passion to rock out to some funky music with a groovy beat.
What Kind of Shoes are Best for Zumba?
When contemplating the best shoes to wear for a Zumba class, comfort, mobility and style should be the top considerations, upon purchase. Just as much as you need the appropriate footwear when playing tennis, you need the right shoes in Zumba in order to get the most out of your Zumba experience.
The best Zumba shoe will fit snug on the foot, are lightweight, allow you to glide across the floor with ease, support your lateral movements and they offer the maximum arch support and shock absorption for all the jumping and intense landing when participating in a Zumba class. These are important factors when choosing the best fit of shoe for your needs because the moves in style of dance-exercise are vigorous and you may need extra protection to prevent any sustainable injury.
Do You Need Special Shoes for Zumba?
The best suited type of shoes for Zumba class are aerobic dancing shoes, dancing sneakers and cross trainers, with a mild grip.
Aerobic Shoes
Of the three types of shoes the aerobic dance shoes are the most ideal type of Zumba footwear because they are lightweight, have spin spots on the bottom of the shoe, they provide the dancer with mild grip for traction across the floor, are fitted with a split sole for maximum flexibility and feature maximum shock absorption. These features are important in order to enjoy the high intensity dance moves and keep your feet happy.
Dance Sneakers
Dancing sneakers are also a very suitable type of shoe for Zumba, as they are very light in weight and provide the right amount of grip, for traction on the dance floor, however they lack the cushioning that is ultimately needed for shock absorption.
Training Sneakers
Cross training sneakers have quite a lot of grip and traction, as this type of shoe is used for various activities, which can be a setback when trying to move across the dance floor with ease, however in saying this, cross trainers are very supportive around the ankles and provide powerful shock absorption when jumping throughout a routine.
The Main Features to Look for in Zumba Shoes
Size and Fit
The right size and fit of shoes are two factors that you can’t really compromise with, when it comes to purchasing the most suitable shoes to dance in. Taking time to make sure the shoes fit and won’t come flying off in the middle of a class, will save you from sustaining any uninvited injuries when you are mid routine.
The correct fit of a Zumba shoe will fit snuggly around your feet and keep them strapped tightly as you are moving across the floor. It’s best to look for a pair that are fitted with laces or better yet go a step further and find a pair that are fitted with a Velcro strap. To ensure the shoes fit properly you want to make sure there is wriggle room around the toes and that your feet don’t curl when they move. Additionally, you don’t want to purchase shoes that are too loose around your ankles and have them sliding off as you dance. Purchasing a pair of shoes that fits well will encourage movement without any restriction and will also prevent slips and falls.
Material
The material of the Zumba shoes is not important per se, but it does need to be breathable as Zumba is a high intensity type of exercise that causes the dancer to sweat. Wearing shoes that don’t breathe can end up leading to unwanted friction to the feet whilst moving around and this can lead to getting blisters or unwanted infection due to the feet getting wet and sweaty.
Comfort
The level of cushioning and comfort that the shoes provide are very important when researching the Zumba shoes to purchase. With so much high impact movement throughout the routine, a pair that provides ample cushioning is a must. This is not just regarding the heel of the shoe, but the mid foot and forefoot as well, to ensure that the feet don’t start hurting whilst moving.
Spin Spot
The spin spot is a pivot point that is located under the ball of the foot and is smoother than the remaining outer sole of the shoe. This feature is one of the most defining in the greatest shoes for Zumba as this dance style exercise is characterised by an abundance of twists and turns and the spin spot can make it a lot safer and easier to complete fundamental movements with the balls of your feet. The spin spot can also prevent ankle and knee injuries in Zumba classes .
Grip
Zumba requires a lot of lateral and gliding movements, which means that a mild-grip outsole is highly necessary in the shoes selected, as it won’t have too much grip or traction on the floor. This will help the dancer to move with ease without losing balance or slipping and falling. In saying this it is also important to consider the dance floor that will be used in a class prior to choosing the grip of the shoes because the grip required on a hard wooden dance floor is very different to that of a carpet floor.
Shock Absorption
Zumba requires a lot of high impact movement so you want to ensure that the shoes you purchase can take the pressure off the knees, ankles, feet and legs to avoid any unnecessary injuries. The comfort that comes from the soft insoles, and the cushioning it provides, is heavenly. The cushioning insoles also carry your weight and provide shock absorption whilst jumping around on the floor. Without this cushioning, your feet and ankles will start to hurt early on in the class and subsequently could lead to injury.
Soles
The best Zumba shoe has a split sole, one for the forefoot and one for the heel. Though this gives less support around the arch than what the whole sole can provide, it permits more flexibility and power through the feet encouraging a larger variety of movement and direction throughout class. if you are brand new to dancing, however, it is best to stick to a whole sole for class.
