Best Zumba Shoes
Updated on July 01, 2024
Shop the best shoes for Zumba
Zumba moves are no joke. The workout session may feel like a dance party while you’re doing it but make no mistake—it’s a mega cardio workout that will leave you sweating and burning those calories.
When you join a Zumba dance class, you’ll be moving constantly: jumping, bending, lunging, pivoting, and more. Without the right shoes, you’re likely to strain your feet, legs, and hips unnecessarily while trying to follow the instructor.
You need snug, comfortable, flexible, and breathable shoes to fully enjoy and reap the benefits of Zumba. Lucky for you, you’ve come to the right place!
The unique and technology behind all KURU shoes makes them the perfect partner for having fun and helping offset pain during your Zumba dance workouts.
What are Zumba Shoes?
Zumba shoes are footwear worn to help ensure a solid and safe Zumba dance workout. Some of the best shoes for Zumba class are modified running shoes, regular tennis shoes with smooth soles, or shoes specifically designed and made for Zumba.
The best shoes for a Zumba workout reflect what Zumba is at its core: an amazing blend of aerobic-cardio workout and dance moves. These movements mean you’ll want to look for shoes that mix the best features of both athletic shoes and dance shoes.
Zumba shoes need to be high-quality, durable, and comfortably snug. They also need to offer good arch and ankle support for better stability while also having a sole that allows for quick pivots.
After all, you’ll be doing a lot of high-energy, high-impact movements like jumps, turns, hops, lunges, kicks, and so much more. Wearing the wrong shoes for Zumba can lead to pronation, or an excessive rolling inward at the ankle, a common problem that Zumba enthusiasts encounter due to lack of stability and support when dancing.
How To Pair Your Zumba Shoes and When To Wear Them
Explore how to style and wear the latest styles of the best Zumba shoes.
When it comes to styling and wearing the best Zumba shoes, you won’t go wrong with sticking to athletic wear, gym clothes, and other casual ensembles.
Of course, you can wear Zumba dance shoes outside your classes, but be careful about the soles. Remember that Zumba shoes have less grippier soles than athletic shoes, so you might end up slipping and falling if you wear them when you go for a run.
Here’s a few tips on styling your Zumba shoes and upping your Zumba fashion:
Zumba Shoe Care Tips
Proper care for your zumba shoes is essential to keeping them in good condition and preventing foot pain down the road. Check out these shoe care tips from our KURU gurus!
- Wash every two weeks: If you want to get the most uses out of your Zumba tennis shoes, you need to clean them thoroughly every two weeks or so. If you attend outdoor Zumba classes, then you may need to wash your shoes more frequently.
- Always wipe before storage: Any mud, dirt, or grime on your Zumba shoes should be wiped off before you store them after each use. Don’t wait for your next wash to clean up your shoes.
- Absolutely avoid the washer: Your washing machine is a no-go zone for your best shoes for Zumba workouts. A lot of shoes don’t survive a cycle inside the washer, even in the gentlest settings. Some even come out of the washer looking worse for wear, even if they are clean.
- Stock up on the basics: All you really need to clean most running and Zumba dance shoes is a shoe cleaning gel, a soft brush, and a soft towel. You can also go the DIY route and use some mild soap or detergent mixed with water.
- Don’t overwear your shoes: Make sure you rotate your Zumba shoes often, especially if you attend classes at least two or three times a week. Always wearing the same pair of shoes can wear them out faster, and no amount of cleaning will be able to save it.
- Apply a water-repellent spray: Zumba classes can be very hot and sweaty. Using a water-repellent spray on your Zumba high top shoes can help you avoid sweat or salt stains and drink spills from damaging your footwear.
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FlexibilityThe best shoes for a Zumba workout need to be flexible and allow your feet a good range of movement. Look for shoes made with light fabric uppers and bendable soles for maximum flexibility.Flexibility
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Good soles with less gripUnlike parkour shoes, your Zumba shoes need to have less grip. You want them to be more like dance shoes, allowing you to freely move and turn at a dime. This means it’s better to avoid rubber outsoles which can make it much harder to turn. If you prefer rubber soled shoes in general, look for shoes that have a pivot point under the balls of your feet to make it easier to turn.Good soles with less grip
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Great cushioningHigh impact movements require good cushioning. You want something that will absorb the shock from all the jumps, hops, and skips you’ll be doing. Look for shoes that offer cushioning for midsoles, insoles, and outer soles. These fully cushioned shoes are also the best Zumba shoes for bad knees.Great cushioning
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SupportFast, high-energy, and high-impact requires firm ample ankle support. This is why Zumba high top shoes are an ideal option. You also need insoles that provide good arch support.Support
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MaterialZumba shoes are best made from breathable and lightweight materials. This allows air to pass through easily, prevents sweaty feet during classes, and minimizes shoe odor.Material
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FitThe best Zumba dance shoes are snug and well-fitting, while still comfortable. The shoes can either be laces or velcro, as long as your feet feel comfortable or snug but not cramped.Fit
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StyleFashion is the last thing to feature to look for in Zumba shoes but is one that can boost your motivation to stay in class. Many Zumba class attendees wear colorful shoes to embody the fun energy of the workouts.Style
FAQs
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Are running shoes good for Zumba?
Yes and no. The fit, support, and cushioning of running shoes are great for Zumba but the soles aren’t always great for dancing. You’ll want to stick to running or athletic shoes that have soles with less grip.
If you’re planning on wearing running shoes for Zumba, pick ones that do not have rubber bottoms—especially ones that fully cover the sole. Since rubber is one of the best non-slip soles, you’ll find it difficult to make turns and pivots while doing Zumba if you wear them.
