If you’re in a hurry and just want to know which shoes would be the best for Zumba, then I would recommend,Zumba Air Funk, as your best choice.
Zumba is a fun way to stay active and learn new dance moves. But with all that movement, you want to be sure to wear comfortable and supportive shoes so that you can enjoy Zumba dance classes for years to come. Here are some of our top picks.
In this post, I will review these Zumba shoes:
Top 5 Best Shoes for Zumba Dance
When engaging in any form of exercise, the last thing you want to experience is an injury. But if you don’t choose the right shoes, you’ll be setting yourself up for painful sessions and/or painful recovery periods in between your Zumba sessions.
You also want to be able to move around freely and the typical running shoe might prevent that from happening. Dance sneakers are a better option because they’re lightweight and you can maneuver around the dance floor without a problem.
In the list below, you’ll find Zumba dance shoes that’ll help prevent injury and keep your body moving for class after class.
1. Best Overall High Impact Dance Shoe: Zumba Air Funk Mid-Top Dance Sneakers
- Color options: 8
- Style: Mid-top
- Removable insole: Yes
- Manufacturer: Zumba Fitness LLC
Zumba Air Funk mid-top sneakers boast a rubber waffle tread to lightly grip the dance floor while still being able to freely move across the dance floor.
Mid-top style athletic shoes offer additional ankle support. That makes these shoes an attractive option for those who may have had ankle injuries in the past. Or, if your ankle tends to roll out as you move, you might want to choose a mid-top like this Air Funk sneaker.
Some customers report that the fit of these shoes is true to size. Others, on the other hand, state that this model of shoe runs ½ size too big. Fit is subjective but keep in mind that your feet will naturally swell as you exercise. Whichever size you choose, you’ll want there to be sufficient room for your feet to comfortably expand without the shoe being oversized.
These shoes are really comfortable. The sole is made of cushioned foam that offers additional support when landing. The interior sole can be removed according to your preference.
You can wear Air Funks before or after class without feeling awkward. Your feet will still feel supported while running errands or simply taking the dog for a walk.
Although the upper fabric is made from durable mesh with synthetic overlays, the shoe is still lightweight enough to help you glide across the dance floor. Air Funk is a favorite dance shoe model for many Zumba students.
Pros
- Multiple color options
- Cushioned foam sole for high-impact dance
- Great ankle support
- Rubber toe tip
- Lightweight but supportive
Cons
- For some this model runs ½ size too large
- You may need additional support
2. Most Flexible Movement: Zumba Air Stomp Classic Athletic Shoe
- Color options: 5
- Style: Low top
- Removable insole: Yes
- Manufacturer: Zumba Fitness LLC
Zumba’s Air Stomp Classic is a combination of two of their most popular shoe models, The Air Classic, and The Stomp. Customers love the level of comfort they feel when working out in these shoes.
If you have flat feet or little to no arch, you’ll find that the Air Stomp Classic provides comfort and support that can carry you through your Zumba class without pain or discomfort. And you can remove the insoles if necessary.
Many customers transition into this shoe after foot surgery, bunion surgery, or other foot ailments. It’s highly comfortable and supportive.
Due to its split sole design, you can move in any direction with these shoes and it feels like you’re walking on air. No quick jolts or abrupt stops but smooth, supported movement. The split sole tends to tilt you forward more than other shoe models. This makes the sole highly flexible to help you carry out every Zumba movement presented to you in class.
As with the Air Funk, the Air Stomp Classic fits true to size for some customers while others suggest ordering ½ size up. You may also need to wear thicker socks with this model.
Pros
- Flexible split-sole
- Additional padding with removable insole
- Arch support
- Air technology for high impact
Cons
- Some suggest ordering ½ size up
- Not everyone likes a highly flexible sole
3. Best for Spins: Capezio Rockit “Dansneaker”
- Color options: 1
- Style: Low top
- Removable insole: Yes
- Manufacturer: Capezio
Rear flex points and a spin spot in the forepart of the shoe helps you nail spins and twirls during Zumba class.
