These Are the Only Shoes You Should Be Wearing to Zumba, According to Zumba Instructors
If you're looking for the best shoes for Zumba, you've come to right place. If you’re dancing your way into winter by taking up Zumba, you’re not alone. This Latin-dance inspired workout has grown exponentially in popularity over the last few years, according to the American Council on Exercise. And what's awesome is that the workout barely requires any special equipment. Simply throw on comfy clothes you feel confident in (maybe a pair of soft leggings and a high-impact sports bra that can handle your moves and grooves), and you’re good to go. But the footwear might trip you up. Literally—unless you have the right shoes.
- Catherine Medina, Zumba instructor at City Zero Studio
- Holly Roser, CPT, personal trainer and owner of Holly Roser Fitness
- Laura Hernandez, Zumba instructor at New York Sports Club
- Mariana Santos, licensed Zumba instructor and creator of Brazily Dance
- Michele Bastos, Zumba instructor and Crunch Fitness national master trainer and group fitness regional director
The best shoes for Zumba, at a glance
- Best breathable: Ryka, Dynamic Pro Training Shoe ($90)
- Most comfortable: Zumba Air Classic ($87)
- Best mid-Top: Zumba Air Funk Dance Mid-Top Sneakers ($87)
- Best lightweight: Adidas, Edge Lux ($57)
- Most versatile: Lululemon Chargefeel Mid Women’s Workout Shoe ($148)
- Best dance sneaker: Capezio Canvas Danseaker ($78)
- Best sustainable: Women's Tree Flyer 2 ($160)
- Best for pivots and turns: Reebok Guresu 2 Women’s Shoes ($85)
- Best stability: Topo Athletic ST-4 ($110)
- Best with compression: Brooks Glycerin StealthFit GTS 20 ($160)
- Best cushion: Hoka Solimar ($125)
- Best for plantar fasciitis: Saucony Women’s Freedom 5 ($150)
- Best split-toe: Bloch Boost DRT Mesh Dance Sneaker ($88)
- Best for heel comfort: Nike Air Huarache Craft By You ($160)
What to look for
“For Zumba or any dance fitness workout, you want to ensure you have a low-tread shoe and a circle on the bottom of the sneaker where the ball of your foot would be located,” says Holly Roser, personal trainer, Zumba instructor, and owner of Holly Roser Fitness Studios in San Francisco. “My clients always mention they have knee pain after Zumba and dance cardio, and this pain usually comes from torque on the knee joint when your foot is traveling one way, but your knee is tracking another direction, causing inflammation. A low tread and pivot point on the shoe allow you to switch direction quickly without causing a potential knee injury.”
It can also be helpful to have more than just one single pair of shoes to choose from. “I recommend having at least two to three different pairs of shoes and rotating between them for each of your dance fitness classes,” says Mariana Santos, licensed Zumba instructor and creator of Brazily Dance, based in Canada. “This ensures that the shoes will last long and protect your joints through all the jumping, pivoting and twisting you do in Zumba.” If you take anywhere from three to four classes per week, it is also recommended that you get new shoes every four to six months to make sure you have enough cushioning in your shoes and that they have enough integrity to protect your feet, ankles, hips and knees, explains Santos.
Ready to shop for some sneakers? Below we’ve rounded up some of the best Zumba sneakers based on our own testing and our expert input. See which allow you to dance like no one’s watching!
The best shoes for Zumba
Sizes available: 5-11
The breathable mesh upper on this shoe keeps things from getting too sweaty when your heartrate increases as you dance across the floor. You’ll love the lacing system that extends down the sides of the shoe, locking your foot in so you feel secure with each move, jump, and turn you make. “The circular point on the sole allows you to pivot and spin with ease, specifically designed for dance cardio,” says Roser.
Colors: 3
Materials: Mesh, EVA, rubber
Weight: 8.8 oz
Pros:
- They’re ultra-breathable.
- The lace design provides extra support and stability.
- They cost less than $100.
Cons:
- They don’t come in a lot of colors.
