Zumba is a cool way for you to exercise and have a little fun in the process. This aerobic fitness exercise is usually executed alongside Latin music beats. As a result, you need to keep up with the ultra-fast music beats if you want to maximize your session.
Zumba is now a regular offering in many gyms, and you would be required to have the best outfits to get the most out of such workout sessions.
Just to let you in a bit, the Zumba dance routine involves the movement of all body parts. You will be jumping, skipping (a rope), and executing other high-octane repetitive motions that can take a toll on your feet. For this reason, you need to have a couple of Zumba dance shoes to wear to the studio.
Some of the issues that dance exercise shoes can help to minimize include sprain, muscle pain, trips, falls, and general foot ache. This review can help if you need a reliable shoe that can absorb shock and withstand the non-stop repetitive abuse. We have looked at the 10 best Zumba shoes in 2022 that market experts hold in high esteem.
And while every pair is good, we think that the RYKA Women’s Influence Cross Training Shoes outshine most of them for several reasons.
Related: Are you a cheerleader? Here see our guide about cheers shoes with depth reviews.
Best Shoes for Zumba
Zumba Shoes For Women: Top Picks
1. RYKA Women’s Influence Cross Training Shoe
The best sneakers for Zumba are not going to come cheaply. You can search online for hours and not find one that’s both affordable and satisfactory. Thankfully, we’ve found that RYKA Women’s Influence Cross Training Shoe fits that criteria: cheap but practical.
The upper material is 100% breathable synthetic with mesh linings that promote air circulation. The rubber outsole is ergonomic with a pivot point and decent traction for easy jumping, kicking, and spinning moves.
RYKA Women’s Influence puts comfort above many things. This can be proved by the soft synthetic fabric in the top overlays, the collar and tongue padding, as well as the dual-density EVA foam midsole. All the pressure points of the shoe have been patched with the comfort-enhancing material.
Top Features
The most outstanding features of this cross-training shoe include:
- 100% synthetic
- Bouncy insole
- Dual-density EVA foam insole
- Rubber sole
- Lace-up closure
- Padded tongue and collar
- Direct-fuse and Flex Foil
- Available in over five colors
Pros:
This women’s only shoe has the following pros:
- It is comfortable thanks to the mesh material and the dual impact midsole.
- It is lightweight for improved maneuverability.
- It has a precise return insole for continued performance.
- It is an affordable dance shoe.
- It is available in a variety of colors.
Cons
This may disappoint you about this shoe:
- It is medium quality and thus may not last very long.
RYKA Women’s Influence is a decent Zumba shoe that comes at a fair price and lasts a little longer with proper maintenance. All the features in its structure guarantee comfortable and pain-free dance floor sessions. There are no serious reasons to deter you from investing in this pair.
2. Zumba Women’s Fly Fusion Athletic Dance Workout Sneakers
Zumba Women’s Fly Fusion is a lightweight dance shoe with soft fabrics and breathable technology for comfortable dance floor moves. The collar and tongue are padded as well to enhance the comfort offered. As a women’s only shoe, Fly Fusion comes in a colorful design and with a narrow front end.
This fast-action exercise shoe has a flexible synthetic sole with a pivot point that allows spinning and turning. There is also the Z-slide technology to make smooth sticks and slides on any surface. This is important when you are needed to make a stop and switch to another technique.
The compressed midsole is lightweight and has been reinforced with EVA technology to enhance comfort without adding more weight to the shoe. There are only three colors available, though.
Top Features
The core features of Zumba Women’s Fly Fusion are:
- Synthetic sole
- Compressed EVA midsole
- Breathable mesh
- Z-slide for easy sliding
- Available in raspberry, coral, and pink colors
Pros:
The advantages of buying Zumba Women’s Fly Fusion Shoe include:
- It offers top-level comfort.
- It has a mesh upper for proper ventilation.
- Z-slide technology helps to slide and stick whenever necessary.
- It has both high-end and inexpensive options available.
Cons
A few things that you may dislike include:
- It is not true to size.
- The midsection is narrow.
Zumba Women’s Fly Fusion multi-colored design is eye-candy to many women. The Z-slide technology, together with the pivot point, makes this shoe ideal for Zumba dancers. It can allow you to stick, slide, and make the other dance moves. Above all, the price varies from both lower end to high-end.
