Dance Class Enthusiasts Applaud $80 and $37 Shoes for Zumba

As someone who struggles with rhythm, the thought of a Zumba class can be intimidating. However, despite feeling self-conscious about my moves, I can’t deny that it’s an amazing workout (and honestly, a fun one too). According to fitness instructor Alyssa Tucker, dance cardio is "a cardiovascular workout utilizing high energy dance-based movements set to music". She also highlights that it promotes heart health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. Furthermore, incorporating memory recall into the workout helps to keep your mind engaged whilst trying to pick up the choreography.

It’s crucial to choose the right footwear for Zumba to ensure that your workout supports your joint and ankle health. Shoes without proper support can cause injury if they can’t handle the pressure of constant bouncing and pivoting; however, shoes designed explicitly for this type of activity make it easier to move with ease. In this article, we compare two types of Zumba shoes: the $80 Ryka Vivid RZX sneakers and the $37 Slow Man Jazz Dance Loafers.

Slow Man Jazz Dance Loafers

Main Specs: Minimal tread on the bottom of these shoes allows you to move your feet without twisting your knees and ankles, reducing the possibility of soreness and injury.

Other features: The breathable knit outer snuggly hugs your foot while the elevated arch supports those with foot pain and plantar fasciitis. The padded platform sole also reduces impact from stepping on hard surfaces.

Best for: Dance cardio exercises and light walking.

The slip-on design of these shoes may not look like typical athletic shoes, but they offer many benefits for dance-based workouts. The sole glides on the floor, while the outer of the shoe keeps your foot secure. The shoes are flexible enough to allow for quick, dynamic, side-to-side movements, a feature that running or weightlifting shoes don't offer. Furthermore, the Slow Man Jazz Dance Loafers have received over 56,000 perfect ratings on Amazon, with many Zumba lovers citing an improvement in their game. One fan shared how the shoes felt like "walking on air" during their Zumba class, thanking their heavenly comfort for their sensitive feet, ankles, and back. The shoes also have excellent arch and ankle support, which is perfect for dance classes.

The shoes are not the best choice for walking on unsteady or uneven surfaces because of their smoother sole.

Ryka Vivid RZX sneakers

Main Specs: These sneakers have a pivot point and circuitous grooves along the bottom, enabling you to turn faster and easier without causing strain on your joints. They also provide you with more slip-proof traction when walking.

Other features: The shock-absorbing padding found on the heel of the sneaker provides a bouncy spring while you move, protecting your legs and feet from impact. The shoes also offer a removable insole with built-in arch support.

Best for: Dance cardio, walking, and everyday wear.

Ryka's training shoes are beloved by the Zumba community for their flexibility, supportiveness, and comfort, and these cross-training sneakers are no exception. One Zumba instructor claims, these are the "go-to dance shoes," stating that they feel amazing right away with no break-in period needed. Another reviewer describes the sneakers as "fantastic" for Zumba and barre classes, providing excellent support and "definitely" improved their sense of balance. The pivot point present on the sole, designed specifically for dance, allows for effortless turns.

The sneakers are not designed to support your feet and joints during running, but they are perfect for low to mid-impact cardio and other forms of strength exercises.

Investing in a shoe explicitly intended for dance and Zumba is worth it when it comes to preventing injuries and ensuring comfort. The Slow Man Loafers offer the stability and flexibility needed for class, available at just $37. However, the shoes mostly feature smooth soles, making them less versatile for long walks or strength training. In contrast, Ryka Vivid RZXs are more dynamic and can be used for various forms of strength and low- to mid-impact cardio exercises. Both shoes are an excellent pick for dance cardio.