If you don’t have time to read the entire review and just want to find out the best shoes for your zumba workouts, then we recommend Zumba Women’s Fly Fusion Athletic Dance Workout Sneakers as the best choice.
One of the great things about a physical activity like Zumba is that it needs very little equipment to take part, unlike the likes of golf, skiing, and cycling. All you need is some comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear, and, of course, some music.
You do, however, need to make sure that what you are wearing on your feet are the best shoes for Zumba workouts possible, because they play a hugely important role in ensuring your stability, balance, and comfort during your Zumba sessions.
This is one of the reasons we have created this review of the five best shoes for Zumba workouts so that you can compare them, and then make a very informed decision when it comes to buying them.
That way, when you are your next Zumba class you can focus on the music, the movement and getting in the best shape you can, knowing that you are wearing the Zumba shoes that are right for you.
In this post, we’ve reviewed the Best Shoes for Your Zumba Workouts. These are:
- Best For Stability: Ryka Women’s Influence Cross Training Shoe
- Editor’s Choice: Zumba Women’s Fly Fusion Athletic Dance Workout Sneakers
- Best For Flexibility: Asics Women’s Gel-Fit Sana 3 Cross Trainer
- Best For Underfoot: Cushioning Asics Women’s GEL-190 TR Cross-Training Shoe
- Best For Ankle Support: Ryka Women’s Tenacity Cross-Trainer Shoe
Best Shoes For Zumba: Reviews
1. Best For Stability: Ryka Women’s Influence Cross Training Shoe
With Zumba often requiring a lot of fast movements, knowing that what you are wearing underfoot will keep you stable is important. Thankfully, that is exactly what the Ryka Women’s Influence Cross Training Shoe will give you with every step, hop, or skip.
This stability is enabled by Ryka’s combination of ‘Flex-Foil,’ and ‘Direct Fuse’ layers within the construction of the shoes which combine to provide as secure a fit around your feet as possible.
With all this talk of stability, you might be concerned that this is achieved at the expense of comfort, but that is not the case.
First, the tongue and the collar of these Zumba shoes are padded, so the tops of your feet and the area around your heels and ankles are not only cushioned, they are also protected.
The soles of your feet haven’t been forgotten as evidenced by the dual-density foam midsoles, which act as shock absorbers to provide excellent protection from impacts when you land on the floor during your Zumba workouts.
While talking about what goes on under your feet, we must also mention the traction you will have as you move, twist and turn during Zumba classes, thanks to the footprint design of the under sole.
The protection and traction these Zumba shoes give your feet does not compromise the amount of flexibility they have, which is crucial for an activity like Zumba.
Their synthetic mesh upper mean your feet will be able to move as freely as possible during Zumba routines and other activities.
You have several size options including wide and narrow fits which should ensure you get the ones which is perfect for your foot size. and you have several color options too.
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2. Editor’s Choice: Zumba Women’s Fly Fusion Athletic Dance Workout Sneakers
While there is never a guarantee that a branded product for the very activity you are going to undertake, is going to be great, we can safely say that, in this instance, Zumba’s workout sneakers hit the mark in several ways.
The first thing to point out is how lightweight they feel when you are wearing them. Often, we hear complaints about shoes that are meant for Zumba feeling like you are wearing worker’s boots as you try to move. Not these.
They feel more akin to slippers so you can move around as freely as you wish and not feel hampered.
These Zumba shoes may be light in terms of their weight, but that does not mean they do not offer any protection for your feet during a workout. The molded EVA midsole acts as a shock absorber for your mid arch which is very important as this is an area of your foot that is under more pressure than others.
Elsewhere in these shoes, you have molded mid-foot overlays that provide additional support, without compromising the flexibility of the shoes.
This flexibility is further aided by the elasticated mesh upper that gives a sock-like feel when you are wearing the shoes.
Underfoot you have excellent cushioning on the insole so that your heel and the soles of your feet are protected for every landing you make during a Zumba class.
You’ll also benefit during your Zumba moves from the rubber sole, whose tread provides you with the best possible traction underfoot.
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3. Best For Flexibility: Asics Women’s Gel-Fit Sana 3 Cross Trainer
You will often hear those who participate in activities like Zumba commenting on how their experience is enhanced by the shoes they are wearing feeling ‘more like socks.’
