Inarguably, dance sneakers are some of the most important items of clothing a dancer can buy. In this review we will give you tips on what to look for when buying the best sneakers for dancing. Just follow our recommendations and you’ll definitely take your dancing to the next level!
Dance sneakers are athletic training shoes specially designed for the unique demands of high-intensity dancing.
Some ballroom dancers wear dance sneakers for practice instead of the typical ballroom dance pumps. Also, several Zumba instructors swear by them as critical Zumba footwear for men, women, and kids who love casual dancing. But whatever your dance needs are, it is important to wear the best sneakers for dancing.
First of all because it adds comfort and convenience while dancing. Furthermore, owning a pair lessens the risks of injuries that normal shoes not intended for dancing can cause. Eventually, by wearing proper dance shoes, you’ll become more relaxed, thus, making you more confident with your dance moves.
If you’re not sure what to look for, check out our Top 7 Buying Tips when looking for the best sneakers for dancing!
Key Features of the Best Sneakers for Dancing
Whether they are for men or women, or even for kids, the best sneakers for dancing should have the following key features.
1. Lightweight
The last thing you need when you are dancing is a heavy shoe weighing you down. Your dance sneakers should be made of lightweight material so your feet can move freely while still providing adequate foot, heel, and ankle support.
If you’re looking for a lightweight shoes for dancing we highly recommend Bloch’s Boost Dancing Sneakers. This pink lace-up split sole is created by Australia’s leading manufacturer of dancing shoes and costumes. It is built with a lightweight and breathable materials making this shoe weigh only 11oz, lighter than the lightest running shoes.
2. Breathable
Tearing up the dance floor, your feet are going to get hot. The best sneakers for dancing will incorporate light breathable fabric to keep your feet aerated and cool. Also, they should be able to control moisture to keep your feet dry and prevent blisters and other foot health complaints.
3.Good Arch Support
Your feet are under a great deal of pressure with every step you take so your shoes need to be able to support your arches. Different feet have different arch support needs just as every shoe offers different arch support solutions.
Finding your right fit might take a bit of trial and error but your feet and your dance moves will thank you when you find the perfect pair. Arch support is especially important in dance with a lot of jumping or hopping like hip hop or Irish dancing.
4. Flexible
While you want your feet to be supported by your shoes, you still need some give in the shoe structure and an inflexible shoe will prevent a lot of foot action.
The best flexible dance sneakers will also have a flexible sole. Flexibility is especially important in mixed step dancing activities like Zumba or jazzercise.
Best Sneakers for Dancing: What Else to Look For
5. Reinforced Soles
Unlike normal training sneakers, a good pair of dance sneakers will have special reinforcements in the sole. This is typically in the ball of the foot as a pivot point and in the heel.
When wearing dance sneakers for dance practice for ballroom dancing or jazz, this reinforcement is particularly important.
6.Good Traction
Whatever style of dancing you are doing, traction is important. Your dance sneakers need enough traction so you will not slip, but also need to be smooth enough to allow your feet to glide properly as you step without grabbing on the floor.
7. Good Cushioning and Stability
While you do not want your shoes to impede your dance steps by being inflexible, a good pair of dance sneakers will still need to provide enough cushioning to protect you from pressure and impact.
Also, enough support can help keep your foot stable and prevent ankle injuries. This is especially important for dancing with a lot of side-to-side action like hip hop or mixed routines like Zumba.
Best Dancing Sneakers Review
Bloch Women’s Boost Sneakers
- Mildew and Odor Resistant
- Breathable Dri-Lex lining
- EVA sock liner
- Suede Heel Grip
- Shock-absorbing D.R.T. cushioned heel
- High-Density Outsole
Bloch Women’s Boost Sneakers Review
With a suede and synthetic mesh upper, the Bloch Boost is an incredibly lightweight dance sneaker for women that still maintains excellent cushioning and support stability.
The Boost has exceptional built-in arch support and its unique lacing system provides optimum forefoot fit for excellent stability and comfort.
The outsole is split for added flexibility and made of high-density polyurethane with a reinforced air-cushioned heel, making for a durable yet cushioned sole with perfect traction for sliding. Available in black or pink.
Because of the unique design, Bloch recommends ordering the boost a half size larger than regular shoes, or a full size for wide feet.
PROS
- The Bloch Evolution, Boost and Boot Mesh all have superior arch support in durable lightweight shoe design.
CONS
- Limited range of colors and designs
- Smaller sizing can be difficult to fit some feet.
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Bloch Evolution Sneaker
- Soft leather and mesh upper
- Aesthetic slim fit
- Flexible rib mesh
- Non-marking rubber outsole
- Reinforce leather toe
- Cushioned heel and forefoot
Bloch Evolution Sneaker Review
For men looking for shoes with similar features to the Bloch Boost, the Bloch Evolution is a unisex dance sneaker.
Like the Boost, the Evolution provides superior comfort and stability while still being an excellent lightweight, breathable and flexible shoe.