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What are the best shoes for Zumba fitness?
The best shoes for Zumba class are those that check the boxes for the following features:
Flexible: Both the uppers and shoe soles should be bendy.
Lightweight: You’re going to move around a lot, so make sure your shoes won’t bring you down.
Exceptional cushioning: You need good shock absorption to minimize impact from jumping moves, so look for good cushioning in your outer soles, midsoles, and insoles.
Ankle and arch support: Make sure the shoes have firm insoles for arch support and are not too low to leave your ankle unprotected or unsupported.
Breathable: You’ll work up quite a sweat doing Zumba, and this can include your feet. Make sure your shoes are breathable to minimize foot sweat.
Snug fit: Your shoes should be comfortably snug—a wide toe box to avoid cramped toes and fit enough that it doesn’t come off while dancing.
Less grippy soles: You want to be able to pivot and turn at a dime. Look for soles that aren’t made entirely of rubber or have a pivot point under the balls of your feet.
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How is the arch support of KURU shoes?
KURU shoes deliver excellent arch support without the need for thick inserts or expensive, custom orthotics.
Superior arch support starts with our patented KURUSOLE technology, which delivers natural cushioning and dynamically hugs your heel with every step. Every foot is unique, and our ULTIMATE INSOLES adapt to fit your needs by using your own body heat to custom-mold to the shape of your feet over time.
The corrective nature of our superior arch support is designed to neutralize your weight distribution and place your foot in the best anatomical position. This support can take some getting used to. We suggest slowly breaking in your new shoes over the course of 2–3 weeks.
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Can I use custom orthotics with KURU shoes?
Due to the anatomical shape of the KURUSOLE, custom orthotics with a rounded heel fit best inside our shoes. If the underside of the custom orthotic (the part that sits on the footbed) is squared off, then it may not fit into our deep heel cup—which is rounded like your foot.
That said, many of our customers tell us the KURUSOLE technology offers better support and stability than they expected, and that they don't need to wear their custom orthotics with KURU shoes.
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I just received a pair of your shoes and my feet are sore/hurt after wearing them. Why is that?
Some customers experience tenderness when they first start wearing a new pair of KURUs. That’s ok! Your body may need time to adjust to the new levels of anatomical support you experience with our patented KURUSOLE technology. Our shoes are also designed to mold to your unique foot shape, which takes a bit of a break-in period.
To help mitigate this, we suggest you follow our break-in procedure, including wearing your KURUs for a couple hours per day around the house in the first couple of weeks as they break in and form to your foot.
Athletes, active individuals, and even those embarking on a new fitness regimen face a higher risk of experiencing foot and ankle injuries, whether from trauma or overuse.
In fact, 47% of respondents in our study reported that their foot pain began due to an injury.
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Three Layers of Support
At KURU, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to shoe design. We believe that shoes should be shaped to fit the natural contours of your feet, which is why we create every pair in three distinct support layers, not just an insole.
Our revolutionary ergonomic design starts with a curved footbed and adds unparalleled triple-layer support that includes shock-absorbing KURUCLOUD, heel-cupping KURUSOLE, and arch-supporting ULTIMATE INSOLES. The result? Shoes that are so comfortable you’ll stop thinking about your feet.
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KURUSOLE
...Show LessAt the core of each KURU shoe is our KURUSOLE. Flexing with each step, this patented technology follows the curves and contours of your foot. It gently cups the heel’s fat pad to reduce pain and protect it from wear and tear. This maximizes your foot’s natural cushioning to help encourage a more natural gait.
At the core of each KURU shoe is our KURUSOLE. Flexing with each step, this patented technology follows the curves and contours of your foot. It gently cups the heel’s fat pad to reduce pain and protect it from wear and tear. This maximizes your foot’s natural cushioning to help encourage a more natural gait.
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KURUCLOUD
...Show LessThe KURUCLOUD midsole is the foundation of KURU’s unique three-part technology for Pain Relief Beyond Belief. We use a proprietary blend of high-grade EVA foam inspired by the best running shoes. The material gives you a lightweight yet shock-absorbing base for maximum comfort—no matter how intense your Zumba session may get!
The KURUCLOUD midsole is the foundation of KURU’s unique three-part technology for Pain Relief Beyond Belief. We use a proprietary blend of high-grade EVA foam inspired by the best running shoes. The material gives you a lightweight yet shock-absorbing base for maximum comfort—no matter how intense your Zumba session may get!
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ULTIMATE INSOLE
...Show LessOur ULTIMATE INSOLES are the last component of our three-part technology. These insoles are designed to offer ultimate support and comfort. Made from dual-density polyurethane foam, these insoles offer firm areas for arch support and softer sections for added cushioning. Over time, ULTIMATE INSOLES mold to the shape of your foot for the ultimate custom fit and support.
Our ULTIMATE INSOLES are the last component of our three-part technology. These insoles are designed to offer ultimate support and comfort. Made from dual-density polyurethane foam, these insoles offer firm areas for arch support and softer sections for added cushioning. Over time, ULTIMATE INSOLES mold to the shape of your foot for the ultimate custom fit and support.
KURUSOLE
At the core of each KURU shoe is our KURUSOLE. Flexing with each step, this patented technology follows the curves and contours of your foot. It gently cups the heel’s fat pad to reduce pain and protect it from wear and tear. This maximizes your foot’s natural cushioning to help encourage a more natural gait.
Our Secret
Our Secret
What makes KURU different? Every KURU shoe comes with built-in patented KURUSOLE tech—a foot health game changer.
While other shoes are flat on the inside, KURUSOLE is shaped like your foot to hug and prevent fatigue and pain.
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