Finding the best shoes for Zumba can be a seemingly problematic chore for many people. There are so many different types and styles, it’s hard to know what is right for you! What you wear on your feet is the most important thing when it comes to dancing, specifically Zumba, so we strive to provide you with the best information on how to make your Zumba experiences more enjoyable.
There are several different factors that come into play when trying to figure out which shoe is the best fit for your foot, and your dance style. So, let us explore what is required to find the best possible Zumba shoes for your feet.
Grip
There is a right kind of grip, and a wrong kind of grip. Most people, when they buy shoes for exercising, or ‘working out’, buy a trainer shoe with the most grip possible. For dance, this is absolutely the wrong approach. For Zumba, the best kind of grip is one that will let you slide your foot gently across the floor, but if you put your body weight down, will not move. Zumba is a dance exercise of agility and quick moves. If you try to move your leg too fast, and your body weight is not positioned correctly, you could injure your tendons or joints. This is how twisted ankles commonly occur.
Dance shoes and the best shoes for Zumba are made specifically with the right type of grip in mind. For indoor use only, they have a specific type of tread that is softer than cross trainers, but will not grip should you need to slide your foot or spin. Should you want to do Zumba outdoors, at a group session or class for example, you should look at other types of Zumba shoes, which we will identify in another blog post.
What is a Spin-Spot?
A spin spot is the special spot in the heel and toe of the best shoes for Zumba. What it does, as you can imagine, is help you spin freely as so many Zumba moves require, without gripping and making you trip. Throw on a pair of cross trainers or running shoes and see how easily you can spin on the spot. Not easy! Good dance shoes will let you spin in one spot and not twist an ankle or fall over.
Split Sole
Many times dance shoes will have what is called a split sole. In a nut shell, this is a shoe with two soles. One for the toes, and one for the heel. The shoe will have an arch that does not touch the ground, and thus will not have a sole. The purpose of the split sole, and it works remarkably well, is to give the shoe flexibility in a way that normal shoes cannot.
Weight
No, not your weight, the shoes, silly! Maybe when it comes to construction boots and hiking shoes, weight is good, but not for Zumba! The lighter the better applies for dancing. To be able to keep dancing at a moderate to fast pace that Zumba pushes you so elegantly to do, requires you to not have lead feet. The best shoes in terms of weight are lightweight and breathable. Breathability is also a huge factor. It is a widely known fact that the majority of body heat is lost through the head and the feet. When you are working out, you are dispelling insane amounts of body heat! Your feet sweat! It’s human nature! The more breathable a shoe, the easier the heat dissipates, and keeps your feet comfortable.
Shock absorption
I guarantee that if you do not own a pair of real dance shoes, that after a full length class, your feet will be killing you! No need to soak your feet in warm water all night! Beginners to experts require different levels of shock absorption however. A beginner to Zumba whose balance and coordination may not be too great will be probably not too delicate on the feet. This is why beginners require more shock absorbing soles than more advanced individuals. When you get more proficient at Zumba dancing, you don’t pound your feet on the floor anymore and your moves are more fluid. We will discuss later in a blog post how you can determine which level of shock absorption you need depending on your skill level.
Style
The new Zumba shoes and dance shoes are remarkably sexy! They go beyond what any type of dance shoe has ever looked like in terms of sleekness, style, and color. Everyone will know you are serious about Zumba when you show up to class in your new dance shoes. Or if you don’t go to class, anyone who visits your house will be sure to comment on your new sexy Zumba shoes.
If you need some help to choose the ideal Zumba Sneakers, just visit our Top 10 Zumba Sneakers guide.
