10 Rocking Shoes for Zumba Reviews — Dance to Fitness in 2024

Enthusiasts of the PUMA Women’s Riaze Cross-Trainer Shoe gush about the sneaker’s comfort. At least person compares wearing this model to “walking on pillows.” This shoe features the manufacturer’s Cell Technology, which provides much cushioning and shock absorbency for aerobic and cardio activities. Some users find the shoe great for dance exercise class because the collar and tongue padding keep the tops of feet from hurting after class. Heel cushioning prevents post-workout sore heels.

However,

One person who purchased the PUMA Women’s Riaze Cross-Trainer Shoe specifically for a very high-intensity Zumba class reports her feet hurt and her shoes felt “mushed down” after one session. She concedes that while the shoes are comfortable for walking, perhaps they just don’t work for her and Zumba.

But good news …

Nonetheless, reviewers praise other features of the shoe important for successful dance classes: great support and stability, low grip (“don’t stick to the floor”), easy pivoting, and flexibility. The PUMA Women’s Riaze Cross-Trainer Shoe also is lightweight and highly breathable, which leaves wearers free to kick and spin without worrying about excessive weight, heat, and sweat.

Also,

Zumba aside, people like the PUMA Women’s Riaze Cross-Trainer Shoe for its stylish appearance and short break-in period. In fact, while some buyers feel the shoe runs small (and recommend ordering up to one size up), others say the shoe may feel tight for the first day or so … but fine afterward.

Again, nearly everyone likes the shoe’s support, although a few said it could provide more support for those with high arches.

To learn more about the PUMA Women’s Riaze Cross-Trainer Shoe, watch this QVC video review.

Features

• Puma Cell Technology
• Padded collar and tongue
• Mesh upper
• EcoOrthoLite sock liner
• EVA and Bubble Technology midsole
• Rubber outsole

Made by renowned dance footwear manufacturer, Very Fine Dancesport Shoes, Low Profile Unisex Dance Sneakers are praised by Zumba aficionados for its fine construction. Most users love the soles have just enough grip to prevent slips as well as two pivot points for twists and pirouettes. One dancer comments her knees no longer hurt after dance class because the shoes pivot so smoothly and readily. A few people wish, however, the Low Profile Unisex Dance Sneakers would slide a little better and have less traction.

But wait there’s more,

Speaking of soles, Low Profile Unisex Dance Sneakers have split soles to provide excellent toe-pointing flexibility demanded by Zumba (and jazz) choreography. Dancers also note the shoes are lightweight with breathable, highly flexible uppers.

Mixed opinions …

Low Profile Unisex Dance Sneakers provide ample comfort and support for most people. One dancer notes, however, that these shoes don’t offer enough bottom or side support, leading her feet to roll and hurt after an hour of class. Also, while some users found the shoes to be true to size, a few others suggest ordering up a half size or one whole size. In any case, the manufacturer recommends women order their street size and men order one-and-a-half sizes larger.

Pretty in pink!

The one aspect almost everyone agrees upon is the shoe’s sleek look. Female dancers love the cute pink color, while male dancers can choose from black, red, or white colors if they wish. Hey–the shoe is unisex, so anyone can wear whatever hue her or his heart desires!

Features

• Synthetic mesh and suede upper
• Air cushion heel
• Split Polyurethane sole
• Pivot points under ball of foot and heel
• Comes with carrying bag and shoe freshener

The manufacturer Ryka designs footwear specifically for women, so the RYKA Women’s Influence Cross Training Shoe has a narrower heel, a roomier forefoot, a higher instep, and a more secure footbed.

The good …

We found overwhelmingly positive feedback on this shoe because of its construction: it is lightweight and flexible–thus great for kicks and jumps–yet stable. Zumba instructors as well as students who attend class at least three times per week love the shoe’s overall support (including arch support and forefoot cushioning) that allows them to bounce and jump without any knee, ankle or hip pain. The absence of pain means these athletes can work harder and progress in Zumba–a win, win for the body and mind! The shoe’s structure also provides ample support for great side-to-side mobility.

Also important is the grip of the RYKA Women’s Influence Cross Training Shoe’s sole. Great for turning, twisting and pirouetting, the sole moves easily across the floor; many reviewers even point out that they wear these shoes while dancing on carpet. Even better, the sole has pivot point under the ball of the foot, making spinning easy.

The bad …

But we still discovered several users that disagree with some of the positive feedback. Some people commented that they wish the shoes were more flexible (especially the sole), had more support for impact (especially for the ankles), and even more cushioning under the balls of the feet. More than a few wearers complained the RYKA Women’s Influence Cross Training Shoe does NOT have great glide ability, but grips or sticks to the floor.

The RYKA Women’s Influence Cross Training Shoe runs true to size for some consumers but others feel it runs a half or whole size too small. Some people like the narrow heel box while others find the toe box too narrow.

