Zumba is a wonderful exercise option that is taking the world by storm. It involves intense dancing and movement to exuberant musical tunes and is bound to leave you in a pool of sweat after a good class. But did you know that there are special Zumba shoes that can take your exercise experience to the next level while simultaneously protecting your feet, ankles, and knees from injury?
Zumba is fun and effective as a form of exercise and recreation. However, it also holds its fair share of ankle sprains, knee pain, and foot injuries if you do not invest in proper footwear for this exercise, such as with any other sports or exercise.
Just as you would invest in proper rung shoes, there are Zumba shoes or training shoes suited to Zumba and the requirements of this exercise.
Today w, we specifically look at Nike Zumba shoes and how they measure up.
Table of Contents
Why You Need Proper Zumba Shoes
As I have mentioned, if you enjoy running, weight lifting, basketball, dancing, or any other sports, you will invest in the right gear for the specific sport and shoes. The gear or shoes help improve your performance and protect your feet and body from injury, overuse injury, and other issues arising from the movements and activities involved in the specific sport or exercise.
So, long story short, Zumba is a combination of dancing, specifically Latin dancing, which has some pretty intricate movements and techniques, and then low-impact aerobics.
So here are a few good reasons why you do need proper shoes for Zumba dance routines;
- Flexibility – The movement in Zumba requires that you flex and pivot, point your toes, and flex your feet. Thus, a shoe with flexible uppers and soles is necessary for these movements. A shoe with a very rigid sole will limit your range of movements and can, in turn, also hurt your feet more than it will help. A tight fit may tear if the uppers do not flex with your feet.
- Hard Landings – Some of the movements in Zumba routines involve hard landing on your feet, for which you will need some cushioning in the entire footbed of the shoe. Zumba also requires plenty of pressure on the balls of the feet, for which you will require some cushioning and support.
- Sweating – The high-energy nature of Zumba training can lead to excessive sweating and your feet quite hot. Thus, shoes that breathe well and ventilate are needed to keep your feet cool and dry.
- Less grip – You want less grip on a Zumba shoe, but not no grip. Too much grip will restrict certain movements and cause a trip and a fall, whereas too little grip may lead to slipping. So, with grip, there needs to be an unquestionably perfect balance.
Training Shoes VS Zumba Shoes
I want to clarify that walking, running, and fashion sneakers will not work for Zumba training.
You cannot use your casual canvas sneakers for Zumba as they will not hold up, hurt your feet, or cause trips and falls.
You cannot use running shoes; they are way too grippy and tend to have a more rigid sole and fit, which will not allow you to perform the necessary movements with the grace and precision needed. Likewise, running shoes are quite heavy and bulky, which works for Zumba training.
Like running shoes, walking shoes offer too much grip and are too buky for Zumba.
On the other hand, training shoes are the ideal type of athletic shoe for Zumba if you need help getting your hands on genuine Zumba shoes. Furthermore, the training shoes have the right features: lightweight, flexible, and durable. Most flexible training shoes, such as Nike and Zumba shoes, make ideal Zumba exercise shoes.
Proper Zumba shoes are ideal but may not always be an option, and you may want something more versatile for other exercise routines in turn.
Features of a Good Nike Zumba Shoe
You can look for these features in your Nike Zumba Shoes;
- Uppers – Breathable and lightweight upper that will flex to the shape of your feet, and your movements are ideal. Look for mesh, knit, or leather uppers.
- Midsole – A shock-absorbing midsole is ideal for absorbing shock when landing and protects your feet, ankles, and knees against impact.
- Cushioning – A cushioning insole offers comfort but should not impede flexibility or add too much bulk.
- Outsole – Look for a rubber or synthetic outsole with a medium grip and a slightly patterned tread. You want something manageable.
- Options – Nike Zumba shoes come in many colors, designs, and styles from which you can choose from most of their available models.
Reviews: The Best Nike Zumba Shoes
These are our top favorite Zumba shoe models from the Nike brand;
1
- The Nike Free RN is one of the top favorite models from this brand, ideal for Zumba.
- It is a lightweight training shoe with breathable mesh uppers and light cushioning.
- The sneaker is versatile in use and very durable.
- The outsole offers good grip and traction.
2
- The Nike Tanjun is a lightweight training shoe for Zumba.
- It has breathable and flexible uppers and is very lightweight.
- There is a shock-absorbing cushioned midsole for support.
- The training shoe has deep flexion carvings in the sole for maximum flexibility,
- It is more of a gymnastics shoe but works well for Zumba.
3
- The Nike Flex Trainer is a flexible dance and Zumba training shoe.
- The uppers are textile and synthetic and very flexible and lightweight.
- There is light cushioning for comfort and a moisture-wicking lining.
- The outsole is durable and flexible.
4
- The Nike Shox is a training and running shoe that is more shock-absorbing.
- It can be used for Zumba training, especially if knee pain, plantar fasciitis, or heel pain.
- It offers cushioning and good shock absorbency.
- The fit and sole are also still flexible enough for Zumba movements.
- The Shox model is also available in more colors and sizes.
5
- The Nike Revolution is a wide-width Zumba training shoe.
- It is ideal for individuals who need a slightly wider or roomier fitting Zumba shoe.
- It has a comfortable foam midsole and is very lightweight.
- There is a durable rubber outsole.
- More colors are likewise available.
6
- The Nike Air Monarch is a favorite Zumba shoe for men.
- It has leather uppers and supportive overlays.
- The outsole offers motion support that is ideal for Zumba.
- It is available in more neutral colors as well as size options.
Index Table: Top Rated Nike Zumba Shoes
| No. | Shoe | Image | Features | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nike Women's Free RN - Zumba Shoes |  |
| Nike | 98 |
| 2 | Nike Women's Tanjun - Zumba Shoes |  |
| Nike | 97.8 |
| 3 | Nike Women's Flex Trainer - Zumba Shoes |  |
| Nike | 97.3 |
| 4 | Nike Women's Shox - Zumba Shoes |  |
| Nike | 96.7 |
| 5 | Nike Women's revolution 5 - Wide Width Zumba Shoes |  |
| Nike | 97.2 |
| 6 | Nike Men's Monarch - Zumba Shoes |  |
| Nike | 97.5 |