Pricing
Budget friendly shoes are the best kind of shoes to purchase. In saying this though, you don’t want to spend all of your budget on a pair of shoes that are not practical to dance in or go the opposite way and buy some cheap shoes with soles that disintegrate after three wears. When it comes to making a selection look for shoes that are first and fore-mostly, comfortable, but that are also made with durable materials because if a shoe is durable you know you will get maximum use out of them and save yourself money in the long run.
The 6 Best Zumba Dance Shoes Reviewed
1. The New Balance FuelCore NERGIZE
The New Balance FuelCore NERGIZE shoes are a strong pair of shoes to own on and off the dance floor. Though they are not Zumba specific, they are praised for their levels of cushioning and the stability they provide, making them idyllic to jump and dance around on the Zumba floor at a high intensity.
This pair of shoes prove to be one of the best shoes for Zumba as they are made entirely with a synthetic structure, fitted with a low top breathable upper and a flexible sole to give a snug, tight comfortable fit. With a very modern, sleek, aesthetic design, the New Balance FuelCore NERGIZE shoes look casual to wear out on the street, but they are very powerful, fitted with synthetic uppers and REVlite, an extremely lightweight midsole foam layer, working cohesively to give the underfoot premium cushioning.
Overall, the New Balance FuelCore Nergize offers very high stability standards, providing maximum comfort and durability without the unnecessary bulk you can see in some shoes. Featuring memory sole comfort inserts for extra padding which is perfect for all the pivoting and quick movements, common in a Zumba routine. If you are after a pair of shoes that provide great support, maximum cushioning and comfort, with a supportive and snug fit the New Balance FuelCore NERGIZE may be the perfect pair of Zumba trainers for you.
The Ryka Influence training shoes prove to be a very affordable, supportive pair of dance shoes for Zumba and are suitable for both men and women. These sneakers are developed with a combination of breathable mesh and synthetic materials. They feature increased cushioning for shock absorption to minimise impact when jumping around, in addition to providing the feet with flexibility and comfort with movement, encouraging easy transitions whilst keeping the feet and ankles firmly secure
Traction-wise these Zumba dancing shoes provide exceptional control, featuring proper traction on the outsole to increase the grip and stability whilst moving across the floor. Additionally the Ryka Influence features a pivot point located at the front of the classes which enables the dancer to nail fast turns and quick steps in class with finesse, avoiding any unnecessary slips or falls.
The fitting of the Ryka Influence trainers is very smooth, with some wriggle room at the front for the toes and a tight fit behind to deliver ample ankle and heel support. In order to stay true to size it is recommended to go up one size, though this is a personal choice, it depends on how the person wants the shoe to fit. Regardless, these Zumba trainers are incredibly comfortable, and people love them almost immediately upon fitting.
This pair of Zumba shoes are cross- training sneakers which means they are versatile and are appropriate for various styles of training, making them an ideal choice for those who are in need of shoes to be worn outside of Zumba.
The Ryka Influence are affordable and provide maximum support with a snug fit. The feel, flexibility and style of these shoes are top quality, with soles and a pivot point that make moving around very easy and graceful on the floor. These Ryka's are definitely some of the best dance shoes for Zumba if you are looking for a solid option at a reasonable price.
The Devotion XT Mid Top Zumba shoes are highly recommended pair of sneakers for Zumba. They have a different aesthetic to the stock standard Zumba shoe that most other models provide. This pair of high-top sneakers are constructed with a mixture of breathable mesh and synthetic material and are a wonderful option for both men and women. The quality of the materials used to manufacture these shoes makes them very light in weight, provides maximum ventilation and makes them long lasting so you won’t need to replace these any time soon.
These high top sneakers are manufactured with a very solid rubber sole which is durable and will not wear down as easily as its contesters, which can help if you find yourself jumping and jamming in Zumba classes on a very regular basis. The Ryka pair of shoes also contain a pivot design, which can help the Zumba enthusiast to pivot quickly and slide gracefully across the dance floor effortlessly, without too much grip which is a necessity if you want to keep up in Zumba.
If you are seeking comfort in good Zumba shoes, the Devotion XT Mid Top Zumba sneakers are fitted with a precise return footbed, which can help deliver the comfort you need whilst the fit of the tie up laces and velcro straps can help in foot security within the shoe . This is amplified by the arch support, the ample cushioning provided within the shoe as well as the Flex Foil and Direct Fuse in the construction of the shoe material. These features serve to provide security, flexibility, ultimate comfort and help with high shock absorption upon intense landing, so you can show off all those dance moves without a care in the world.
You would think that with so many incredible, strong features these sneakers would be incredibly expensive, but alas, they sit in the mid-range regarding cost, making them relatively budget friendly. With such an impressive construction, in addition to high levels of cushioning to keep your feet and ankles protected, a snug fit and maximum comfort, the Rykas are definitely the best Zumba shoes for those who are after high quality with a reasonable price tag.
