It goes without saying that your dance shoes need to keep up! You need shoes that can move with you, especially when you are doing high-impact workouts like chasseeing or pivoting. Is it too much to ask for them to look good?
This guide to the anatomy of great cardio dance shoes will help you choose the right workout shoes for you. We want you to focus on having fun in Jazzercise and getting fit.
Learn to know your feet
You need to know what type of arch you have before you can choose the right shoe or trainer. Use the paper towel method to determine what type of arch you possess. This is real. Put a paper towel down on the floor, then wet your foot. Place it on the towel. Take your foot and examine the towel. You have a flat foot if the towel is mostly wet. This includes the mid-foot area around the arch. If you can see the middle of your foot, it is a high to medium arch. You’re still not sure which arch type you have? This chart will help you.
It is crucial to understand your foot type in order to get the support that you require from a dance shoe.
Flat Feet (Overpronation)
If you have a flatter arch, your foot will absorb more pressure and shock when you are moving. You’ll need to provide more support for your knees and ankles because you are rolling inwards when you impact.
Search for shoes that offer inner-arch support. The shoe is slightly raised near your arch, creating a cushion that keeps your foot stable when you impact.
Arched Feet (Underpronation)
The knees and hips absorb the shock of a foot with a high arched sole.
It is important to choose a shoe that has a cushioning evenly distributed throughout the sole, so it absorbs the impact and not your ankles or knees.
Neutral-Arched Feet
Your arch is neutral if your wet foot print showed a defined arched (the area between your toes was thick, but not fully pressed into the towel). You need both cushion and support.
The shoe should be stable on the outside, to prevent your foot from rolling and cushioned to absorb shocks to protect joints.
Checklist for Cardio Dance Shoes
The Size Rule
Half a size larger than your normal shoe. Your foot will move forward during high-impact exercises and aerobics. The sizing up allows your toes some wiggle while still maintaining a tight fit on your heel.
Be flexible
Flexibility is one of the reasons that not all shoes are suitable for aerobic-dance exercises. The outer sole of most shoes is solid to ensure stability throughout the foot when exercising. Jazzercise requires flexibility between the ball and heel of the foot to allow for easy pivoting. Shoes that provide both support and flexibility are the key.
The lighter the better
Dance fitness is all about pivoting and springing. The last thing you need is something that slows you down. Lightweight, breathable shoes that offer support and stability while not restricting movement are ideal. Light and free…
The Right Shoe For You
We’ve tried many shoes. A. Lot. Of. Shoes.
Here are some of the ones that our dancers, instructors and researchers suggest. Every dancer and foot is different, so choose the one that best fits yours.
Ryka
Ryka is a popular brand for dance shoes. We are proud to be their partner! This is why we love it:
It provides additional heel and arch support for flat feet.
It has a lightweight midsole molded with a RE-ZORB full-length platform for impact protection.
*Rykas is made for women. Their new fEMPOWER Collection uses the most advanced and innovative technology, designed specifically for the anatomy and structure of a woman’s foot.
They look great…nothing gets us more excited to go to the gym than a pair of new, pretty sneakers!
Our rating: This extra arch support works well for flat feet
Nike
Nike Free Tr8
Why we love it:
It’s lightweight so you can move quickly
The outsole is incredibly flexible to allow for easy pivoting
The shoe is equipped with a second layer cushioning foam to absorb impact, and hug the foot.
The heel is also cushioned, so it’s great for any foot type.
The Nike Free Tr8 is a lightweight, flexible shoe that’s perfect for aerobics.
ADIDAS
ADIDAS Ultraboost Shoes 20
Why we love it:
The knit upper is sock-like and perfectly fits the foot, making it perfect for dancing.
The shoe is reinforced in the right places with stitched-in reinforcement.
The midsole has a 20% boost in comparison to similar trainers
These shoes are sleek and modern, with a powerful punch!
New Balance
Why we love it:
This style is available in four widths to fit every foot. This style comes in four(!) different widths that will fit any foot perfectly, including standard, extra wide, and wide.
The medial post in the shoe prevents overpronation. This is especially useful for people with flat feet.
The lace-up and mesh upper design will help keep the shoe in position to prevent injury
Our rating: A well-rounded shoe that is perfect for errands, dance cardio and more.
Puma
Puma Emergence cosmic sneaker
Why we love it:
*The modern bootie offers a lockdown fit which secures the foot while providing ankle stability
*The shoe features a soft, foam sockliner to provide added comfort.
This style is “streetwear”, but has many features that make it comfortable to wear all day.
Comment and tell us what your favorite tennis shoes for cardio dance are!
