Choosing the right footwear is crucial for any dance fitness enthusiast. Just like having the right playlist or workout gear, your shoes can significantly impact your performance, comfort, and even prevent injuries. In my previous post, I touched upon the essential features to look for in dance fitness shoes: flexibility, lightweight design, moderate grip with pivot points, and ample cushioning. Now, I’ve put those principles to the test and explored some popular options to bring you a more in-depth guide.
After experimenting with the Ryka Devotion XT and delving into other top-rated dance sneakers, I’m excited to share my findings. This comprehensive review will explore various brands and models, helping you discover the Best Shoes For Dancing that perfectly match your needs. While this might be a longer read, feel free to jump to the conclusion for a quick summary of recommendations. Remember, I’m sharing my experiences as a dance fitness enthusiast, not a shoe expert, and have no affiliations with any brands mentioned – though collaborations are always welcome! 😉
RYKA: Top-Rated Dance Fitness Shoes for Women?
Ryka stands out as a brand specifically engineered for women’s athletic footwear. Their Devotion XT model became my initial test subject, and I must say, they impressed me. The Ryka Devotion XT immediately ticked the boxes for flexibility and lightweight construction. The inclusion of a pivot point is a fantastic feature for dance, enabling smooth turns and spins. Initially, the sole felt a tad too grippy, but a quick scuff on concrete remedied that, achieving the ideal balance for studio floors. The cushioning is excellent, clearly designed for high-impact activities, which is essential for dance fitness. For added comfort and impact absorption, I swapped the standard insole with my trusted Sorbothane Max Duty insole (consider sizing up for these!), especially since I tend to jump quite a bit during classes.
While Ryka offers other dance sneakers, the Devotion XT seems to strike the best balance of grip and cushioning for diverse dance fitness routines. If you’re looking for shoes specifically designed for women and dance fitness, Ryka should be high on your list.
Where to Buy Ryka Dance Shoes and Delivery Options
Ryka shoes are conveniently available on their official website, www.ryka.com, and major online retailers like Amazon. While ryka.com primarily serves the US market, Amazon often provides international shipping, including to New Zealand. Check the Amazon link for potential free shipping and delivery to your location.
Ryka Shoe Cost
As of this writing, Ryka dance shoe prices range from approximately USD $79.99 to USD $119. Keep in mind that prices can vary based on model, retailer, and any ongoing promotions.
BLOCH: Traditional Dance Sneakers with Modern Performance
Bloch is a renowned name in the dance world, known for its traditional dance shoes, but they also offer indoor dance sneakers. Two popular models are the Classic Boost and the Omnia. Bek, a talented choreographer and dancer from Never Stop Dancing, swears by the Classic Boost for classes. She praises its lightweight feel, comfort, excellent cushioning, and suitability for turns and spins. The Classic Boost features a split sole, enhancing flexibility for movements like pointing your toes. However, the split sole design might offer less arch support, which could be a concern for individuals with foot arch issues or plantar fasciitis. The Boost’s pivot point and minimal grip are ideal for spins but might require caution on slippery surfaces during squats or lunges. Designed for high-impact activities, it provides reliable cushioning.
The Bloch Omnia presents a more street-shoe aesthetic. It’s lightweight and incorporates grooves for flexibility. While it lacks a pivot point, it features an indoor sole with toe and heel grip, beneficial for lunges, but less grip on the outer edge for squats. Cushioning in the Omnia might be less substantial than in the Boost, but aftermarket insoles can easily address this.
Close-up of Bloch Boost dance shoe, highlighting its split sole and design
Close-up of Bloch Omnia dance shoe, showcasing its street-style design
Where to Buy Bloch Dance Shoes and Delivery Options
Bloch shoes can be purchased online through dancewear retailers like www.dancestorenz.co.nz (for NZ) and other specialized dance gear websites. Amazon also carries the Bloch Classic Boost and Bloch Omnia, potentially offering free shipping. Physical dancewear stores are also worth checking for Bloch shoes.
Bloch Shoe Cost
The Bloch Boost is priced around USD $94, excluding shipping, at the time of writing. Prices may vary depending on the retailer and model.
FUEGO: Sleek and Modern Dance Sneakers for滑步 and Turns
Fuego is a relatively new brand specializing in dance sneakers gaining online buzz. While I haven’t personally tried them, a student in my class has experience with the Fuego dance sneaker model. Fuego offers two main styles: the dance sneaker and the split sole model.
The standard dance sneaker features pivot points on both the forefoot and heel. My student reported these shoes as being quite slippery, making them excellent for turns, especially on surfaces like carpet. However, on wood or similar studio floors, the slipperiness might be excessive for squats and lunges, requiring more controlled movements. These sneakers offer ample cushioning and moderate flexibility, generally suitable for dance fitness.
The split sole model is engineered for exceptional lightness and flexibility, allowing for full foot articulation. It also incorporates pivot points at both the forefoot and heel, further enhancing spin capability. Like the standard model, the split sole might compromise grip for movements needing stability. The Fuego website indicates substantial cushioning in the split sole version as well. As with other split sole shoes, those needing maximum arch support should consider if this design is right for them. Fuego shoes are known for their stylish aesthetics, making them a visually appealing option.
Close-up of Fuego dance sneaker, highlighting its pivot point and contemporary design
Close-up of Fuego split sole dance shoe, emphasizing its flexibility and design
Where to Buy Fuego Dance Shoes and Delivery Options
Fuego shoes are available through their website, www.fuegodance.com. They offer worldwide shipping, with free shipping within the US and a shipping fee of around USD $31 to New Zealand.