3. ASICS Women’s GEL-Fit Sana Cross-Training Shoe
ASICS is a respectable brand whose shoes hardly disappoint. One of their collections, ASICS Women’s GEL-Fit Sana Cross-Training Shoe, is a perfect fitness gear that promotes extreme articulation during Zumba dance classes. The shoes’ classic design and vibrant colors can definitely be a huge plus.
Although Zumba dance shoes are not built to last long, this one does. The top parts consist of a soft fabric with meshes to facilitate air circulation. The logo patch on the tongue improves its design and allows you to show off what you got. Both the collar and tongue are padded to enhance the shoe’s comfort level.
Other features that promote comfort include the Rearfoot GEL cushioning and the low-profile midsole. This ASICS pair comes with a top-quality AHAR+ high-abrasion rubber outsole that not only provides a decent grip but also absorbs shocks. With this shoe, you can say goodbye to knee and foot pain caused by your dance sessions.
Top Features
Some of the top features of ASICS Women’s Shoe include:
- 100% fabric
- Rubber sole
- Low profile midsole
- Rearfoot GEL cushioning
- AHAR+ high-abrasion outsole
- Printed logo
- External heel cage
Pros:
Some of the advantages of ASICS Women’s Shoe include:
- It offers premium level comfort.
- It is durable.
- It is lightweight.
- It is perfectly balanced and flexible.
- It has a low-profile platform that is ideal for weightlifting.
- It is breathable.
Cons
There are a couple of things you may not like about this shoe:
- There are limited color options.
- It’s not true to size.
Are you looking for a reliable, durable, and high-end Zumba dance shoe? Take a look at ASICS Women’s Shoe. It is extremely comfortable and lasts longer than most pairs. However, it comes at a higher budget than most collections in this review.
4. RYKA Women’s Tenacity Cross-Trainer Shoe
High impact training gets easier and less painful with RYKA Women’s Tenacity Cross-Trainer Shoe. The kind of precision that went into this shoe (from the ground up) makes it ideal for beginners who haven’t developed tough heels yet. This sneaker’s top consists of a meshed fabric that promotes maximum breathability.
The outsole is a classic one; it’s thickened up and has strategic flex grooves that promote proper balance. The pivot point is also available, just like in other Zumba shoes, to allow an easy transition from one move to the next. The sole also consists of RZX and RE-ZORB technologies. The former promotes flexibility, while the latter emphasizes comfort.
This RYKA Women’s Tenacity Cross-Trainer Shoe definitely doesn’t scrimp on comfort. The tongue and collar, for example, are heavily padded to hug your foot. The shoe comes in both cheap and expensive models. If you don’t like this make, check out the other RYKA sneakers in this review or read other RYKA shoe reviews for more varieties.
Top Features
The defining features of RYKA Women’s Tenacity Cross-Trainer Shoe include:
- 100% manmade
- Lace-up closure
- Grooved rubber sole
- Synthetic sole
- Precision return footbed
- Padded tongue and collar
- 3 colors available (not a single color but rather a mixture of several)
Pros:
Some of the good things about this shoe include:
- It has enhanced shock absorbing qualities.
- It is ultra-comfortable.
- You have options to choose the budget or pricier ones.
- It has a flexible design.
Cons
This shoe doesn’t have serious issues apart from the following:
- It is not true to size.
If you are looking for a dance shoe that is effective in providing protection, comfort, and a bit affordable, try the RYKA Women’s Tenacity Cross-Trainer Shoe. While it looks a little bulky, it is not too heavy.
5. Reebok Women’s Hayasu Training Shoe
Reebok Women’s Hayasu Training Shoe and other Reebok sneakers tend to offer more ankle protection than other shoe brands. Beginning right from the top, this sneaker is made from the softest textile that allows adequate breathability. The lace-up closure design is a little unique than what you see in other shoes, and that makes Hayasu one of a kind.
The quality of the collar and tongue padding is a little thinner than in most pairs. Inside the shoe, Hayasu is fitted with a removable foam sock liner that promotes comfort and adds a little bit of shock-absorbing ability. The rubber outsole comes in a 3D bottom design that cushions the leg with every step you make.
Be cautious with sizing when selecting this shoe. It looks like the right fit would be a half-inch smaller than your normal sizing from the user reviews.
Top Features
Reebok Women’s Hayasu Training Shoe has following specs:
- Textile material
- Rubber sole
- Mid-cut design
- The removable foam sock liner
- 3D bottom
- Over five colors available
Pros:
This Reebok pair has the following pros:
- It is comfortable.
