thigh thighs logo

What Are the Best Shoes for Zumba?

Your Shoes Can Make or Break You (Sometimes Literally)

flustered zumba student looking at wall of sneakers

One of the most-asked questions we get as Zumba instructors: what shoes should I wear? Cue Amanda coming in with a non-answer (ha ha ha). 

But seriously, though, everyone’s feet are different, thus why there are SOOOO many sneaker options. That said, we can give you a few pointers that may be helpful as you shop for new sneakers for dancing. 

First, an important disclaimer: We are not physicians! Always consult your doctor before beginning any fitness regimen or changes to your diet. The internet can be a wonderful place to get ideas, but it also can be…well, a dumpster fire. Be smart. Talk to your health support team before making any changes. 

Do I Need Dance Shoes?

No. Not at all! There are shoes sold as “dance sneakers,” some of which are made by actual dance shoe manufacturers like Bloch and Capezio. Another new, hot brand is Fuego.

Sneakers labeled as “dance sneakers” tend to be very lightweight and less bulky than cross trainers or trail runners. Some also have a “turning circle” on the sole of the shoe, which can make moving and pivoting a little easier. This is a cool feature, but it’s not required for Zumba or any dance fitness class. 

Some dance sneakers are made with “split soles,” where the arch of the shoe is split, making it easier for the dancer to point their foot. This is great for ballroom dancers or professional dancers looking for pretty lines, but it’s not something you necessarily need for Zumba. I will say…I have suuuper high arches, and I personally really like split sole shoes. But I also grew up using them, so I’m accustomed to how they feel. 

If you wanna rock a pair of dance sneakers GO FOR IT! But they’re not required for having a fun and efficient Zumba workout.

What Kind of Shoes Should I Wear?

Any sort of athletic shoe! Sneakers marked for running and cross training are always safe bets. What’s key is their fit and support. Remember – Zumba isn’t a dance class. It’s a FITNESS class! There will be jumping and moving. What makes running and cross training shoes a bit different is that they’re designed for forward motion. In Zumba we have forward and lateral movement, and sometimes shoes with bulky soles or stiff builds can make for awkward side-to-side movement. 

Are cross trainers good for Zumba? Yes!

Are running shoes good for Zumba? Yes!

Are high top shoes good for Zumba? They can be!

Are casual sneakers good for Zumba? They’re not ideal, but they’d work in a pinch. Casual sneakers don’t have a support and impact design in mind that comes with exercise territory. 

The best way to figure out what shoe fits best for you is to physically go and try on shoes. You may already have a brand you swear by. Pop in to your local shoe stores and try on a few different kinds to see how they feel. 

What To Look For

You want a shoe that:

  • supports your ankles and arches as you turn, pivot, and salsa.
  • provides enough cushion from high impact moves and jumps
  • is snug yet comfortable
  • is breathable
What To Avoid

Avoid shoes that:

  • have large/heavy treads (think trail runners), as these have intense traction grip the floor aggressively, making turning and pivoting hard (and sometimes increase the possibility of knee injuries)
  • are minimalist. You want cushion and support. This means…avoid barefoot shoes or going barefoot. 
  • have chunky heels. This isn’t a high heels class. You want to be grounded and stable.
  • are any iteration of flip flops. Protect your feet! 
Best Shoe Place in Lancaster to Try Sneakers

I’d highly recommend dropping into The Inside Track on Lititz Pike. They are absolute NERDS for running, and they Know Their Shoes. My freakishly high ballet arches were no challenge when I walked in and asked for recommendations. 

What Shoe Brands Are Best?

Any shoe that supports your feet and body as you work out are good shoes, regardless of brand. That said, the most popular brands you’ll see on the Zumba dance floor are: 

  • Hoka
  • New Balance
  • Adidas
  • Brooks
  • Ryka
  • Saucony
  • Nike

Personal preference reigns supreme. Some people swear by certain brands. 

I personally love Hoka – they support my ballerina arches and are somehow both thick and springy with support yet super light. They’re expensive, but worth every penny. 

Are Zumba® Shoes Good Shoes?

Did you know Zumba® makes it’s ownzumba wear sneakers in bright colors shoes (and clothes)? Yes they do! In true Zumba fashion, they’re often bright, bold, and guaranteed to catch the eye. Zumba® makes both flat sole and split sole dance sneakers. They’re great for everyone, not just instructors. 

Are they good shoes? It depends who you ask.  Their level of support varies. I can only speak from personal experience, which is: they’re suuuuper cute and make a statement, but they don’t last nearly as long as my Hokas. I can probably get a solid three months from a pair of Zumba shoes, teaching 3 classes/week, before my feet start to hurt. I can get 6-8 months from my Hokas. 

Zumba® shoes range from $50 – $100, and depending on your budget and your needs, you may find it more worthwhile investing in a brand that specializes in active footwear (ex: New Balance).

But by all means, if a pair of Zumba® sneakers speak to you, GO FOR IT. I’ve worn several pair into the ground and had few regrets.

How Do I Know When It's Time For New Sneakers?

This answer depends on how often you’re putting the shoes to use and how they wear down over time. The general lifespan of a shoe can range 250 – 400 hours of use, or 300 – 500 miles of running or walking. If you’re doing moderate-intensity Zumba 2 -3x a week, a safe bet is you should be replacing your shoes every 4-6 months. 

Signs it may be time to retire your shoes for mowing the lawn: 

  • the sole or tread is worn down
  • there are uneven wear patterns
  • you notice more aches in your feet, knees, or hips than usual
  • they’re falling apart

Sometimes it’s hard to tell. If you’re unsure, take some time to hit up a shoe store to try on a new pair of your fave brand. You’ll know IMMEDIATELY when you first walk around in the fresh pair if your old tried-and-true are begging for retirement. You’ll feel like you’re walking on a cloud. 

How to Make My Shoes Last Longer

Good shoes are an investment. A good shoe will help keep your ankles, knees, and hips in proper alignment as you move, which means you’ll spend more time on the dance floor and less time in recovery. 

To get the most mileage out of your shoes, we recommend: 

  • Have more than one pair! Rotate those bad boys. 
  • Use your athletic shoes ONLY for athletics. Have grocery shopping sneakers and Zumba sneakers, and keep them separate. 
  • Let them fully air out between uses.
  • Don’t over-tighten the laces. Too much stress can put pressure on the eyelets, which can lead to faster wear and tear. 
  • Store them properly. Keep them in a cool, dry place 

If the Shoe Fits...DANCE!

Once you’ve found the shoes that work best for you, it’s time to hit the dance floor! We look forward to seeing you in our next dance fitness class.