Lots of people have wide feet. But believe it or not even more people don’t have wide feet that are wearing wide shoes. Before you head out and buy a pair of wide Zumba shoes try this test to see if you should be wearing wide shoes. Stand up while wearing a pair of wide sneakers. You have to be standing because when you do your feet actually get wider by supporting your weight. Reach down or have someone else reach down and try to pinch the material lengthwise across the toe box of your sneakers. If you can pinch enough material to hold onto your sneaker than your shoes are too wide and you probably don’t need to be wearing a wide pair of Zumba shoes.

If you’re in the shoe store than just have the salesperson measure your foot. Many of us have not had our feet measured since we were children, but over time your feet can become wider for a number of different reasons.

When you are shopping for a pair of shoes for Zumba class you don’t need to buy special Zumba inspired sneakers to get a good workout. A well built pair of cross trainers will get the job done. Your jogging or walking shoes should not be worn to Zumba class however. Those shoes are made to support your feet while moving forward. They have very little support for your feet while doing side to side dance moves that you will be performing in Zumba class.

If you have a pair of shoes at home that you are thinking about using for Zumba class you can do this little test to see if they will give your feet the lateral support that they need. Hold the shoes by the heel and point the toes directly at the ground with the backs of the shoe facing straight up into the ceiling. Press the toes of the shoe firmly into the floor. If the shoe flexes and bends where your toes would normally bend than these shoes will not be a good choice for you to wear in Zumba class. If they don’t bend they may be a good choice.

How do the soles of the shoes look? Are they worn out, especially unevenly? If so, consider getting a new pair of Zumba shoes. Not only your feet but your legs, knees, and ankles will thank you for it.