- It has an impressive shock-absorbing quality.
- It offers ankle support and protection.
- It is flexible.
- It is available in several color designs.
- It is affordable.
Cons
There is only one big issue with this shoe:
- It doesn’t fit as expected.
Overall, the Reebok Women’s Hayasu Training Shoe’s construction delivers both comfort, support, and a seamless experience during high-octane Latin dance sessions. While it offers a number of advantages, the shoe doesn’t fit as expected, and that could result in several returns for some clients.
6. RYKA Women’s Enhance 2 Cross-Training Shoe
Another RYKA pair is the RYKA Women’s Enhance 2 Cross-Training Shoe designed to offer optimum performance for most gym-related activities aside from Zumba. The top part is made from extremely meshed fabric that allows maximum breathability. The durable laces can help you achieve a tight fit, which is important if you’re performing vigorous exercises.
The interior is plush and sports thick cushioning fabric as well as a removable sock liner for comfort and shock absorption. The dual foam midsole and the rubber outsole play the greatest role in absorbing shock. The Flex-foil and Direct-fuse layers form the skeletal support that lengthens the shoe’s duration while also giving it a sophisticated appearance.
Thanks to the pivot point and mild tread, RYKA Women’s Enhance makes it super simple to execute all the exercise moves, from jogging, jumping rope, mambo, chasse, forward, backward, and sideways strides. This shoe can take the toll that comes with Zumba dancing for a long time period of time.
Top Features
RYKA Women’s Enhance has the following features:
- Synthetic and mesh
- Dual foam midsole
- Over five colors available
- Precise–return sock liner
- Pull tab function
- Direct-fuse and Flex-foil layers
Pros:
Here are a couple of things you might like about RYKA Women’s Enhance:
- It is comfortable and breathable.
- It is easy to put on, thanks to the pull tab.
- It is a multi-purpose gym shoe.
- It is inexpensive.
- It is flexible.
- There are several colors available.
Cons
There is only one issue that’s worth mentioning here:
The shoe is not true to size.
RYKA Women’s Enhance is an outstanding and colorful shoe for high-intensity training that involves Zumba dance. As a mid-level product, expect optimum performance but not for a very long time. Be cautious with the sizing as well because the shoe is not true to size.
7. PUMA Women’s Cell Riaze Heather Cross-Trainer Shoe
If you are here for a budget shoe with awesome rating and feedback from online users, better pick PUMA Women’s Cell Riaze Shoe. Puma is a remarkable brand, and that can be seen from the efforts they have put into this women’s only shoe.
This PUMA Women’s Cell Riaze is made from a synthetic material that promotes air circulation. The tongue and collar are padded to enhance comfort. Some sections of the shoe (usually sides and the tongue) carry the brand’s logo.
This shoe’s design is simple, and the colors are not as vibrant as other women’s shoes. The interior sports a thick insole (with the logo patch imprinted) to create a comfortable footbed. The outer sole is reliable for executing the quick Zumba moves with the absence of a pivot point.
Top Features
PUMA Women’s Cell Riaze boasts of the following key features:
- Full blast synthetic
- Rubber sole
- Padded tongue and collar
- Lace-up closure
- Puma logo on the sides and tongue
Pros:
This shoe has the following advantages:
- It is comfortable, courtesy of the heavy cushioning.
- It is lightweight and flexible.
- It sports a revolutionary design.
- It has a reliable traction.
- It is fairly priced.
Cons
There is only one problem with this shoe:
There is no pivot point.
In virtually every review you are going to read online, you will definitely see the PUMA Women’s Cell Riaze included. It may lack the valuable pivot point that Zumba shoes need, but it still works as expected. It is affordable, too.
8. Nike Women’s Flex Trainer 5 Shoe
Most of the time, anything that comes with the adjective “best” before it has a steep price tag attached to it. That’s the case with this top-level shoes for Zumba, the Nike Women’s Flex Trainer 5 Shoe. It seems to be worth it, though, as it elicits admiration from established athletes and other shoe lovers who can tell the best shoes from those that are merely mediocre.
This dance sneaker from Nike differs a little in structure from other Zumba shoes in a couple of ways. First, the tongue is heavily meshed to provide ample ventilation and minimize the pressure exerted by the laces. Secondly, the front sections feature cables that promote a lock-down fit.
