The 5 Best Shoes for Hip Hop Dancing Reviewed 2023 (2024)

Are you thinking of joining a hip hop dance class but don’t know what footwear is appropriate? Maybe you’re already a dancer but find your feet aren’t always comfortable. We can help with our choices of the best shoes for dancing hip hop.

We’ll detail what this type of dancing is and what to look for in shoes. Read below for our top 5 picks of hip hop footwear.

Here our top 5 picks for the best Shoes/Sneakers for hip hop dancing

1. Bloch Dance Boost Split Sole Dance Sneaker

The Bloch Dance Boost is a lightweight mesh sneaker with lots of support. The arch has built-in elevation, and a variable lacing system allows for optimum fit. These are made with integrated layers for shock absorption and a sole designed to let you move.

2. Capezio DS11 Fierce Dansneaker

This is one of the best sneakers for dancing hip hop. It’s split sole design lets your feet breathe and flex while keeping them supported. The bottom of the shoe will grip when you need it and let you slide and spin as well.

3. Nike Free TR 8 Shoes

When it comes to footwear for hip hop dance Nike has you covered. These running sneakers have all the attributes you need from a good dance shoe. They have cushioning, support and breathability, and come in a wide range of colors for men and women.

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4. Adidas Originals Superstar Sneaker

Available for men and women, these retro Adidas hip hop shoes remain a much-loved favorite. They have leather uppers and a rubber sole with herringbone pattern for grip and stability. There are two color choices for men and six for women.

5. Pastry Youth Glam Pie Glitter High-Top Dance Shoe

These sneakers from Pastry are designed for dance and cheerleading. Their added sparkle and range of colors is sure to appeal to younger dancers. They have a breathable upper and flexible outer sole. Support and cushioning are built-in for comfort.

Reviews of the Best Shoes for Hip Hop Dance Class

Hip Hop is the original form of street dance and involves lots of moves that can take a toll on your feet and body. While the right look is definitely part of the culture, the right footwear is even more important. Here are our top 5 picks of the best shoes for dancing hip hop.

1. Bloch Dance Boost Split Sole Dance Sneaker

Bloch is a company that has dedicated itself to producing shoes for many different dance genres. This pair is great for hip hop and can be worn by men or women.

These suede and mesh shoes come in two colors, black or pink. Sizes run from 4 through to 15.5, and half sizes are available. It’s important to note that they don’t match your street shoe size, and there is only one width available.

The company advises that women choose at least one full size up from their street shoes. Also, add a half size if your feet are wide. Men should start with at least two full sizes up from their street shoes.

The outer sole is split and there is no sole in the midsection – just the heel and forefoot. It’s very lightweight and flexible, allowing for lots of different movements when dancing. They have high arch support and a variable lacing system to keep your feet stable.

There is a suede grip in the heel for added stability. The breathable Dri-Lex lining doesn’t wrinkle while letting feet breathe and preventing mildew and odor. An EVA molded sock liner and the midsole with a 4-PSI air cushion absorb shock upon impact.

The high-density outer sole is non-marking and has a spin spot for quick twists and turns.

Pros

• Designed for dancers.
• Available in sizes for women and men.
• Shock absorbing midsole and non-marking outer sole.
• Uppers and linings let feet breathe.

Cons

• Finding the right size might be challenging.
• Only comes in one width fitting.

This shoe is specifically made for dancers and is good for hip hop. It has support and shock absorption, with breathable uppers and linings to keep feet fresh. The split sole design is eye-catching, but sizing could be trial and error.

2. Capezio DS11 Fierce Dansneaker

The Capezio brand has a long history of producing quality dance products. Since the 1890s they have made shoes for the Metropolitan Opera House and Broadway shows.

This sneaker is specifically designed for dance. It’s great for hip hop with patented flex points in the sole and a spin point in the forefoot.

The sizes run about one below your street shoe size for women and two below for men. There is a full range available, from a 3 through to a 14. The six color options include solid black, black with various color accents, and white.

Arch support is provided in the split sole and the uppers are made from polyurethane leather and mesh. The shoe has a padded tongue and collar with an Achilles notch for comfort. The sports lace system holds the shoes securely on your feet.

A removable EVA footbed contours to your feet cushioning them from impact.

On the downside, these shoes are designed or use in the dance studio and not for streetwear. They also seem to run quite narrow, and sizing can be challenging as they don’t match standard US sizes.

Pros

• Flex points in the sole.
• Choice of colors.
• Sports lace-up system.
• Arch support and cushioning.

Cons

• Not for everyday outdoor use.
• Sizes can be confusing.

This shoe has plenty of flex in the split sole and a spin point in the forefoot. It gives arch support and cushioning, and has a sports lace-up system to hold it securely on your foot. There is a choice of colors and sizes for men and women.