Fuego Shoe Cost
Fuego dance shoe prices range from USD $110 to USD $130 at the time of this review, excluding international shipping costs.
ZUMBA: Energetic Shoes Designed for Zumba Fitness
Zumba, the popular dance fitness program, also has its own extensive line of shoes specifically designed for Zumba classes. Zumba shoes are generally known for being light and flexible, aligning well with dance fitness needs. Most models feature indoor soles, but surprisingly, only the Zumba Train 2.0 model explicitly includes a pivot point. The pivot point design on the Train 2.0 is unique, incorporating a half pivot on the inner forefoot edge and a round pivot on the outer edge. The Zumbawear website highlights the Zumba Train 2.0’s substantial cushioning, and online reviews are predominantly positive, praising their comfort and performance for Zumba workouts. If you’ve tried Zumba shoes recently, I’d love to hear about your experience regarding quality, cushioning, and grip.
Where to Buy Zumba Dance Shoes and Delivery Options
Zumba shoes can be purchased from www.zumbawear.com (US), www.zumbawear.eu (Europe/UK), or www.zumbashop.com.au (Australia/NZ), depending on your location.
Zumba Shoe Cost
Zumba shoe prices range from USD $87 to USD $97 plus shipping, with potential shipping costs to New Zealand around USD $30. Prices may fluctuate based on model and retailer.
CAPEZIO: Affordable Dance Sneakers with a Resemblance to Bloch
Capezio, another established dance brand, offers the Rock It dance shoe, which shares visual similarities with the Bloch Classic Boost but often at a more accessible price point. Online reviews suggest the Rock It tends to run narrow, so considering sizing up by half a size might be advisable. It features a split sole, but some reviews indicate potentially less arch support compared to the Bloch Boost.
Where to Buy Capezio Dance Shoes and Delivery Options
Capezio shoes are available at dancewear retailers like www.dancestorenz.co.nz in NZ and other dance-specialized stores. Amazon also offers Capezio shoes, often with free delivery options. Check local dancewear shops as well.
Capezio Shoe Cost
The Capezio Rock It is priced around USD $77 plus delivery at the time of this article. Prices may vary by retailer and promotions.
NIKE: Stylish Training Shoes for Dance-Inspired Workouts
Nike offers several shoes marketed as dance sneakers, often leaning towards a lifestyle or training shoe aesthetic. Models like the Air Force 1 and Dunk, primarily basketball shoes, are sometimes suggested for dance. While they feature a pivot point (for basketball movements), their flexibility and weight might not be optimized for dance fitness. They offer toe and outer edge grip, suitable for squats and lunges, but their primary appeal for dance seems to be their fashionable look rather than dance-specific functionality. If style is a major factor, Fuego might be a more dance-focused alternative with a similar cool vibe.
Nike also has a wide range of training shoes that are generally lightweight and flexible. However, many training shoes might have excessive grip, designed for stability in weight training rather than the controlled滑步 needed in dance. The Nike Flex Trainer was a past favorite, offering a balance of lightness, flexibility, and decent cushioning, but its current availability seems limited, mainly found on Amazon or similar platforms, suggesting it may be discontinued by Nike.
Where to Buy Nike Dance Shoes and Delivery Options
Nike shoes are widely available through numerous retailers, Nike’s official website www.nike.com, and online marketplaces like Amazon. The Nike Flex Training shoe, if you can find your size, is worth checking on Amazon.
Nike Shoe Cost
Nike shoes mentioned here range from approximately USD $116 to USD $141 plus delivery. Prices vary widely depending on the model and retailer.
REEBOK: Versatile Dance Shoes for Studio and Street
Reebok offers the Freestyle Motion dance shoe. Visually, it appears lightweight with grooves in the sole. However, the actual flexibility might need further investigation. The Reebok website lacks detailed information on cushioning and support for this model. It includes a pivot point for turns and spins, but the sole design resembles outdoor soles used for tennis or walking, raising questions about its optimal performance for dedicated dance fitness.
Where to Buy Reebok Dance Shoes and Delivery Options
Reebok Freestyle Motion shoes can be found on www.reebok.com (US) and www.reebokshoesnz.com (NZ). Check regional Reebok websites for availability in your area.
Reebok Shoe Cost
The Reebok Freestyle Motion is priced around USD $58, excluding delivery, at the time of this review, making it a more budget-friendly option.
CONCLUSION: Choosing Your Best Dance Shoe
In summary, selecting the best shoes for dancing depends on your specific needs, preferences, and dance style.
- Ryka Devotion XT: A top contender, especially for women, offering excellent cushioning, flexibility, and a pivot point, specifically designed for dance fitness.
- Bloch Classic Boost: A favorite among dancers for its lightweight feel, flexibility, and spin-friendly sole, though arch support might be a consideration.
- Fuego Dance Sneaker (and Split Sole): Stylish and spin-optimized, but potentially too slippery for high-grip movements on some surfaces.
- Zumba Train 2.0: Designed for Zumba, with good cushioning and a unique pivot point, worth considering for Zumba enthusiasts.
- Capezio Rock It: A budget-friendlier alternative to Bloch Boost, with a similar split sole design, but potentially narrower fit and less arch support.
- Nike (various models): Style-focused options, with some models like Flex Trainer offering decent dance fitness features, but many Nike shoes are not specifically designed for dance.
- Reebok Freestyle Motion: A budget option with a pivot point, but its suitability for dance fitness requires further research due to limited information on cushioning and flexibility.
Phew! That was a deep dive into the world of dance fitness shoes! I hope this detailed guide helps you navigate the options and find the perfect pair to enhance your dance workouts. Happy shoe shopping and happy dancing!
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