5 Best Shoes for Zumba (Even if You Have Problem Feet) 2026
I’m not Latin, but I have a Latin heart. My soul is moved by Latin beats like bachata, cumbia, salsa and reggaeton. While I don’t consider myself a dancer, Zumba classes remain my favorite cardio exercise, even with rheumatoid arthritis. But which shoes for Zumba and other dance fitness classes are best for protecting the joints yet allow the feet and ankles to pivot well? I know that the Zumba company carries their own brand, but a little Reddit research leads me to believe these shoes are lacking the support needed for problem feet (you are welcome to dispute me in the comment section). After asking my Facebook followers and conducting my own deep dive into customer comments, I’ve rounded up the five best shoes for Zumba (and a pair of socks)!
Ryka Devotion X Max
Our first recommendations come from an experienced Zumba instructor and Barking Dog Shoes Facebook fan:
“I’m a Zumba instructor and have tried almost every shoe imaginable I currently rotate between Hoka Cliftons, Hoka Solimar (not as cushy but has good pivoting capability), and Ryka Devotion Max. I teach 5-6 classes a week. I have hallux rigidus and intermittent plantar fasciitis, so I have to accommodate those issues. I wear custom orthotics and good socks which help. And I change my shoes out every 3-4 months – way before they are showing signs of wear or are starting to break down internally. It’s usually my knees that let me know it’s time to switch into new shoes!”
Check out the Ryka Devotion XT with a pivot point for smooth turns and twists!
Nike Free TR8
“Wear these to Zumba class, 3x week. Really notice the difference that higher ankle support makes, especially when jumping and making quick turns. My 50+ year old, flat feet (with bunions) are very happy.” Nike customer
Do you need a little extra ankle support in your Zumba shoes? The Nike Free TR8’s bootie fit and fully attached tongue provide a snug, stable fit around the ankle. The rounded toe box is generous and the smooth sole allows for non-grippy pivots and slides. Find a pair in sizes 5-12 on sale for $66 at Nike.
Lululemon Chargefeel 3
Lululemon Chargefeel 3
“I purchased some Beyondfeel shoes from WMTM last year and found them to be just, meh, so when I needed new Zumba and walking shoes I opted for these instead. I find the cost to be similar to that of other brands, but find them super comfy. They fit my orthotics (was happy to read this on another review as well) and they are awesome in slipping on without needing to move the tongue etc, I didn’t realize they were slip-ins but I love that feature.” – Lululemon customer
“I was skeptical but in the end love the support and shock absorption when I do Zumba” – Lululemon customer
I was surprised to find out that Lululemon has expanded into the footwear realm! The Chargefeel is categorized as a cross-training shoe but I read reviews from Zumba dancers stating that although the shoe doesn’t have the pivot circle, they allow the shoes to move laterally without gripping–also mentioned was the lightweight feel, shock-absorption and good cushioning. Find a pair in sizes 5-12 for $158 from Lululemon. Tip: Take advantage of Lululemon’s 30-day trial!
Hoka Solimar
“Love my shoes. I do Zumba and body conditioning and so far this shoes answer my prayers. No more pain!” Hoka customer
If you’re a fan of Hoka, but your cushy yet bulky Bondi running shoes feel unstable during Zumba, you may want to consider the streamlined Hoka Solimar with a lower stack height. Available in sizes 5-11 for $82-125 from Hoka and Zappos.
Topo Magnifly
This is the shoe that yours truly wears for Zumba class..and I have myriad problems with my feet: bunions, hammertoes, rheumatoid arthritis throughout the foot joints, past surgeries. Topo Athletic shoes give me the arch support I need while allowing my toes to spread out–no more painful bunions or numb toes. They even accommodate my custom orthotics (best to order up a half size) and I love the snug fit at the heel. Granted they are a running shoe and the tread is a little grippy, but I modify my Zumba workouts by limiting my turns and lateral movements. The Topo Magnifly 5 is available in sizes 6-12 for $135 from Topo Athletic, Zappos and Amazon.
The Dance Socks
Sometimes the best shoes for Zumba are the ones that are already in your closet. You love the support they offer, the fit and overall feel, yet they keep catching on the humid wood floor at the gym torquing your knees! The Dance Socks fit snugly over the your shoes covering the ball of foot in a smooth blend of nylon and spandex. Available for $14.99 from Amazon. They even make a sock that covers the whole foot for at-home workouts on carpet!
I would love to know what foot issues you have and which shoes for Zumba you wear? Leave a comment below or join us in the discussion over at Facebook!
1 response to “5 Best Shoes for Zumba (Even if You Have Problem Feet) 2026”
Esther
It’s not necessary to buy special shoes for Zumba. This article referred to “Dance Socks”, which will allow you to freely slide and pivot. I owned a gym for women 10 years ago at the start of the Zumba craze. We sold a tight wide band that went over your shoes and worked very well. I saw some advertised as Slip on Dancers. I have enough challenges finding comfortable shoes with my Morton’s neuroma, that I don’t want to shop for Zumba shoes specifically. By the way, I live in Brooks Adrenalin with orthotics.
It's not necessary to buy special shoes for Zumba. This article referred to "Dance Socks", which will allow you to freely slide and pivot. I owned a gym for women 10 years ago at the start of the Zumba craze. We sold a tight wide band that went over your shoes and worked very well. I saw some advertised as Slip on Dancers. I have enough challenges finding comfortable shoes with my Morton's neuroma, that I don't want to shop for Zumba shoes specifically. By the way, I live in Brooks Adrenalin with orthotics.
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