The Reebok Split Flex are a pair of shoes to rave on about. These wonderful sneakers are specifically made to participate in Pilates and Zumba in, made with an upper made of elastic and knit textile, providing increased ventilation for the feet and they feature a split sole, which is not very common in work out shoes. These sneakers have a rubber sole, that is divided into a split sole, offering the dancer increased flexibility in the feet and encourages ease of movement, especially when performing quick pivots on the floor.
The upper construction of the Reebok Split Flex is a bootie-style, providing a sock like fit which adds to the overall comfort in addition to giving the shoes a minimalist aesthetic. The sneakers are fitted with a silicone strap, that sits around the arch of the foot, which provides an increased support around the forefoot. If the wearer finds that the strap creates too much compression, it can easily and effortlessly be removed before commencing with the workout.
The midsole make of the Reebok Split Flex is made with EVA rubber. This provides increased foot support for those who have flat fleet and for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis, but at the same time the Zumba sneakers have a very light weight feel to them than you would originally expect. The shoes are then finished with an abrasion- resistant rubber sole. This rubber sole feature gives the sneakers increased durability and responsiveness, idyllic for quick change of direction and pivoting in Zumba, ideal for those who suffer from bad knees. If you are seeking a pair of sneakers that are jam packed with impressive features and look incredibly slick at the same time, then look no further because the Reebok Split Flex sneakers are definitely big contenders when it comes to the best shoes for Zumba .
The Zumba Women’s Air Classic sneakers are a pair of Zumba shoes that will well and truly exceed your needs. The make of these shoes is with leather and high-quality textiles. These Zumba sneakers are ideal for various types of flooring, not just the Zumba floor. Manufactured with Zumba Air technology, the Zumba Women’s Air Classic contain mesh uppers that are flexible in nature as well as EVA midsoles that are compression moulded and a rubber sole. This enhances the fit of the shoe and gives a lightweight cushion feel.
These shoes are incredibly comfortable, with a mesh upper that eradicates the surplus of sweat, as well as the odors that are a consequence of excess sweat, over time. Additionally, the material allows the feet to ventilate as the dancer is participating in a Zumba workout.
Though many that have purchased these women's shoes for Zumba, have had a positive experience, it has been noted that the shoes are a tad on the larger size and can make the feet look a bit bulkier, however in saying this if you are after comfort rather than aesthetics, the Zumba Air Classic sneakers are one of the best Zumba sneakers as they provide so much support and comfort whilst dancing at high intensity. If you are after the best shoes for Zumba you may be on to a winner with the Zumba Women's Air Classic Sneakers.
The Nike Free Tr8 sneakers were initially designed for activities such as HIIT training and cross training, however they also prove to be the best shoes for Zumba dancing. Designed to fit the foot like a sock, these bootie style shoes will have you feeling like you are dancing on air. They are fitted with an upper made of mesh material which provides the feet with the necessary ventilation for the high intensity movement, keeping your feet cool and comfortable. Additionally, the Nike Free Tr8 shoes are fitted with tie up laces so that the dancer can manipulate how much support they require and this is also facilitated by the Flywire cable that is features in the middle section of the foot, making the fit just right.
The foam midsole of the Nikes is lightweight and wide, offering ultimate shock absorption and cushioning throughout Zumba in addition to keeping the dancer stable on their feet whilst performing vigorous movements. This is also made possible through the rubber pods and flex grooves that are located in the rubber sole of the shoes as it provides just amount of grip and traction throughout practice.
The Nike Tr8's come in a wide variety of colours, 19 for women and 5 colours for men, to be exact. Sizing for women runs from a size 5-13 and 7.5-15 for men, with so much range the majority are bound to be happy. In saying this though, it should be noted that these shoes do run quite narrowly and therefore it is wise to increase your shoe size by one when you are choosing your shoes.
These sneakers prove to be one of the best Nike Zumba shoes going at the minute, with so many enticing features in addition to the sock like, lightweight feel, you could dance all day and night with these incredible shoes.
Summary
Zumba requires a lot of stomping, jumping, pivoting and vigorous moving throughout class so having shoes that are super comfortable, durable and provide great cushioning and ankle support whilst practicing or performing, is a must. This will lower the chances of unnecessary injuries, permitting an enjoyable experience throughout the Zumba sequence.
Though the fit of a shoe is personal, if there was a shoe that could be recommended as the best shoes overall, it would be the Devotion XT Mid Top by Ryka. These sneakers definitely have the tick of approval. Sleek in aesthetic appeal, with all the comfort and support you need, permitting the very easiest of movements and allowing you to move around and groove until your heart is content. If you are after the best shoes for Zumba, you are onto a winner with the Ryka's.