These Are the Only Shoes You Should Be Wearing to Zumba, According to Zumba Instructors (2024)

Sizes available: 5-11

The breathable mesh upper on this shoe keeps things from getting too sweaty when your heartrate increases as you dance across the floor. You’ll love the lacing system that extends down the sides of the shoe, locking your foot in so you feel secure with each move, jump, and turn you make. “The circular point on the sole allows you to pivot and spin with ease, specifically designed for dance cardio,” says Roser.

Colors: 3

Materials: Mesh, EVA, rubber

Weight: 8.8 oz

Pros:

• They’re ultra-breathable.
• The lace design provides extra support and stability.
• They cost less than $100.

Cons:

• They don’t come in a lot of colors.

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Sizes available: 5-13

If you love the look of a classic sneaker but want something that’s a little more functional for Zumba, Michele Bastos, a Zumba instructor and Crunch Fitness national master trainer and group fitness regional director says to get these Zumba Air Classics. “These shoes have air technology for maximum impact protection with a high-rebound removable insole,” she explains. Bastos also loves that these sneakers have additional padding for extra comfort, which is vital during a Zumba class.

Colors: 1

Materials: Leather, textile, PU

Weight: Not listed

Pros:

• They have extra padding for long-lasting comfort.
• The sneakers feature impact protection.
• The high-rebound insoles are removable.

Cons:

• They aren’t very versatile.

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Sizes available: 5-13

Reinforce your ankle support with these shoes made specifically for Zumba! The breathable mesh fabric keeps things from getting too sweaty, and the overlays allow for ample flexibility, while keeping the shoe durable.

“The cushion in these gives the correct amount of support for all high impact dance combos,” says Medina. “Plus, the mesh fabric means your feet can breathe.”

Colors: 13

Materials: Textile, PU

Weight: 28.8 ounces

Pros:

• The mid-top style provides lots of ankle support.
• They keep feet from getting too sweaty.
• They cost less than $100.

Cons:

• They aren’t versatile enough for running, walking, and other types of workouts.

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Sizes available: 5-11

Designed for women, by women: These shoes have “flex zones” in the forefoot which allow you to pivot and change direction easily during any Zumba move.

“These provide maximum comfort and are so light, you’ll feel like you’re dancing barefoot,” says Medina. Bonus: The brand’s Bounce cushioning provide maximum energy return to your feet, so they won’t feel tired no matter how long you dance for.

Colors: 7

Materials: Recycled materials, rubber

Weight: Not listed

Pros:

• They are super flexible.
• They boast a lightweight design.
• Feet won’t get fatigued while wearing these.

Cons:

• Some might not prefer the lace design.

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Sizes available: 5-11

Thanks to the mid-rise construction of this pair, they’re perfect for anyone who feels they might benefit from some extra ankle support. They’re designed to be versatile, with lateral support, so you can use them for Zumba, as well as other cross-training and HIIT classes, too.

“The outsole on these shoes means you’ll have nice traction when shuffling your feet in class,” says Medina.

Colors: 5

Materials: Not listed

Weight: 9.4 ounces

Pros:

• They’re designed for a variety of workouts.
• They provide some ankle support.
• They have excellent traction.

Cons:

• They’re pricey.

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Sizes available: Currently limited

One of the most popular brands for dance shoes (both recreationally and professionally), Capezio delivers a lightweight, easy-to-move in shoe, that’s perfect for all Zumba combinations. “These split-sole shoes are a favorite of dancers,” says Medina, “allowing you to point and flex with maximum support.”

Colors: 1

Materials: Canvas, EVA

Weight: Not listed

Pros:

• They make pointing and flexing toes a breeze.
• They have lots of traction.
• They’re easy to move in.

Cons:

• Only available in one color.
• They’re not very stylish.

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Sizes available: 5-11

Not only are these shoes some of the comfiest we’ve ever worn, but they also transition from the street, to the studio, and then to brunch with ease. The brand’s SwiftFoam midsole is light and responsive, aka bouncy, making it perfect for Zumba, as well as any jumping up, down, and around. You’ll be able to wear them all day—to and from class. If they get sweaty, simply throw them in the washing machine to get them clean.

Colors: 7

Materials: Eucalyptus tree fiber, SwiftFoam, SC-certified natural rubber, recycled plastic water bottles, merino wool, bio TPU

Weight: 10.63 ounces

Pros:

• Made from recycled materials.
• Ultra-lightweight.
• Easy to wash.

Cons:

• They cost over $150.