The not-so-ugly …

Most wearers agree on the RYKA Women’s Influence Cross Training Shoe’s attractive appearance. “Sporty”, “energetic”, and “bright but not just obnoxiously fluorescent” were words used to describe the shoe’s array of available colors. The shoe’s breathable mesh upper and stylish design keep the Zumba athletes feeling cool physically and in attitude.

Watch this review of the RYKA Women’s Influence Cross Training Shoe by an experienced Zumba dancer.

Features

• Synthetic and mesh upper
• Lace-up front
• Padded tongue and collar
• Comfort Fit Precise-Return bouncy insole
• Pivot point under ball of foot

Made by the same women’s footwear company, the RYKA Women’s Tenacity Shoe has a narrower heel, roomier forefoot, higher instep, and more sturdy footbed. However, unlike the RYKA Women’s Influence Cross Training Shoe, the RYKA Women’s Tenacity Shoe is designed for low-impact workouts.

Here’s why

For Zumba participants of all ages, this high top training shoe offers ample ankle support. We discovered, nonetheless, that many reviewers also chose this model for comfort and security. At least one Zumba Gold instructor recommends this model to students. For those unfamiliar with Zumba lingo, Zumba Gold is a low-intensity Zumba class designed for active older adults who want to routines easier on their joints.

What’s more

RYKA Women’s Tenacity Shoe wearers also like the shoe’s “cheerful” and “youthful” colors as well as its breathable mesh upper. Refreshingly, we discovered that most users report this shoe is true to size or needs to be ordered up at most a half a size.

A few caveats …

No shoe is perfect for everyone, and the RYKA Women’s Tenacity Shoe is no exception. A few consumers comment that this model could provide more support for lateral movements, could slide better, and could have more cushioning for its “thin bottom.” Otherwise, though, we found no other complaints.

To learn more about the RYKA Women’s Tenacity Shoe, watch this informational video.

Features

• Synthetic and mesh upper
• Lace-up front
• Velcro strap across midfoot for secure fit
• Cushioned insole
• Rubber sole
• Pivot point under ball of foot

Brought to you by the company that develops, leads, and licenses Zumba instruction, the Zumba Women’s Flex II Remix High Dance Shoe is designed specifically for this type of exercise. Dancers rave about this shoe, naming it the “perfect” shoe for Zumba–comfortable, flexible, light, and tough for high-impact moves.

Here’s the deal:

Veterans of hour-long and multiple consecutive classes, even those with wide feet, report their feet don’t hurt after marathon workouts. The molded split-sole provides flexibility and stability to bust out impressive moves. In addition to soft cushioning, this high-top shoe offers excellent support and stability. Ample arch and ankle supports guide dancers securely as they execute high-impact steps full-out. In fact, one user comments that she feels confident moving, burning more calories, and progressing in choreography because the shoes have great support. An added bonus is the front ankle strap for even more stability.

Even better,

Wearers of the Zumba Women’s Flex II Remix High Dance Shoe love that the shoes slide smoothly, allowing freedom of movement during class without sore ankles, knees and hips after class. The heel’s pivot point and the pivot pad under the ball of the foot increase a dancer’s maneuverability for twists and turns. Finally, the beautiful and hot purple breathable mesh lets out heat and sweat during intense sessions.

But

We found a few consumers with minor complaints: one user feels the shoes lack sufficient padding under the foot and another thinks the shoe’s sole is too flat for dance.

To learn more about the Zumba Women’s Flex II Remix High Dance Shoe, watch this informational video.

Features

• Z-Flex technology for maximum flexibility
• Z-Slide technology for easy sliding
• Rubber sole
• Mesh upper
• Leather overlays on toe and heel to protect on impact
• Pivot point under heel
• Pivot pad under ball of foot

A second shoe designed by the mother company is the Zumba Women’s Street Boss Dance Shoe. You truly will look like a boss with this commanding high-top sneaker with its shiny, metallic leather and polyurethane upper. In fact, this shoe’s appearance is exactly what attracts people (after its functionality and fit, of course). Dancers love to rock this fashionable and great-looking shoe in class.

The right stuff

For hardcore Zumba practitioners, this shoe stands up to at least five workout sessions per week, including back-to-back classes. These dancers wouldn’t be able to make it unless they wear a shoe with such a comfortable design and strong ankle support.

There’s more

In addition to providing great support, the Zumba Women’s Street Boss Dance Shoe has just the right amount of grip for pulling off intricate Zumba steps. Dancers love that the shoe’s sole has two pivot circles, one under the heel and one under the ball of the foot.

A bit mixed

While some people feel the shoe is lightweight, at least one user thinks the shoe is a little heavy. What’s more, while dancers praise the shoe’s awesome look, a few noted the shoe model looks a bit big and long. The Zumba Women’s Street Boss Dance Shoe runs true to size for most buyers, although those with wide feet advise to order a half or whole size larger.

