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Jan 16 2020
How to Choose the Perfect Aerobics Shoe
Cardio and dance fitness classes are all about keeping your feet moving—so it goes without saying, your dance shoes better keep up with you! Between pivoting, chasséeing and high impact workouts, you need a shoe that moves with you and helps to avoid athletic injury. And really...is it so much to ask that they look good, too?
Our anatomy of a great cardio dance shoe guide will help you find the best workout shoes for your unique needs. Because the only thing we want you to think about in Jazzercise class is having fun and getting fit.
Get to Know Your Feet
When selecting the right trainer or shoe, you’ve got to know your foot type; specifically, what kind of arch you have. To find out what kind of arch you have, use the paper towel trick. Yes, this is a thing. Place a paper towel on the floor then dampen your foot and place it on the towel. Pick your foot up and inspect the towel. If the majority of the towel is wet, including mid-foot around the arch, then you have a flatter foot. If the middle area of your foot is dry, then you have a mid to high arch. Still not sure what type of arch you have? Check out this helpful chart.
Understanding your foot type is important to getting the right support you need from a dance sneaker.
Flat Feet (Overpronation)
A flatter foot means that your arch helps absorb some of the shock and pressure when you’re in motion. Since you’re rolling inwards during impact, you’ll need more support to avoid knee and ankle injury.
Look for a shoe that offers inner-arch support. It’s slightly elevated near your arch and creates a cushion so your foot stays stable during impact.
Arched Feet (Underpronation)
A foot with a high arch doesn’t roll inward during impact, so it doesn’t absorb much shock: your knees and hips take that on.
You need a shoe with cushion evenly spread throughout the sole so the shoe absorbs impact, not your ankle and knee joints.
Neutral-Arched Feet
If your wet footprint showed a defined arch (the area in between your toes and heels was thick but not fully pressed onto the towel) your arch is neutral. This means you require both support and cushion.
Your shoe needs to offer stability on the outside to protect your foot from rolling, and cushion to absorb shock to protect your joints.
Cardio Dance Shoe Checklist
The size rule:
Go half a size up from your usual shoe. During high-impact training and aerobics, your foot will inch forward. Sizing up gives your toes a little wiggle room while maintaining a snug fit for your heel.
Be flexible:
The reason not all workout shoes are appropriate for aerobic-dance workouts is, in part, because of flexibility. Most shoes offer a solid outer sole to provide stability along the entire foot during exercise. In Jazzercise classes, we turn one way then another, twist and jump, so we require flexibility between the heel and ball of the foot, which allows an easy pivot. The trick is shoes that offer that support and flexibility.
Lighter is better:
Because dance fitness means springing and pivoting, the last thing we need is something dragging us down! A lightweight, breathable dance shoe offers support and stability without restricting mobility. Go light and be free…
Find the Right Shoe for You
We’ve tried a lot of shoes. A. Lot. Of. Shoes.
These are a few that our instructors, students and researchers recommend. Remember, every foot, and dancer is unique, so try the most appropriate for your foot.
Ryka fEMPOWER Momentum Sneaker
Ryka is one of the most popular brands for dance shoes. (That’s why we partner with them!) Why we love this one:
•It provides extra heel and arch support (great for flat feet!)
•It has a lightweight molded midsole with a full-length RE-ZORB platform for impact protection and shock absorption
•Rykas are made for women, and their new fEMPOWER collection uses the latest and most innovative technology designed specifically for the anatomy of a woman’s foot
•They look good...honestly, nothing gets us more excited about the gym than having a new pair of pretty sneaks to wear!
Our rating: The extra arch support is perfect for a flatter foot
Nike Free Tr8
Why we love this one:
•It’s lightweight to keep movements quick
•The outsole is unbelievably flexible for easy pivoting
•The shoe has a second layer of foam cushioning to absorb impact and hug your foot
•The heel has extra cushioning as well, making it great for all foot types
Our rating: Nike Free Tr8 is lightweight and flexible, making it one of the best shoes for aerobics
ADIDAS Ultraboost 20 Shoes
Why we love this one:
•The knit, sock-like upper perfectly hugs the foot for an ultra-secure fit, perfect for dancing!
•The shoe offers stitched-in reinforcement for support in all the right places
•The midsole features 20% added boost compared to other similar trainers
Our rating: With a modern and sleek appearance, these shoes pack a major punch!
New Balance 860v10
Why we love this one:
•This style comes in four(!) different widths to flawlessly fit every foot, including standard, wide and extra wide
•The added medial post inside the shoe helps prevent overpronation, which is great for those with flat feet
•The lace-up design and mesh upper will keep the shoe in place to help avoid injury
Our rating: This is a well-rounded shoe, perfect for dance cardio, errands and beyond
Puma Emergence Cosmic Sneaker
Why we love this one:
•The modern bootie collar offers a lock-down fit that secures the foot and offers ankle stability
•The shoe offers a soft foam sockliner for added cushion
•This style has a “streetwear” appearance with tons of comfortable features for all-day wear
Tell us your favorite cardio dance tennis shoe in the comments!