One of the most oftentimes asked questions I get as a Zumba teacher is with regard to the type of shoe to wear. Zumba is a cardio exercise class that combines both dancing and fitness moves. A regular dance shoe will not have the shock absorption for the impact of exercise, and an athletic shoe that is strictly for training may not have the lightness and movement capabilities needed for dancing.
The retort is to get a dance-fitness or dance-aerobic shoe. With the increased popularity in dance-fitness classes such as cardio salsa, hip-hop fitness and Zumba, the shoe manufacturers have come out with a great assortment of aerobic type training shoes geared to the dance-fitness enthusiast. These shoes have multi-directional reserve and very limited tread on the sole. They are lightweight and make it easy to pivot and glide over the floor.
Zumba Shoes
When choosing the right shoes for your feet, read the reviews or descriptions online. If you have a wide foot, narrow foot, or high arch, for example, there may be a brand of shoe that is great marvelous for you. Nike and Ryka brands have a popular selection of dance aerobic shoes to select from.
Adding a well-cushioned insert to the shoe will make it much more comfortable. Take out the insert that the shoe comes with and place in one that is designed specifically for cross training or aerobics. Replacing the inserts often will enlarge the life of the shoe itself.
Athletic shoes should be replaced every 3 to 6 months, depending on how much mileage you put on them. When you feel your knees and legs begin to ache after exercise it could mean that it is time to get a new pair of shoes.
In summary, the best shoe for a dance-fitness class is one that is lightweight, supportive and has limited tread on the sole. Find one specifically made for dance-fitness or dance aerobics. When you are wearing the right shoes you will have a great exercise experience, you will stick to your exercising and you will have more fun.
Dance Fitness Shoes - choosing a Shoe For Zumba Class
