People with flat feet face a number of challenges in finding the right shoes for Zumba dance. You want to ensure that your feet are fully supported because well-supported feet will benefit your performance and overall health. There are a couple of features you should look for when purchasing shoes for Zumba that will help your flat feet be more comfortable and supported. Please continue reading our picks and buying advice on the best Zumba shoes for low arches.
Proper footwear can alleviate the pain and discomfort experienced with having flat feet.
Flat feet or fallen arches affect an estimated 20 to 30 percent of the general population. The condition can be painless and unnoticeable to many people. On the other hand, the symptoms might range from mild discomfort to significant pain that can amplify upon extended activity. The most effective treatment for flat feet constitutes wearing well-fitting shoes that provide optimal support to the arches.
What To Look For When Buying Shoes For Flat Feet
You need to consider these five things when purchasing shoes for flat feet.
- Arch support. Look for shoes with good arch support in the middle of the sole. A slightly raised arch can take off lots of pressure from the middle of your foot. This can also align your feet properly, so you don’t twist your ankles as you move.
- Sole support. Supportive soles are the best option for flat feet. Choose shoes with a firm but cushioned insole to support the surface of your foot. The shoe’s sole should be flexible but not limp, and it should move with your foot and provide support while you walk, work out, or stand.
- Slightly raised heel. Flat shoes with someone with a flat foot is a big no-no. Always opt-in for shoes with a slightly raised heel because it takes the pressure off the middle of the sole and relieves foot pain. An inch or two can be just enough to help with foot pain.
- Lace-up shoes. It would be best to choose shoes with laces because you can adjust the tightness around your ankles that best suits your needs. You can customize how the upper part of the shoes fits around your feet. You can accommodate the tightness with lace-up shoes to get even support for your feet. By making the shoes a little tighter, you are ensuring that you are keeping the sole firmly in place. This will ensure feet stay firmly in contact with the bottom of the shoe without sliding and moving too much. It can help correct gait issues you might develop when holding a looser shoe in place.
- Custom-made orthotics. Custom orthotics would be an excellent solution if your insurance covers it and you want to wear one type of shoes for many activities such as walking, running, working out, Zumba dance, etc. All you need to do is remove the orthotics from one shoe and place them into the next. You will need to see a doctor to prescribe you the orthotics. They will analyze how you walk, determine the problem areas, and customize orthotics specifically for your needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet or fallen arches mean that you don’t have a normal arch when standing. This will cause pain in your back and legs when standing or doing any physical activity for a more extended period of time.
It is normal for infants and babies up to the age of three to have flat feet, but it gets back to normal after a while. Some people continue to have this issue in adulthood as well.
Flat feet can be corrected while the kid grows and develops, but the person becomes an adult; flat feet cannot be corrected anymore. You can manage the consequences of flat feet, such as purchasing shoes designed for flat feet but cannot be fixed entirely.
Please note that having flat feet is not a huge health concern. It will cause you some discomfort while walking, running, or standing for a longer time, but it will not cause more severe health issues.
Flat feet is the topic that hits too close to home, meaning I always had flat feet. I discovered that I had flat feet when I was a teenager but never did anything about it, and now I am paying the price for it.
I feel pain in my back and legs when I am standing, walking, or doing any physical activity for an extended time. I remember when I went to a concert last time, and I had to get outside and sit for a while because my back was hurting. Of course, I couldn’t wear more comfortable shoes because I had to dress nice and wear fancy shoes.
However, whenever I go for a walk, run, or any kind of workout, including Zumba, I would wear shoes designed for flat feet so I don’t experience any pain in my back afterward.
Flat feet are related to lower legs and the tissues and bones in your feet. Flat feet are normal in babies and toddlers because it takes time for the tendons to tighten and form an arch. Occasionally, the bones in a child’s feet become jointed, causing pain.
It can result in flat feet if this tightening doesn’t occur fully. As you age, the tendons in your feet may become damaged.
Providing good support for your feet is the best solution to treat this problem. For everyday support, wear shoes with good arch support to relieve the stress of your feet that your body weight causes.
Also, you may want to make a few lifestyle changes, such as losing some weight or changing your workout program to release the stress of your feet.