Nike Women’s Flex Trainer 5 Shoe is perfect for dancing on any floor, thanks to the lightweight and traction-rich Injected Unit sole. The grooves on the sole, however, do not incapacitate the shoe’s quick maneuver. With over 20 colors available, it’s impossible not to find a color that you like.
Top Features
This Nike Women’s shoes boast of the following features:
- Synthetic
- Padded mesh tongue
- Injected unit sole
- Rubber sole
- Decent traction
- Available in over 20 colors
Pros:
Here are a few advantages of buying this shoe:
- It has a reliable traction outsole.
- It is comfortable and breathable.
- It is flexible and extremely lightweight.
- It’s a durable dance shoe.
- It has many color options available.
Cons
There are a few issues you may not like in this shoe:
- At 79%, the Nike Women’s Flex Trainer 5 Shoe is slightly not true to size.
- It is pricey; a lot of people don’t have over $500 to spend on a shoe.
The Nike Women’s Flex Trainer 5 Shoe is a good grab for those who want the top of the line Zumba dance sneakers. There are cheaper versions of it as well, but they do not offer the same service as the expensive ones.
Zumba Shoes For Men: Top Picks
1. Vibram Men’s KSO EVO Cross Training Shoe
In this review, Vibram Men’s KSO is a unique shoe with a front section designed with a space for each toe, just like a hand glove. Its simplicity is something worth considering, especially if you have a hard time working out in closed shoes.
Just because Vibram Men’s KSO looks like a glove doesn’t mean it is not as good as a Zumba dance shoe. If anything, its ultralight design makes it the best option for speedy execution of dance moves. The barely-there 5-millimeter sole helps you to feel the ground while still offering impeccable grip and flexibility. And before you ask, yes, the shoe can absorb shock but not to the extent of other shoes. That means it is best worn by people with BMI of 25 or less.
The top overlays consist of polyester fabric with a lace-up closure system for a secure grip. There are a variety of colors to choose from.
Top Features
The Vibram EVO Cross Training Shoe has the following features:
- Rubber sole
- Polyester fabric
- XS Trek outsole
- Serrated blade lug design
- Lightly padded tongue and collar
- Machine washable
- Zero drop
- Six colors available
Pros:
Vibram Men’s KSO has the following advantages:
- It can be worn during any fitness event, not just Zumba.
- It is comfortable and flexible.
- It is extremely breathable.
- It is affordable.
- It has a unique design.
Cons
Despite being truly awesome, the Vibram Men’s KSO falls short in the following ways:
- The thin outsole is not as effective in absorbing shock.
- It serves best as an extra pair and not the main training shoe.
Vibram Men’s KSO EVO Cross Training Shoe is one of the greatest barefoot shoes to have as an extra to other Zumba dancing shoes. The best part is that this shoe can do what other dance shoes can’t accompany you to other fitness adventures outside the gym.
2. Nike Metcon 3 Men’s Training Shoes
You may want to start with Nike Metcon 3 Men’s Training Shoes for men who are looking for the best shoes for Zumba. Its quality allows it to handle all demanding fitness activities like heavy lifting, climbs, sprints, and other flexible moves.
The top overlays are made from a synthetic material that is heavily meshed to promote better breathability. The material makeup alongside the collar padding and dual-density foam memory helps to keep this comfortable shoe while shaking your body.
Nike Metcon 3 Men’s Training Shoe comes with a unique Flywire mid-foot technology, which is simply strands of high-tensile carbon that attach to the laces and helps to wrap the foot or secure it in position while exercising. The technology in itself adds longevity to the shoe. This shoe comes in over 30 colors so that you won’t run out of options.
Top Features
Nike Metcon 3 Men’s Training Shoe has the following features:
- Synthetic
- Dual density foam midsole
- Flywire mid-foot technology
- Rubber outsole
- Lace up closure
- Padded collar
- Over 30 colors available
Pros:
The advantages of buying this shoe include:
- It is a comfortable and lightweight sneaker.
- It is breathable.
- The Flywire mid-foot technology provides the best support as well as a snug fit.
- It has a long-lasting quality.
- There are a lot of color options available.
- There are budget options being offered.
Cons
There are no serious issues with this Nike sneaker apart from the following:
- The top-level ones are extremely pricey for the common man.