This implies their shoes are lightweight and very comfortable, and those are exactly two of the traits of the Asics Women’s Gel-Fit Sana 3 Cross Trainer.
These Zumba shoes use what is called a mono sock system that, instead of using a tongue which the majority of sports shoes do, replaces it with a sock-like inner.
The benefits of this system include the fact that it reduces the weight of the shoes, making your movement easier and less tiring.
This sock system is also more comfortable for you because it cocoons your foot completely and thus there is less chance of pressure points occurring around the top and sides of your feet.
Pressure points from the likes of stitching and seams can be uncomfortable, and at their worst, painful but with these shoes being seamless, it should ensure your Zumba workouts are pain-free, at least where your feet are concerned.
Zumba classes often involve a lot of pressure being exerted upwards on the soles of your feet as you land throughout the many routines you will do. Thankfully, your feet are protected from these with the Asics shoe’s gel cushioning, which helps to minimize the impacts.
The mesh upper not only helps make the shoes as lightweight as possible, but it provides a high degree of flexibility. This will aid your movement during workouts and adds further to the level of comfort that these Zumba shoes provide you.
One final feature is the loop at the top of the heel to help to pull the shoe on.
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4. Best For Underfoot: Cushioning Asics Women’s GEL-190 TR Cross-Training Shoe
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Of all the shoes for Zumba workouts we have reviewed, Cushioning Asics Women’s GEL-190 TR Cross-Training Shoe looks the most like a traditional sports shoe. As such, it is also the one which is going to be the most versatile in terms of what activities and sports you can wear them for.
We also have to identify these shoes as the most resilient, in terms of their durability and robustness. This is due to the amount of stitching they have and also that leather panels have been used in their construction.
This leads us to the fact that these Zumba shoes will provide you a huge level of stability and support, even during the most energetic of Zumba workouts.
It’s not just the outer materials that provide the support, as there is plenty of that inside too. The shoes have a dual-density system that Asics calls ‘DuoMax.’
Its primary benefit is that it provides your instep with the support which is crucial in this area of your foot when taking part in physical activities such as Zumba.
Another area where you need to ensure your feet are protected if you are taking Zumba classes is underfoot, and with these Asics shoes, it is good as it gets.
They utilize a gel cushioning system that minimizes the upward impact on your feet when you land on the floor. More than that, although their prime task is protection, the under soles are flexible enough so that your next step is not hindered.
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5. Best For Ankle Support: Ryka Women’s Tenacity Cross-Trainer Shoe
The fifth of our five reviews brings us to the very distinctive RYKA Women’s Tenacity Cross-Trainer Shoe that looks very different to the others we have looked at.
That main difference is in the design of the collar and tongue which in this shoe extends them higher than the other shoes we have reviewed.
The effect of this is that it provides enhanced support around the area of your ankles which is one which takes a lot of punishment during activities like Zumba.
With these shoes giving that extra support the risk of ankle injuries is reduced, which should give you more confidence to go into every Zumba routine with 100% gusto.
It is not just your ankles that these shoes seek to protect as it has many other features that look after other areas of your feet. The midsole has dual foam which gives the pressure points of your foot extra cushioning.
There’s also Ryka’s proprietary foam compound which is used in the base of the shoe to give enhanced shock absorption and cushioning.
While these Zumba shoes have traditional laces to ties them, you also have a Velcro strap on each shoe. These straps are another support feature to help keep the shoe secure as you are moving around during your workouts.
You will want your shoes to be secure while you’re at a Zumba class, but you will also want them to be comfortable too.
This objective for comfort is aided by the breathable mesh upper which will help keep your feet cool. The soft lining and the cushioned insole enhance it further.
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What Is Zumba?
If you are new to Zumba here’s a brief explanation of what it is and where it originated from. It could be said it was ‘invented’ accidentally as the person who started Zumba, only did so as a result of forgetting to bring music for an aerobics class he was running.
His name is Alberto Perez, and in the late 1990s, he instead used the Latin dance music tapes he had with him to combine dance moves and fitness movements.
Originally, he called it ‘Rumbacize’ and also ‘Jazzercize, before settling on the name Zumba, which we now all recognize.
Perez, along with his associates, Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion, developed the routines into fitness videos that were sold via TV infomercials.