There’s extra padding under the tongue of the shoe, around the collar, and in the Achilles notch for extra support and comfort. The bottom arch of the shoe is perforated to offer extra ventilation, keeping your feet cool as you workout.
While you may or may not need to order Zumba brand shoes ½ size up, women definitely have to order at least ½ size larger than their street shoe size in order to find a good fit with the Capezio Rockit.
Since these are unisex shoes, men can expect to order 2.5 sizes up from their typical street shoe size. If you’re a woman with wider feet, consider ordering at least a full size larger than your street shoe.
If your Zumba workouts land you on your toes, then that makes this shoe a really good option for you. The square toe of this non-marking sole can “keep you on your toes” for a longer period of time.
Capezio Rockits offer ample support to cushion high impact Zumba moves, but they’re lightweight so as not to be clunky, which could inhibit movement. Rockits have a sturdy flat base that prevents ankle rolls or slips during a landing.
There’s only one color option, but you can tell that customers are pleased with this shoe because the Capezio Rockit Dansneaker has been manufactured year after year since the early 2000’s. You can expect the same level of quality for these shoes as you can for other Capezio products.
Pros
- Highly flexible split-sole design
- Breathable upper fabric with arch ventilation
- Bottom spin spot
- Boxed toe for stands
- Vegan-friendly materials
Cons
- Shoe runs narrow
- Women order at least ½ size up
- Men order 2 ½ sizes up
4. Best Laceless Option: Low-Top Air Slip-On Shoe for Women
- Color options: 1
- Style: Low top
- Removable insole: Yes
- Manufacturer: Zumba Fitness LLC
Tired of your shoe strings coming loose as you dance? If no-fuss slide-on shoes are your preference, then you might want to try this laceless option. It’s a low top slip-on shoe that’s lightweight, flexible, and hugs your foot in a way that most dance sneakers donnot.
Upper fabric breathes to wick away sweat during your workout. This material also stretches while you move, making this shoe ultra flexible. But it still offers support.
In addition to use during Zumba classes, the Zumba Air is a lifestyle shoe that can be worn the entire day, not solely during class. The other Zumba shoes mentioned in this post can also be worn outside, but this one is specifically designed to carry out double-duty both in and outside the classroom.
If you have narrow feet, this shoe might feel a little looser than what you’re used to, but it isn’t likely to cause discomfort or any missteps. If you’re concerned, try ordering a size smaller than your usual street shoewear.
While some customers feel that this shoe is ultra comfortable for class and fits their feet like a sock, others would prefer not to dance in them.
It’s true that this shoe would not be *as* supportive as the other models due to the sheer nature of its design. But whether or not you’ll be able to make it through a class in them, is a 50/50 possibility. There are some Zumba instructors who love to teach in these slip-ons.
Pros
- Highly flexible
- Supports high-impact workouts
- Comfortable to wear throughout the day
- Won’t trip over shoelaces
Cons
- Limited color selection
- May need to size down
5. Most Shock Absorbent: Zumba Air Classic Low-Top Dance Sneakers
- Color options: 6
- Style: Low top
- Removable insole: Yes
- Manufacturer: Zumba Fitness LLC
Just as its name states, the Zumba Air Classic is the go-to dance sneaker model for many Zumba enthusiasts. The Air Classics are cushiony yet flexible, so they allow you to move freely and support you as you jump and land.
You can pull out the insole or leave it in for additional comfort. Some students even switch out the insoles for their own orthopedic soles for a more custom fit.
In terms of fit, some customers suggest you order ½ size up, others suggest the opposite. The shoe mold used to design this shoe is definitely different from the ones mentioned above. But that’s the case with any shoe brand. There will be fit variance from shoe to shoe.
With that said, you may want to put on the socks you plan to wear with your dance sneakers, and then measure the length of your foot while standing.
Compare that number to the size chart when ordering your shoes, and then select the shoe size that’s the closest length. If in doubt, select your typical shoe size, and then make adjustments from there.
Once you find the best fit, the Air Classic will carry you through Zumba classes multiple times throughout the week.