If you take a look at the user reviews and ratings for Nike Metcon 3 Men’s Training Shoe on Amazon and other sites, you will realize that this is almost a flawless dance exercise shoe. Even without the pivot point, this sneaker allows fluid articulation of most dancing moves. To top that off, the shoe fits as expected without the need to break it in.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Zumba Shoes
If you’ve been to a Zumba workout before, then you know why it’s imperative to have the best dance exercise shoes. Zumba shoes offer protection, stability, and keep you looking your best. As such, you need to take some time to pick the best pair before you attend your first Zumba session. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for dance workout sneakers:
Grip
Not all gyms provide a mat or floor rug to step on. You will be expected to work out on smoothly tiled floors. A single misstep, and you could slide and hit the floor, injuring yourself.
The best Zumba shoe must provide a decent grip and traction to avoid the loss of stability. Remember, the term is “decent” not “overboard.” While dancing, you might need to slide, glide, turn, and spin while during various dance moves. Therefore, a shoe with too much traction will be a downer.
Shock Absorption
Zumba dance is an energetic workout that sometimes forces you to pound hard on the floor. Thence, the pair of shoes you select must be effective in absorbing shock to minimize foot pain and other injuries.
How reliable a shoe is at absorbing shock largely depends on the material makeup of the sole and its thickness. Rubber and foam are not sufficient on their own. However, when combined, they give excellent shock-absorbing abilities.
A quick reminder, though: try to check the floors of a few gyms before making a purchase as this will help you pick the right outsole type. Carpeted floors work best with smooth soles while tiled/smooth, non-carpeted varieties work fine with moderately treaded soles.
Heel Counter
This is the section that offers support to the heel, which further promotes stability. The heel counter is an important feature that beginners need to consider in their shoes since their heel hasn’t strengthened yet.
Breathability
You can trade off breathability in casual shoes that you don’t use often but not with Zumba shoes. You will be moving around a lot for an hour or more and thus bound to sweat. Breathable shoes will allow for proper ventilation, which prevents overheating and dampness.
As you have already seen, most shoes in this review spot a mesh design and synthetic overlays that channel out heat and moisture. Your shoe will remain dry, and this will prolong your time at the workout station, not to mention prevent foot infections.
Sole
Zumba dance sneakers come with a different sole design. The common styles on the market are Split, Mid, and Low. The split style is flexible thanks to the absence of the midsole and, therefore, suitable for experienced dancers. On the flip side, this sole type offers zero arch support.
The Mid variety fully covers the ankle, and this means it gives proper support and stability. They are a favorite among beginners, albeit being only partially flexible. The Low sole type lies below the ankle and offers better flexibility and freedom than the other two. However, this sole type sacrifices to support and stability.
Stylish
Looks may not be of much essence during dance classes, but hey, everyone strives to look good, right? Thankfully, most of the best shoes for Zumba have an awesome design worth showing off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Want to know more about Zumba shoes? Here are some of the frequently asked questions that can help you make better decisions regarding dancing shoes.
Q: Where to buy Zumba shoes?
A: You can get Zumba shoes from any local stores that sell sports sneakers. A better option is to buy from online hubs like Amazon.
Q: How long do Zumba shoes last?
A: Zumba dance shoes last somewhere between six months to a year and a half, max. They will last a considerably shorter time if you wear them outside the gym. If you must, take a walk in your running shoes instead.
Q: What kind of shoes are good for Zumba?
A: Any breathable sneaker with a pivot point and medium treads can virtually keep up with the fast-paced Latin music. The shoe must be lightweight to promote fluid articulation.
Q: Can top quality running shoes be used for Zumba?
A: Unfortunately, no. No matter how impressive running shoes are, they have been designed with serious treads meant for surging forwards. Zumba dance sneakers, on the other hand, bear minimum treads that make it possible to spin and turn easily in any direction.
Q: Can we do Zumba without shoes?
A: No, we can’t. This is a high-octane fitness routine that involves spinning, moving, and heavy pounding on the floor. Not wearing proper footwear can lead to foot injuries.
Bottom Line
Zumba is inarguably a high impact workout that demands you to be flexible and agile. Only the best Zumba shoes can help you achieve that. Unlike running shoes, Zumba dance shoes have a pivot point underneath them, and the outsole spots light treads to promote smooth movements. Other elements, such as heel counter and breathability, helping to keep the shoes as comfortable as possible.
Again, do not wear your running shoes to the dance floor. They tend to restrict movement. Zumba dance shoes, on the other hand, will allow you to effortlessly shake your body while keeping you firmly held on the ground. These shoes exist in different styles, colors, and price ranges, and thus, you can easily find one that fits your needs.
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