One of my absolute favorite exercise routines is the Zumba Latin dance routine.
This exercise combines Latin dance moves with low-impact aerobic exercises to give you a full, energizing, fun workout and exciting dance music.
However, I can tell you from experience that you will need the right shoes for Zumba exercise because it combines dance and aerobic exercise.
When it comes to Zumba shoes, you get high-top Zumba shoes and low-top Zumba shoes, as with most dance shoes.
This article will focus on the high-top Zumba shoe range, which is given too little credit overall.
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Why Do You Need proper Zumba Shoes?
Well, as I have mentioned, Zumba is a dance workout. Thus, you will combine many Latin dance moves with low-impact aerobics.
There will be plenty of back-and-forth and side-to-side movements, as well as very fast events and loads of hip movements.
You will slide or drag your feet, especially when transitioning from one movement to the next, similar to Latin dancing.
Thus, firstly, your shoes will take quite a beating, and you will need good, durable shoes.
On the other hand, you need shoes that will not slip and slide around on your feet, with a snug fit, because any unnecessary friction, along with Zumba moves, will cause many painful blisters and abrasions.
Flexibility in most Zumba shoes is what makes them so ideal. It would be best to flex the sole and uppers to accommodate the flexion and pointing of your feet and toes.
I recommend the high-top Zumba shoe because it provides excellent ankle support, which may sometimes be needed. Some of the movements involved in Zumba dance may result in an ankle sprain or strain on your ankles. A High-top Zumba shoe will protect your ankles. On the other hand, most properly fitting shoes will do the same.
The High-top Zumba shoe may also be a fashion statement, and many dancers love this design.
So How Should You Choose Your Zumba Shoes?
Here are a few criteria to help you choose your Zumba shoes;
- Running Shoes – I wanted to add this first. You only get a few running shoes, though, come to think of it. Running shoes do not work well for Zumba as they have too much grip and are rigid and stable.
- Training Shoes or Zumba Shoes – You have most likely found that Zumba shoes are not common. You can use dance or training shoes for Zumba if they have the right features. Casual Latin dance shoes and most athletic training shoes that are more flexible or neutral will make for excellent Zumba shoes.
- Design – This article will look specifically at the high-top Zumba shoe models. I have included High and mid-top for this range. Zumba shoes usually come in fun and vibrant colors that match your style. They will have flexible fit uppers that may range in materials and a more flexible sole, with a pivot point in some models. You will see that you need some grip from the sole but less than a running shoe.
- Breathability – Zumba training takes quite a lot out of you; you will sweat and get hot, so make sure your shoes ventilate properly so they do not become soaked and uncomfortable.
Features of a Good High Top Zumba Shoe
These are specific features that you need to consider when choosing the best Zumba shoes;
- Materials – Zumba shoes come in various materials. They can have leather, mesh, textile, knit uppers, and usually rubber or synthetic soles.
- Comfort Features – For comfort, I would consider a cushioned insole and a moisture-wicking lining to keep your feet dry.
- Support Features – A well-cushioned foam midsole and heel cushioning provide good shock absorbency with some movements’ landing. A contoured footbed or arch support will also provide better support.
- Flexibility – You want flexible and accommodating uppers with a snug fit that will move with you. The sole will also need to be more flexible.
- Fit – The Fit must be snug but not squeeze or restrict your feet from movement.
Reviews: The Best High Top Zumba Shoes
Here are some of our top choices in Zumba shoes that have a mid or higher top design;
1
- The Ryka Devotion is a mid-top design Zumba shoe that is one of the best in its range.
- It comes in some fun color models from which you can choose.
- Ryka is one of the top brands for dance-specific and Zumba shoes.
- They have a shock-absorbing midsole and an anatomical design footbed,
- The Skeletal rubber outsole is ideal for Zumba training.
2
- The Adidas Performance Irana 2 is also a favorite for high-top Zumba shoes.
- It is available in more colors and some very colorful and feminine options.
- The Irana 2 has a high top and cushioned collar.
- It is a lightweight textile shoe.
- There is a Pivot-Point cup sole rubber outsole ideal for Zumba and dancing.
3
- Here, we have an energizing dance and Zumba-specific high-top shoes.
- It has excellent support and cushioning features without being bulky.
- The rubber sole design is ideal for Zumba and dancing,
- The shoe is lightweight and very comfortable, with a high top.
4
- The Air classic remix sneaker is also a favorite Zumba shoe with a high-top design,
- It is available in more colors from which you can choose.
- The Zumba shoe has a comfortable and dance-ready design and fit.
- The outsole offers just the right amount of grip and traction.
5
- The Adidas Edgebounce is a mid-top design training shoe proven ideal for Zumba.
- It has seam-sealed stretch mesh uppers that are breathable and flexible.
- There is energizing cushioning and a comfortable fit.
- The outsole is a durable rubber.
- More color options are likewise available to you.
6
- The Reebok BB4500 is an excellent high-top Zumba shoe model.
- It has leather and textile uppers, and more colors are available.
- The shoe model has a removable orthotic insert and a very sturdy design for durability.
- It offers excellent support and comfort.
Index Table: Top Rated High Top Zumba Shoes
| No. | Shoe | Image | Features | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryka Women's Devotion - Mid Top Zumba Shoes |  |
| Ryka | 98 |
| 2 | Adidas Women's Irana2 - High Top Zumba Shoes |  |
| Adidas | 97.9 |
| 3 | Zumba Store Women's Energy Boom - High Top Athletic Zumba Shoes |  |
| Zumba Store | 97.4 |
| 4 | Zumba Store Women's Air Classic - High Top Zumba Shoes |  |
| Zumba Store | 96.7 |
| 5 | Adidas Women's Edgebounce - Mid Zumba Shoes |  |
| Adidas | 97 |
| 6 | Reebok Men's MB4500 - High Top Zumba Shoes |  |
| Reebok | 97 |