Pros
- Comfortable
- High impact cushioning
- Multiple color options
- Removable insole
Cons
- Fit might vary
- Colors might vary slightly from what’s on-screen
How to Choose the Best Zumba Dance Shoes
No workout is enjoyable without the right footwear. Zumba is less like a workout and more like a party, but you get my point. Even party shoes need to fit well.
Things to Look for in a Zumba Dance Shoe
So how can you know if you’re choosing the best Zumba shoes for your feet? There aren’t any rules set in stone, but there are some factors that you can consider as you search for the perfect pair of dance sneakers.
Breathable Upper Fabric
Zumba classes are all about catching the rhythm and moving to the beat. Routines alternate between high and low intensity moves that are sure to break a sweat.
And this is why you want your Zumba dance shoes to be manufactured with breathable material.
Your feet need access to cool, fresh air in order to avoid moisture build-up that can lead to odors and fungal growth.
Lightweight
Usually the upper materials on Zumba dance shoes incorporate some percentage of mesh. This is a lightweight material that prevents the shoe from feeling clunky.
You’ll need for the shoe to feel light so that you can freely engage in every dance move.
Shock Absorption
Particularly true if you’ve had injuries in the past, you’ll want to make sure that your Zumba dance shoes are cushioned and designed to absorb potential shock from jumping up and down. Proper shock absorption can also prevent knee, chin, and ankle injuries from occurring in the first place.
Students who’ve had properly supportive shoes are often able to attend Zumba classes even if other workouts have caused them pain. With well cushioned shoes, you can feel the intensity of the workout without causing harm to your body.
Optional Insole Padding
Our bodies can slightly change over time. You might find at some point that you need less cushion. Or, you might want to use your own inserts without having to purchase a new pair of shoes large enough to hold the included inserts plus your own.
Almost all the dance sneakers I’ve come across allow you to remove the insoles. I think it would be better to buy a pair of shoes with this option rather than having to buy new shoes before you’re ready to do so.
Superior Support
All of the fast Zumba movements can potentially lead to injury.
Each shoe is molded differently and some brands even offer mid- and high-top Zumba dance shoes. If you know that you’ll need additional ankle support, I’d suggest buying a pair of mid-tops and see how those work out for you.
Even without prior injuries, some people’s ankles tend to roll out on their own while a person is moving around. You want shoes that support your heels and ankles even if you don’t have a history of injuries.
Check the Sole
You don’t want your shoe sole gripping the floor too well or slowing down your movement while marking up the floor. Typical running shoes or cross trainers likely won’t work well during Zumba class.
Look for hard rubber or synthetic soles so that you can move quickly and pivot in without problems. A flat sole helps give you more stability while allowing for smooth transitions between dance moves.
Flexibility
You’ll probably notice that some dance sneakers have what’s called a split-sole. These shoes are highly flexible because there are essentially two separate or very thinly connected soles. This design helps you flex your foot forwards and backwards, as if you have a really high arch.
Split-sole shoes can take some getting used to, but they are well-loved by those who want to experience a wider range of motion throughout their Zumba class.
Additional Considerations
We’re all unique. There isn’t one shoe that will work well for everyone. So you’ll have to keep your specific needs in mind when selecting a shoe. One consideration is arch support. In another instance, some companies create shoe molds that are narrower, wider, or longer than what’s considered average.
If you have reservations about purchasing a particular shoe model, don’t hesitate to politely contact the manufacturer to gain clarification about how a specific shoe is made prior to making your decision. More importantly, they might be able to suggest a better model for your feet, if one exists.
Conclusion
If this post hasn’t prompted you to want to lace up a pair of dance sneakers and start a Zumba party, it certainly has had that effect on me!
The Zumba Air Funk mid-top dance sneakers would be my first choice for Zumba dance class.
They are superbly supportive, have that flat sole and breathable upper material we talked about, and they come in an array of color options. Jumping around in them feels like you’re dancing on clouds
As an alternative, I’d choose the Zumba Air Stomp Classic dance shoe. Everything that students love from the Air Classic and The Stomp have been infused into this one shoe, the Air Stomp Classic. This low top alternative has that flexible split-sole we talked about, which can heighten your workout.
It’s worth it to take the time to find a well-fitting dance sneaker. Your feet will thank you for it.