Their success has seen Zumba grow to the point where today it is a fitness phenomenon, with an estimated 15 million participants worldwide in around 150 countries taking Zumba classes.
What To Expect In a Zumba Class
Zumba classes can take place anywhere there is a flat surface to stand on, and the means to play music. That being said they are more likely to be in community halls, gyms, and sports centers depending on the numbers taking part.
A Zumba class is likely to be about an hour long and the activities within the class will depend on the type of class it is.
Zumba is a fitness activity that has routines for all ages and all fitness levels, so it is wise to consider your own personal situation before signing up to a specific class.
The classes include ones for beginners, the elderly, children, lower and upper body workouts, body toning and there are even Zumba classes that take place in swimming pools. The types of music you’ll hear will include most Latin types including salsa, samba, flamenco, and you may even hear some hip-hop too.
How Does Zumba Benefit My Health?
Unlike some fitness genres which focus on a limited number of physical benefits, Zumba is a fitness activity that covers a whole range of health and fitness areas, that benefit you in lots of ways.
Bear in mind there are Zumba routines that can cater to a specific benefit if you wish to pursue one.
Zumba can certainly be considered an aerobic exercise as throughout a class your heart rate and breathing will be amplified to give you a very effective cardio workout.
With the recommended weekly aerobic activity being 150 minutes, one class can account for 40% of that, with two classes giving you 80% of your cardio workouts.
The dance routines which you do in a Zumba class will involve moving just about every joint, and muscle in your body. That will go a long way to improving your flexibility as well as keeping your body toned.
As you move and burn calories there is the effect that can have on your weight. That calorie burn can be as high 1,000 calories in a single hour, so if weight loss is a priority, Zumba can surely help.
As well as the physical benefits, we must not overlook the psychological benefits Zumba can bring you.
Many Zumba participants say it is one the best ways for them to lower stress, it improves their concentration, and generally makes them feel better and positive about themselves. Not forgetting that Zumba classes are upbeat and lots of fun too.
Going to Zumba class is also a great way to meet new friends and the group can also provide you with moral support as you strive to meet your physical fitness goals.
Finally, we mentioned previously that Zumba is for all ages, and that makes it a great way for you to encourage your entire family, young and old, to get fitter and healthier together.
Pros and Cons of Shoes For Zumba
No matter the product type you are considering there will always an upside and downside to all of them so here’s our take on the pros and cons of shoes for Zumba.
Advantages of Shoes For Zumba
Disadvantages of Shoes For Zumba
As they are made specifically for Zumba, some Zumba shoes are not suited to other sports or physical activities.
Zumba vs. Pilates: Which Is Best For You?
Just as Zumba is a relatively new activity that was invented by a physical instructor, so is Pilates. It was invented by a German gymnast called, Joseph Pilates, and it includes a number of exercises that utilize special equipment.
The equipment used for Pilates includes weights, resistance bands, and magic circles, which are flexible, with pads that you hold.
Other equipment can include a mat, a chair, and a ‘Pilates Reformer’ which is a more comprehensive piece of apparatus that can include rowing arms and a leg press.
This should identify one major difference in that Zumba does not need anything like the number of and types of equipment that Pilates does. From a financial and practical aspect, it means Zumba is usually accessible to more people.
The other main difference is that Pilates is very focused on muscle strength and tone. This means, compared to Zumba, there is not the same level of cardiovascular activity.
Pilates is also done at a slower pace and involves less movement so the number of calories you will burn with Pilates is less than you will with Zumba.
So, if you want to build muscles and strength Pilates is an ideal activity. However, if you wish to improve your flexibility, help keep your heart and lungs healthy, burn off calories, and lose weight, then Zumba workouts should be your choice.
Our Final Thoughts on the Best Shoes For Zumba Workouts
While all 5 of the Zumba shoes we have reviewed are highly recommended, the one which we feel are the best shoes for Zumba workouts are the Zumba Women’s Fly Fusion Athletic Dance Workout Sneakers.
It’s not just because they are Zumba branded but more because they provide a perfect balance between being a lightweight, flexible shoe that aids movement, and ensuring that your feet have a sufficient level of support too.
These are all crucial to ensure that not only can you enjoy your Zumba class but that your feet are protected too, and these shoes get that combination of features just right.
