Most of us would like to wear one pair of shoes for Zumba class or buy the most versatile pair of workout shoes to get the most bang for the buck. As with any workout program, Zumba comes with risks such as injury if you don’t wear appropriate footwear. This article will help you make an informed decision if running shoes are suitable for Zumba workouts.
Are running shoes suitable for Zumba? Running shoes are not a great choice for Zumba because they have too much traction. Traction allows runners to have a better grip while running, while Zumba requires less tractional grip. Zumba shoes need to slide and glide easily for better performance and safety.
Running shoes are explicitly made for forward movements, whereas Zumba requires side-to-side movements and lateral directions.
Usually, when I go to the gym, I would wear my running shoes because I do cardio primarily, such as running on the treadmill or using an elliptical machine. But sometimes, I would hear energetic Zumba music, which indicated that there was a Zumba class happening at that exact moment.
I couldn’t resist so I joined the class although I was wearing running shoes. I did have lots of fun, but I couldn’t move that fast because I had too much grip. My performance was suffering.
Besides being too slow and not performing well, I noticed an aching feeling in my knees and feet the next day. My running shoes didn’t allow me to move smoothly across the floor for all those required Zumba moves.
Use of running shoes for Zumba workouts can result in an injury and feeling of pain afterward, as I did. So, I wouldn’t recommend using running shoes for Zumba lessons for those same reasons.
What To Look For In Zumba Shoes
Finding proper Zumba shoes is difficult, especially if you look for particular characteristics, such as shoes that support knees, joints, and arches.
Proper Arch Support
Shoes for Zumba should cushion the soles of your feet, provide enough arch support, and support proper alignment. They should also be comfortable, fit well, and have a toe box that doesn’t squeeze your toes.
Typically, flat shoes don’t provide foot support or arch support. So that kind of shoes should be highly avoided if you have knee pain. Proper arch support is beneficial for your knees because it absorbs shock and distributes pressure throughout your leg, knees, and feet, preventing pain or injury.
A too high or too low arch may lead to abnormal force distribution that can strain your knee.
It is important to note that shoes that seem suitable for your feet may not be best for your knees if you are experiencing pain. For example, you may need stability shoes if you have high arches, while, on the other hand, flat feet need customized inserts to ensure proper alignment.
Pivot Points
Shoes with pivot points are essential in Zumba dance because the pivot point allows you to glide across the floor effortlessly while providing natural movements. Pivot points let your feet twist and turn to the beat of music without harming your knees.
Shoes without pivot points are too hard on your knees because they stick to the floor and can’t glide, creating pressure and pain in your knees and arches.
Pivot points are circular patches on the sole of the shoe, and they are located under the ball of the feet that allow you to spin, twist, and turn with ease.
Pivot turn or pivoting refers to dance moves characterized by a rotational movement of the entire body around its own vertical point. Turn the foot swivels on the floor during the pivot and may be supported by a single or both feet.
Pivot turns are very common in Latin, Ballroom, ballet, folk dancing, and Zumba dance.
If you want to learn more about Zumba shoes with pivot points, please check out my latest article, “Best Zumba Shoes With Pivot Points.”
Weight
Zumba shoes need to be lightweight so they don’t put more pressure on your feet and knees and that you can move faster. However, it is ok to choose heavier shoes if your feet and knees require extra padding and cushioning.
Flexibility
Zumba is a dance workout that requires flexible shoes because feet need to move in different directions and motions. Look for shoes with flexible midsole and outsoles that offer a wide range of movements.
Durability And Quality
Durable and quality shoes in Zumba are essential, especially if you have issues with your knees. Zumba is a high-impact dance workout, and cheap shoes will get worn out quickly, so you will waste your money, plus your health will suffer.
Breathability
Zumba is a high-intensity workout, and it is almost guaranteed that you will sweat a lot. And your feet are no exemption to sweat. You will need shoes that will allow your feet to breathe and prevent your feet from being smelly and wet. It would be best to choose shoes made of breathable mesh or ventilation holes. Breathable shoes will prevent blisters and will keep your feet comfortable and dry.
Style
And finally, we will talk about style. Although the style is not the most important quality when choosing Zumba shoes, it is preferable if you have bad knees.
Luckily, I will recommend plenty of choices in this article that meet all of the characteristics mentioned above, including the style.
Best Recommendations For Zumba Shoes
Recommendation # 1
Ryka shoes are the best for aerobic exercises, such as Zumba, because of their rubber outsole and synthetic sole. They are also great for the side-to-side motion because these shoes are made with a high-quality synthetic sole. And we all know very well that there are many side-to-side movements in Zumba dance.