Sizes available: 5-13
If you love the look of a classic sneaker but want something that’s a little more functional for Zumba, Michele Bastos, a Zumba instructor and Crunch Fitness national master trainer and group fitness regional director says to get these Zumba Air Classics. “These shoes have air technology for maximum impact protection with a high-rebound removable insole,” she explains. Bastos also loves that these sneakers have additional padding for extra comfort, which is vital during a Zumba class.
Colors: 1
Materials: Leather, textile, PU
Weight: Not listed
Pros:
- They have extra padding for long-lasting comfort.
- The sneakers feature impact protection.
- The high-rebound insoles are removable.
Cons:
- They aren’t very versatile.
Sizes available: 5-13
Reinforce your ankle support with these shoes made specifically for Zumba! The breathable mesh fabric keeps things from getting too sweaty, and the overlays allow for ample flexibility, while keeping the shoe durable.
“The cushion in these gives the correct amount of support for all high impact dance combos,” says Medina. “Plus, the mesh fabric means your feet can breathe.”
Colors: 13
Materials: Textile, PU
Weight: 28.8 ounces
Pros:
- The mid-top style provides lots of ankle support.
- They keep feet from getting too sweaty.
- They cost less than $100.
Cons:
- They aren’t versatile enough for running, walking, and other types of workouts.
Sizes available: 5-11
Designed for women, by women: These shoes have “flex zones” in the forefoot which allow you to pivot and change direction easily during any Zumba move.
“These provide maximum comfort and are so light, you’ll feel like you’re dancing barefoot,” says Medina. Bonus: The brand’s Bounce cushioning provide maximum energy return to your feet, so they won’t feel tired no matter how long you dance for.
Colors: 7
Materials: Recycled materials, rubber
Weight: Not listed
Pros:
- They are super flexible.
- They boast a lightweight design.
- Feet won’t get fatigued while wearing these.
Cons:
- Some might not prefer the lace design.
Sizes available: 5-11
Thanks to the mid-rise construction of this pair, they’re perfect for anyone who feels they might benefit from some extra ankle support. They’re designed to be versatile, with lateral support, so you can use them for Zumba, as well as other cross-training and HIIT classes, too.
“The outsole on these shoes means you’ll have nice traction when shuffling your feet in class,” says Medina.
Colors: 5
Materials: Not listed
Weight: 9.4 ounces
Pros:
- They’re designed for a variety of workouts.
- They provide some ankle support.
- They have excellent traction.
Cons:
- They’re pricey.
Sizes available: Currently limited
One of the most popular brands for dance shoes (both recreationally and professionally), Capezio delivers a lightweight, easy-to-move in shoe, that’s perfect for all Zumba combinations. “These split-sole shoes are a favorite of dancers,” says Medina, “allowing you to point and flex with maximum support.”
Colors: 1
Materials: Canvas, EVA
Weight: Not listed
Pros:
- They make pointing and flexing toes a breeze.
- They have lots of traction.
- They’re easy to move in.
Cons:
- Only available in one color.
- They’re not very stylish.
Sizes available: 5-11
Not only are these shoes some of the comfiest we’ve ever worn, but they also transition from the street, to the studio, and then to brunch with ease. The brand’s SwiftFoam midsole is light and responsive, aka bouncy, making it perfect for Zumba, as well as any jumping up, down, and around. You’ll be able to wear them all day—to and from class. If they get sweaty, simply throw them in the washing machine to get them clean.
Colors: 7
Materials: Eucalyptus tree fiber, SwiftFoam, SC-certified natural rubber, recycled plastic water bottles, merino wool, bio TPU
Weight: 10.63 ounces
Pros:
- Made from recycled materials.
- Ultra-lightweight.
- Easy to wash.
Cons:
- They cost over $150.
Sizes available: 6-11
Slip this stylish sneaker on your foot, and you’ll immediately appreciate the cushioning in the sole.
“I love how this sneaker is lightweight with a sole that’s ideal for pivoting and fast turns, that will help you execute quick movements,” says Roser. “It has the right amount of structure and support, allowing you to go from the cha-cha to squats without lacking support, which is exactly what you need for a dance fitness class.”
