The Best Shoes for Zumba

17 Oct The Best Shoes for Zumba

Get Your Zumba Shoes On

If you want to spice up your exercise routine, there’s nothing better than throwing a few Zumba classes into the mix. With its fast, fun moves set to sizzling Latin dance hits, it’s a workout that feels more like a dance party than a workout class.

Zumba does great things for your body, mind, and spirit, but what is it doing for your feet?

Like any physical activity, dance classes can take a toll on your feet and ankles. To avoid problems, make sure you’re wearing shoes that give you balance and protection.

What to Look for in a Zumba Shoe

Pivot point. Also called a “spin spot,” it’s an extra spot of rubber under the big toe that allows your foot to pivot smoothly for those quick twists.

Mesh and vents. Dancing heats up your feet, so look for elements that allow air to circulate.

Low gripping. Because Zumba uses a lot of sliding motions, you want a shoe that doesn’t grip the surface and slow you down.

Split soles. Shoes made for dance workouts can have a split sole that allows your toes to move independently of your heels, making sideways steps a breeze.

Thick soles. Zumba is a high-impact exercise, so a thick, cushioned sole will protect your feet from repeated striking on the hard dance floor.

Roomy toe box. Going up and down on your toes can cause painful problems if your toes don’t have room to move.

Get the Fit

If you want to make sure your Zumba shoes offer the right protection and support, consult a podiatrist. For instance, many exercise shoes lack the right amount of arch support. At Shuman Podiatry & Sports Medicine, we can craft custom orthotics that will keep your feet properly supported.

Using custom 3D imaging and an analysis of the most common Zumba movements, we can create orthotics that will prevent injury and also alleviate pain if you do hurt yourself.

Zumba-Induced Injuries

Zumba is hugely popular and has enticed many exercise-averse people to get off the couch and on the dance floor. And while that’s a good thing, it also means that there are a lot of new exercises out there who are getting injured. Veterans who push themselves and don’t wear proper footwear or warm up properly are also at risk for these Zumba-related injuries.

Tendonitis of the shin. Your podiatrist calls it posterior tibialis tendonitis. You’ll call it a painful sensation similar to a shin splint that radiates along the side of your shin. Dr. Shuman can prescribe a course of medications, stretching exercises and custom orthotics that will relieve the pain.

Stress fractures. These are usually caused by slips during class or accidentally running into another dancer. A fracture will take some time to heal and you’ll have to stay off the dance floor until it does. As your foot or ankle starts to rehabilitate, custom orthotics will ease the transition.

Sprains and strains. The most common injuries involve ligament strains. You can help your strains heal using the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method. A podiatrist can prescribe pain medications and rehabilitative exercises.

Avoid Zumba Injuries

• Warm up before you begin.
• Avoid taking classes that are overcrowded.
• Make sure the class is held on a flexible floor specifically designed for dancing or aerobics.
• Wear suitable, well-fitted shoes.
• Thoroughly stretch for at least 10 minutes after every class.

Dance Your Way to Health

With Zumba, you can dance away your stress and get fit while having fun. You can find Zumba classes in gyms, schools, and clubs all over Loudoun County.

Don’t let foot or ankle injuries spoil your fun. Call Shuman Podiatry & Sports Medicine for a consultation. We’ll make sure your feet and shoes are in good shape and ready for Zumba.
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