Ryka RZX shoes are highly comfortable for dancing for a long time. Your feet and knees will not hurt once you are done with physical activities.
You don’t have to worry about falling or losing balance when dancing to Zumba because these shoes have an excellent grip to move comfortably without any worries.
And the best part is that these shoes have a pivot point that makes your every twist and turn easy and smooth.
Ryka Vida RZX comes in many different colors, but if you want to avoid these shoes getting dirty, opt for darker-colored shoes.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
Recommendation # 2
Asics are my favorite brand when it comes to training shoes, and they never fail to impress. This pair of Asics is also excellent for Zumba because it has pivot points, allowing for the smoothest 360 degrees spins and turns.
They come in beautiful styles and colors to choose from, so your style doesn’t need to suffer.
Asics are so comfortable, and your feet will not hurt after many hours of dancing or working out. They are featured with GEL cushioning to absorb the impact while performing demanding and fact-paced Zumba moves.
Also, these Asics are equipped with synthetic leather upper that provides exemptional durability and stability. They are a bit pricey but will last you a long time, especially if you take good care of them.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
Recommendation # 3
Capezio Women’s DS24 Rockit Dance Shoes
Capezio never fails when it comes to dancing shoes, and they know exactly what someone would need on the dance floor.
The features of these shoes are exceptional, and it is no surprise it has reached the list of the best shoes for Zumba dancing with pivot point.
If you look at the bottom of these shoes, you will see a circle that will allow you to spin, turn, and twist on the dance floor without hurting your knees.
These shoes come with imitation suede and PU nubuck design, making sure that these shoes don’t lack in style. They are also lightweight, so you won’t feel the weight of the shoes pulling you down while performing dance moves.
Thanks to the SBR Bylex mesh and a perforated arch that allows more ventilation, these shoes are incredibly breathable and comfortable. This ensures that your feet get enough air and ventilation while doing intense aerobic workouts, such as Zumba.
One of the important features of good Zumba shoes is that they can be laced up. Capezio shoes are equipped with a fast lacing system, starting from the side to provide a firmer fit if you need it.
Furthermore, a detached and cushioned footbed will give you more comfort and options if you want to dance to other styles, apart from Zumba.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
Recommendation # 4
Bloch Women’s Boost DRT Dance Shoes
These shoes are perfect for Zumba because they have a pivot point that will allow you to pivot and spin on the floor effortlessly. The pivot point allows 360-degree spins, making it suitable for Zumba or other dance styles. According to many reviews, Bloch shoes are one of the best shoes that you can get for Zumba dancing.
They have a textile and lightweight mesh design for a breathable and comfortable feeling. Bloch shoes are wrinkle-free and odor resistant due to their dri-lex lining. This feature will make wearing these shoes for a longer time more manageable and more comfortable without any unpleasant smells and feeling of the wetness inside of the shoe.
Additionally, these shoes are featured with 4PSI technology, meaning they will provide excellent shock absorption for smooth landing while performing intense Zumba moves.
Click here to check price on Amazon.
Recommendation # 5
These shoes are, without a doubt, the shoes for the Zumba dance. They fit all the criteria you should be looking for in a pair of shoes for Zumba for someone with bad knees.
The platform or heel height is almost 2 inches, which is great for supporting the knees. These shoes feature premium arch support, lightweight design, and breathability. You will not get tired or feel pain in your back or legs after many hours of standing or doing physical activity, especially Zumba dancing.
The bottom of the shoes is very smooth, so you will be able to spin in them very easily. Also, they are made of mech material on top that will allow your feet to breathe.
They are laced up so you can adjust them how you want them to be. Lace-up shoes are very important for someone with a flat foot because you will need extra support.
Inside the shoes is memory foam that will make your feet feel like walking on a cloud. This is going to add a bit extra comfort to your Zumba dancing experience, it will be super comfortable to wear them for a longer period of time, and it is going to give you that arch support you really need for flat feet, and this will make this shoes more fun to wear.
What is unique about these shoes is that they have a flat top, making your Zumba moves cooler, especially if you need to put your weight on your toes.
They are very stylish, so it is hard to tell they are athletic shoes. You can dress them up or dress down, depending on the occasion.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
Final Words
There are many things to consider when deciding if running shoes are the right choice for Zumba workouts, such as support, design, flexibility, and injury prevention, and you need to make an informed decision. Typically, running shoes are designed for forward movements only and will not support Zumba’s side-to-side movements. I hope this article has helped you shed some light on whether running shoes are suitable for Zumba workouts.