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Sizes available: 6-11

Slip this stylish sneaker on your foot, and you’ll immediately appreciate the cushioning in the sole.

“I love how this sneaker is lightweight with a sole that’s ideal for pivoting and fast turns, that will help you execute quick movements,” says Roser. “It has the right amount of structure and support, allowing you to go from the cha-cha to squats without lacking support, which is exactly what you need for a dance fitness class.”

Colors: 1

Materials: Mesh, rubber

Weight: 23.2 ounces

Pros:

• They have a stylish, versatile design.
• They’re lightweight.
• They provide lots of support.

Cons:

• They don’t have a ton of traction for additional workouts such as running.

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Sizes available: 8-13

Lace up this lightweight pair of kicks before your next Zumba class. Their low stack height and flexible fit make them ideal for an optimal ground feel while twisting, turning, and changing direction—all of which you’ll end up doing. They’re the perfect blend of both nimble and secure.

Colors: 1

Materials: EVA, rubber, textile

Weight: 14.6 ounces

Pros:

• The footbeds have an antimicrobial treatment.
• They boast a flexible design.
• The mesh uppers provide lots of breathing room.

Cons:

• They only come in black.

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Sizes available: 5-12

You’ll appreciate the sock-like feel of the flexible knit upper of this shoe as you shimmy and sashay across the floor. It stretches with your movements, and provides compression to keep you feeling secure and locked in. We love how the comfortable midsole feels so responsive, allowing for seamless transitions during a combination.

Colors: 3

Materials: Recycled materials

Weight: 8.7 ounces

Pros:

• They are stretchy and flexible.
• They have comfortable compression.
• They boast lots of support.

Cons:

• They cost over $150.

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Sizes available: 5-11

The mesh, stretchy upper in this pair won’t allow you to feel constrained in any movement. You’ll love the feel of the compression-molded foam midsole, too, and the rubber outsole is extremely durable to last class after class.

“These shoes are designed to give you just the right kind of support for you to perform your favorite movements,” says Santos. “They’re also made of high abrasion rubber which makes them extremely durable.”

Colors: 5

Materials: Recycled polyester, EVA, rubber

Weight: 6.70 ounces

Pros:

• They provide tons of support.
• They’re ultra-comfortable.
• They have a versatile design.

Cons:

• They don’t have a ton of colors to choose from.

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Sizes available: 5-12

If you want one sneaker that can do it all, look no further! Thanks to the impressively responsive PWRRUN PB cushioning, your feet, legs and body will rebound quickly and give you the stamina to power through even the sweatiest Zumba class!

“These shoes provide great cushioning to protect your joints when doing any kind of jump during dance fitness classes,” says Santos. “The structure of the shoe keeps your heels close to the ground, which is great for preventing common foot problems such as plantar fasciitis and tendinitis.”

Colors: 5

Materials: Textile, EVA, rubber

Weight: 7 ounces

Pros:

• They feature a removable insole.
• They have a lift back for extra support.

Cons:

• They’re a bit pricey.
• They don’t come in a ton of color options.

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Sizes available: 4-13

When shopping for a pair of Zumba shoes, Laura Hernandez, a Zumba instructor at New York Sports Club, says split-toe dance sneakers such as the Bloch Boost DRT Mesh Dance Sneaker are the best. “They give the feet more flexibility, and the soles allow for quick, twisting dance movements that occur a lot in Zumba,” she explains. Additionally, Hernandez notes that these sneakers are much better for the knees and hips since the soles are designed specifically for dances rather than other activities such as running and jogging.

Colors: 1

Materials: PU, mesh, suede,

Weight: 9 ounces

Pros:

• They boast tons of flexibility.
• They have an air cushion heel.
• They’re easier on the knees when jumping and dancing.

Cons:

• They feature a platform design.
• They don’t have the most stylish design.

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Sizes available: 5-12

If you’re looking for a pair of Zumba sneakers that provide plenty of heel comfort while also looking stylish, consider the Nike Air Huarache Craft By You, which Bastos says is the perfect mix of style and function. “These shoes were designed for performance running, which means long-lasting comfort,” she explains, noting that you can go for a 90-minute Zumba class and still feel energized at the end. This is in part due to the construction, especially the supported heel cage and midsole foam, which add lots of support and comfort.

Colors: 6

Material: Recycled materials

Weight: Not listed

Pros:

• They have a stylish design.
• They have a supported heel cage for added comfort.
• They boast long-lasting comfort.

Cons:

• The chunky sneaker design might not be ideal for everyone.
• They cost over $150.

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