How Do I Know If I Have Flat Feet
You can do a simple test at home to determine if you have flat feet. Once you are done with showering or simply just make your feet wet, step on the darker floor where your footsteps will show.
Step away, and if you see an entire foot imprint, you have flat feet.
Here is an example how of the flat and regular foot.
Best Zumba Shoes For Flat Feet
Recommendation # 1
Ryka Women’s shoes would be an excellent choice for someone who has flat feet and wants to dance Zumba. These shoes have a high-impact cushion in the heel that absorbs impact and provides cushioning so you won’t feel pain in your back or legs after an intense workout.
These shoes are breathable and supportive, allowing flexibility in just the right areas. I can assure you; you will get enough arch support and enough cushion in the ball and heel of these shoes.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
Recommendation # 2
Air Classic Zumba Women’s Shoes
Zumba specifically makes these shoes for Zumba workouts. So, you cannot go wrong with purchasing these shoes for this purpose specifically.
Also, they are perfect if you have issues with flat feet because they have arch support for multidirectional movements and cushioning technology for high-impact protection. These shoes are more flexible and breathable, making them perfect for dancing.
You will find these shoes a bit stiff initially, but they will loosen up after a while.
These shoes come in a wide variety of fun and energetic colors, reflecting what Zumba represents.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
Recommendation # 3
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 flat feet.
The platform or heel height is almost 2 inches which is great for flat feet. These shoes feature premium arch support, lightweight design, breathability, and 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.
Recommendation # 4
Capezio Women’s Dance Sneakers
These shoes have similar qualities to the previous recommendation.
These shoes feature premium ventilated arch support that keeps your feet cool and adds extra flexibility for all those fantastic Zumba moves.
They are lightweight and provide excellent support. You will perform all of Zumba’s moves with ease and precision. It has pivot points on both the sole and heel for turns that will not strain your knees, and you will not be disappointed.
These lightweight shoes feature a flat, boxed toe for effortless toe stands, built-in flex points, padded linings for superior comfort, and ventilation to help your feet breathe better while dancing Zumba.
Women should go one size up compared to their regular shoes.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
Recommendation # 5
Vodetik Women’s Sports Sneakers
These affordable and supper stylish sneakers could be a fantastic addition to your fitness routine, specifically for Zumba dance.
These sneakers are excellent choices for casual wear too. You don’t have to change your shoes to something less sporty if you have a brunch date with someone if you are in a rush after a Zumba class. You will look very stylish in them with a combination of jeans, shorts or any other casual wear.
Cushioning memory foam insole will be great for your feet because it will feel like you are walking on a soft pillow. Also, these shoes have a durable knit upper with good stretch, allowing your feet to fit perfectly.
These sneakers are very breathable thanks to the air mesh upper, allowing your feet to be comfortable.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
Recommendation # 6
The best way to describe these shoes is by using one word- comfortable. These shoes are made with a breathable mesh and a foam midsole, and they have added impact absorption that will help support your knees and feet.
Many people who try these shoes agree that they are very comfortable on foot, even if you are walking or standing the entire day.
The Nike Shox line sneakers are constructed with unique columns at the heel, and are designed to absorb shock during physical activity. The columns also help the heel spring back, adding a bit of speed when running or doing intense cardio, such as Zumba.
You can purchase cushioning insoles to place inside the shoes if you find the Nike Shox doesn’t have as much cushioning as you would like. Nike Shox tends to be more narrow in the foot, which means they may feel too snug for those with wide feet.
If you are not sure of your exact shoe size, you can measure your feet from the back of the heel to the tip of the longest toe. And then locate Nike sizing chart to find the appropriate shoe size for yourself.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
Recommendation # 7
A soft midsole and molded heel offer arch support and stability, while a rubber outsole provides reliable durability and traction. These shoes are comfortable and lightweight, and your back or feet will not hurt after a long time of Zumba dancing or doing any physical activity.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
Final Words
Zumba is an excellent cardio workout that will be a fun and effective way to stay active and shed some pounds. When purchasing Zumba shoes, keep in mind support, comfort, and flexibility. The right pair of shoes will take your Zumba experience to the next level while at the same time protecting your feet, knees, and ankles from injuries. I hope this article has helped you shed light on the importance of wearing proper shoes for Zumba for flat feet.
Happy Dancing!