Colors: 1
Materials: Mesh, rubber
Weight: 23.2 ounces
Pros:
- They have a stylish, versatile design.
- They’re lightweight.
- They provide lots of support.
Cons:
- They don’t have a ton of traction for additional workouts such as running.
Sizes available: 8-13
Lace up this lightweight pair of kicks before your next Zumba class. Their low stack height and flexible fit make them ideal for an optimal ground feel while twisting, turning, and changing direction—all of which you’ll end up doing. They’re the perfect blend of both nimble and secure.
Colors: 1
Materials: EVA, rubber, textile
Weight: 14.6 ounces
Pros:
- The footbeds have an antimicrobial treatment.
- They boast a flexible design.
- The mesh uppers provide lots of breathing room.
Cons:
- They only come in black.
Sizes available: 5-12
You’ll appreciate the sock-like feel of the flexible knit upper of this shoe as you shimmy and sashay across the floor. It stretches with your movements, and provides compression to keep you feeling secure and locked in. We love how the comfortable midsole feels so responsive, allowing for seamless transitions during a combination.
Colors: 3
Materials: Recycled materials
Weight: 8.7 ounces
Pros:
- They are stretchy and flexible.
- They have comfortable compression.
- They boast lots of support.
Cons:
- They cost over $150.
Sizes available: 5-11
The mesh, stretchy upper in this pair won’t allow you to feel constrained in any movement. You’ll love the feel of the compression-molded foam midsole, too, and the rubber outsole is extremely durable to last class after class.
“These shoes are designed to give you just the right kind of support for you to perform your favorite movements,” says Santos. “They’re also made of high abrasion rubber which makes them extremely durable.”
Colors: 5
Materials: Recycled polyester, EVA, rubber
Weight: 6.70 ounces
Pros:
- They provide tons of support.
- They’re ultra-comfortable.
- They have a versatile design.
Cons:
- They don’t have a ton of colors to choose from.
Sizes available: 5-12
If you want one sneaker that can do it all, look no further! Thanks to the impressively responsive PWRRUN PB cushioning, your feet, legs and body will rebound quickly and give you the stamina to power through even the sweatiest Zumba class!
“These shoes provide great cushioning to protect your joints when doing any kind of jump during dance fitness classes,” says Santos. “The structure of the shoe keeps your heels close to the ground, which is great for preventing common foot problems such as plantar fasciitis and tendinitis.”
Colors: 5
Materials: Textile, EVA, rubber
Weight: 7 ounces
Pros:
- They feature a removable insole.
- They have a lift back for extra support.
Cons:
- They’re a bit pricey.
- They don’t come in a ton of color options.
Sizes available: 4-13
When shopping for a pair of Zumba shoes, Laura Hernandez, a Zumba instructor at New York Sports Club, says split-toe dance sneakers such as the Bloch Boost DRT Mesh Dance Sneaker are the best. “They give the feet more flexibility, and the soles allow for quick, twisting dance movements that occur a lot in Zumba,” she explains. Additionally, Hernandez notes that these sneakers are much better for the knees and hips since the soles are designed specifically for dances rather than other activities such as running and jogging.
Colors: 1
Materials: PU, mesh, suede,
Weight: 9 ounces
Pros:
- They boast tons of flexibility.
- They have an air cushion heel.
- They’re easier on the knees when jumping and dancing.
Cons:
- They feature a platform design.
- They don’t have the most stylish design.
Sizes available: 5-12
If you’re looking for a pair of Zumba sneakers that provide plenty of heel comfort while also looking stylish, consider the Nike Air Huarache Craft By You, which Bastos says is the perfect mix of style and function. “These shoes were designed for performance running, which means long-lasting comfort,” she explains, noting that you can go for a 90-minute Zumba class and still feel energized at the end. This is in part due to the construction, especially the supported heel cage and midsole foam, which add lots of support and comfort.
Colors: 6
Material: Recycled materials
Weight: Not listed
Pros:
- They have a stylish design.
- They have a supported heel cage for added comfort.
- They boast long-lasting comfort.
Cons:
- The chunky sneaker design might not be ideal for everyone.
- They cost over $150.
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