The Evolution has the added benefit of toggle fasteners to help you get them on and off quickly. Note that while this is a unisex dance shoe, the shoe is listed in women’s sizing.
And the kids do not have to miss out either. Bloch also makes dance sneakers for kids and these Bloch Boot Mesh sneakers for kids have all of the features that make the Bloch Evolution and the Bloch Boost such fantastic dance sneakers for adults.
The Mesh Boots are available in pink and black and are available in both toddler and youth sizes.
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SANSHA Motion Dance Sneakers
- Breathable Low Top Sneaker
- Made 100% from Suede/Mesh Materials
- Made 100% from Suede/Mesh Materials
- 1.25″ heel height
- Aircushioned Polyurethane split sole
- Available in 2 sporty colors, red & black
Sansha Motion Dance Sneaker Review
The Sansha Motion Dance is a brilliant choice for anyone looking for discount dance shoes. Although these are on the cheap side of the price scale, there is no sacrificing quality or style.
With suede and mesh uppers, these shoes are super light and breathable and have decent cushioning and flexibility in the rubber split sole, which also has an air-cushioned heel.
There is moderate arch support, but it is nowhere near as supportive as something like the Bloch Boost or Evolution above.
The Motion Dance is available in Black or red and black. They do tend to run short on size, so ensure to check the size charts before ordering or try a pair on.
PROS
- High Quality Construction
- Affordable Price
CONS
- Short sizing
- No arch support
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RYKA Tenacity Cross-Trainer Shoes
- Full Synthetic Cross-Trainer Shoes
- 4″ shaft height
- 0.75 heel raise
- Non-marking rubber outsole
- Reinforce leather toe
- Lightweight
Ryka Tenacity Dance Sneaker Review
Ryka Tenacity is a fashionable and functional dance sneaker for women. The uppers are built of synthetic leather, mesh with high-density foam that is not only breathable and light but also stable.
The lacing system together with the Velcro closures ensures a perfect fit from the toe right up to the ankle and the high tops ensure maximum ankle stability.
The Tenacity features a durable rubber, diamond-shaped sole for perfect dance floor traction. They also have a special heel guidance reinforcement designed to guide foot strike alignment with maximum lateral support.
This unique design however creates a slightly flared footbed that might take some getting used to. The Ryka Tenacity is available in a range of colors and designs including basic black, orange, and pink and metallic silver, and purple.
Note that the Tenacity is the upgraded model of the Ryka Downbeat.
PROS
- Unique heel and lateral support to guide foot strike.
CONS
- Footbed design can be uncomfortable for some feet and may take some adjustment.
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Capezio DS11 Fierce Dansneaker
- Mildew and Odor Resistant
- Breathable Dri-Lex lining
- EVA sock liner
- Suede Heel Grip
- Shock-absorbing D.R.T. cushioned heel
- High-Density Outsole
Capezio Fierce Dansneaker Review
The fierce Dansneaker does indeed put out some fierce competition when it comes to the best sneakers for dancing. Capezio, as usual, matches high quality with a low price.
These lightweight shoes are durable and breathable, built of tech-mesh and synthetic leather for the uppers, and a hard-wearing polyurethane outsole.
The super flexible non-marking sole is a cleverly designed split system with special reinforced zones. The fierce also comes with a special built-in arch support.
These shoes are medium width but run very short so ordering a half to a full size up from your street shoe size is recommended to find the right length.
The Capezio Fierce Dansneaker is available in black.
PROS
- Affordable.
- Good arch support.
CONS
- Small sizing.
- Only available in black.
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PUMA Women’s Soleil V2
- Lace-up synthetic sneaker
- Padded tongue and collar
- Eco-ortholine Sock Liner
- Formstrip overlay
- Decorative Stitching
- Four color options
PUMA Women’s Soleil V2 Review
Janine from Puma are a stylish pair of dance sneakers for women that look great and offer outstanding performance.
The uppers are leather and while this might not be the most breathable of fabrics, it is certainly durable and light with all of the forefoot flexibility you will need in a dance sneaker.
The collar and tongue are lightly padded to stabilize the fit and comfort and the lace-up front provides a secure fit. The rubber sole provides superior shock absorption across the entire foot bed and is also reinforced with a unique pivot point.
The pivot point reinforcement is particularly good for dance that uses a lot of toe pointing like Latin ballroom or jazz dancing.
Janine sneakers are available in a wide range of colors including grey and pink, white and teal, and black and Fluro purple.
PROS
- Unique reinforced pivot point sole.
CONS
- Leather uppers decrease breathability.
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Best Sneakers for Dancing: Our Verdict
Fitting the right pair of dance sneakers to the right pair of feet is simple following these guidelines and recommendations.
If you are torn between which pair to buy, focus on what your feet need and decide which features are negotiable and which are not. Certainly, your comfort and safety come first.
Whatever your dance moves are, a pair of dance sneakers and the best dance clothing out there will lift your performance to new and exciting heights. Happy dancing!