Features

• Z-Slide technology for easy sliding
• Rubber sole
• Leather and polyurethane upper
• Leather overlays on toe and heel to protect in impact
• Pivot point under heel
• Pivot point under ball of foot

Renowned in the dance world, the Capezio brand brings the Capezio Women’s DS24 Rockit Dance Sneaker to Zumba class. Several reviewers report switching to this well-padded yet lightweight and flexible sneaker in order to avoid pain. In fact, previous aches and strains disappeared once they started wearing this model.

Guess what?

Even Zumba instructors state the Capezio Women’s DS24 Rockit Dance Sneaker facilitates easy turning and pivoting without sacrificing stability. The shoe is excellent for changing direction, rotating, and executing lateral movements. Its overall high-quality design and construction–including a strong arch support as well as a padded collar and tongue–give dancers the security they require. People like the cushioned, removable EVA footbed and a few note they can fit their orthotics in the shoes if needed.

Here’s the sole of the matter

The Capezio Women’s DS24 Rockit Dance Sneaker’s sole is split and flexible for maximum foot articulation and pointing. It has a welcome spin spot under the ball of the foot. Some users like the amount of grip of this shoe’s sole (even for performing Zumba on carpeting) while others find it a bit slippery for lunges, squats, and on non-carpeted floors.

A few complaints

Two people report the EVA footbed inadvertently popped out while they were dancing. Many reviewers can’t understand why the shoes’ laces are so long! People with wide feet find the Capezio Women’s DS24 Rockit Dance Sneaker a bit narrow and recommend ordering a half or whole size larger. Finally, a few buyers were frustrated after the seam stitching at toe and heel started to come apart after just a few months.

To learn more about the Capezio Women’s DS24 Rockit Dance Sneaker, watch this review by a real dancer.

Features

• Split, non-marking polyurethane sole
• Spin spot under ball of foot
• Upper made of polyurethane Nubuck, imitation suede upper, and mesh
• Padded tongue and collar
• Achilles notch above heel
• Flat, boxed toe for toe stands

Although the NIKE Women’s Flex Supreme TR 5 Cross Training Shoe wasn’t specifically designed for studio exercise, dancers like this shoe because it’s comfortable, light, and easy to move in.

This is the reason

The NIKE Women’s Flex Supreme TR 5 Cross Training Shoe has foam pods in its collar to improve fit around the heel and prevent hold the heel in. It also has a dual-layer foam mid-sole and out-sole to create what users describe as cozy and durable cushioning. The cushioning provides not only comfort, but also support for diverse activities, including Zumba, walking, yoga, weights, squats, biking, and Pilates.

Freedom!

The NIKE Women’s Flex Supreme TR 5 Cross Training Shoe is versatile for use during many different types of exercise because it is flexible and breathable. Consumers demand freedom of movement and that’s what they get with this shoe.

A unicorn?

Amazingly, the NIKE Women’s Flex Supreme TR 5 Cross Training Shoe is the only model we encountered that most people say runs true to size!

The few people who suggest ordering up a half or one whole size admit that they have wide feet. In fact, the main complaint is these shoes are best for narrow and regular feet only.

A few reviewers who found the shoes tight at first advise giving them a day or two to stretch out and loosen up.

For more information on the NIKE Women’s Flex Supreme TR 5 Cross Training Shoe, watch this detailed video.

Features

• Mesh upper
• Dual-density foam midsole
• Rubber sole
• Hexagonal sole pattern

One reviewer describes wearing the ASICS Women’s Gel-Fit Sana 3 Cross-Trainer Shoe as “walking on baby clouds.” Another person compares slipping on these shoes to feet “wearing a sweatshirt.” What better endorsements of comfort can you ask than that?

Slip on, slip off

The shoe’s Mono-Sock design with an elastic internal sleeve that replaces a traditional tongue makes the shoe easy to slip on and slip off–a quality that users love. A few people, however, point out that this construction can make keeping heels in the shoe difficult during squats and similar moves.

Not just a pretty face

While wearers describe the ASICS Women’s Gel-Fit Sana 3 Cross-Trainer Shoe as “cute” and “stylish”, they also praise it for being cozy and lightweight. Ideal for low-impact activities like Zumba Gold and walking, they provide flexibility for comfortable freedom of movement. One reviewer comments that perhaps the shoes provide a bit too much flexibility for controlling lateral movements.

Aye, there’s the rub

Many reviewers state the ASICS Women’s Gel-Fit Sana 3 Cross-Trainer Shoe doesn’t provide enough support for high-impact activities, like regular Zumba. The shoe’s arch support and side support are lacking. As for sizing, we discovered opinions all over the board: some people think it is true to size, some people feel it runs large, and others state it runs a half or one whole size small.

To learn more detailed information about the ASICS Women’s Gel-Fit Sana 3 Cross-Trainer Shoe, watch this informational video.

Features

• Mesh upper
• Rubber sole
• MONO-SOCK® construction (an elastic internal sleeve which replaces a traditional tongue for a "sock-like" fit)
• Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System