3. Nike Free TR8 Shoes

Nike has been a household name in the fitness market for over 40 years. Endorsem*nts from top athletes including Tiger Woods, Roger Federer and Michael Jordan help make it a very well known brand.

For men:

The TR8 shoe is designed for HIIT, gym work and cross-training, but it’s also a good option for hip hop.

It comes in ranges for men and women. For those among you that are fashion conscious, there are 19 colors for women and five colors for men. Sizes go from a 5 through to 13 in the ladies range and a 7.5 to 15 for the guys.

For women:

The mesh uppers allow your feet to breathe. They have a lace-up front, and Flywire cables located in the middle of the foot to give a better fit. The bootie style of these shoes is designed to fit the foot in a similar way to a sock.

Cushioning and shock absorption are provided by a lightweight midsole, and the flat heel gives a wide surface area. This helps keep you stable on your feet. Flex grooves and rubber pods in high wear areas on the sole allow you to maintain traction during your dance moves.

These shoes appear to run a little on the narrow and small side so you might have to size up to get a good fit.

Pros

• Color choices for men and women.
• Lightweight
• Flexible.
• Flat heel and rubber sole for stability and traction.

Cons

• Tend to run small and narrow.

This lightweight and flexible dance shoe is brought to us by a trusted brand. There is a wide range of sizes and color choices for men and women. The midsole provides shock absorption and cushioning while a wide heel helps keep your foot stable.

4. Adidas Originals Superstar Sneaker

The iconic three stripes on Adidas shoes are recognized worldwide. These classic sneakers have long been the choice of many hip hop fans. Run DMC even wrote a song about them in 1986, “My Adidas,” championing his love of this favorite footwear.

For men:

Available for men and women the leather uppers are available in two color patterns for men and six for women. The sizes range from a 4 through to 14 for men and a 5 through to 11 for women.

These low top sneakers aren’t loaded with bells and whistles, but they are still great for hip hop. The herringbone tread on the rubber soles gives traction through moves, and the recognizable rubber toe cap adds protection.

Soft natural leather allows your feet to breathe and is comfortable to wear. Originally launched in 1969, this style has stood the test of time.

Some find the women’s shoes run a little on the large side so you might need to size down.

Pros

• Iconic design that has stood the test of time.
• Herringbone tread for traction.
• Soft leather uppers.
• Range of colors and sizes for men and women.

Cons

• Ladies sizes might run large.

Adidas’ classic three-stripe design is recognized by many, and these shoes from the 1960s remain a favorite. Popular with the hip hop community they have a herringbone tread on the rubber sole and a leather upper.

5. Pastry Youth Glam Pie Glitter High-Top Dance Shoe

Now it’s time for a shoe for the younger generation. This girl’s hip hop shoe from Pastry is sure to be a hit. The company has been combining high fashion with streetwear since 2007 and their shoes are worn by many collegiate and professional dance teams.

This high top design has plenty of glam and glitter to appeal to youth. It is available in four shimmering colors: gold, silver, black and red. Sizes range from a child’s 10 through to 3.

The leather uppers have a breathable lining with perforations in the toe area. They secure with laces up the front and have a tab at the heel for easy pull-on. A padded tongue and cushioned footbed provide comfort.

The outer sole is made from rubber and has tread for traction while remaining flexible.

These shoes seem to run on the large side so you might need to size down. Alternately use thicker socks, and they might last your child a little longer.

Pros

• Leather uppers.
• Choice of glittery colors.
• Breathable lining and cushioned footbed.
• Rubber outsole.

Cons

• Might run large.

These dance shoes are sure to appeal to the younger generation of hip-hoppers with their choice of glittery colors. They have breathable leather uppers and lining and are cushioned for comfort. A rubber sole gives traction on the dancefloor.

What is Hip Hop?

Hip hop incorporates many different forms of modern street dance. It’s a bit of funk, locking, popping, breaking and urban groove mixed up with old school, R & B and freestyle.

The genre was born in the mid-1970s in New York City. The original hip hop was a form of break dancing to funk and rock with an upbeat tempo.

The culture grew and evolved through the 1980s. It emerged as a new style of dance expression performed to music that was slower. Hip hop continues to change with the times incorporating more and more popular cultural dance moves.

This dance form is suitable for all ages as this video of kids taking first place in a dance festival shows.

Key Features of Hip Hop Dancing Shoes

Hip hop dancing classes will involve lots of stomping, stamping, hopping, and turning. Having the correct footwear is important to prevent injuries and keep you comfortable. Here are some things you should look for:

• Arch and ankle support: All that stomping and squatting can put a strain on joints and ligaments. Make sure that your hip hop shoes have arch support. A padded ankle and secure laces will also help.
• Breathable material: If your feet don’t get enough air, they can get hot and sweaty. This can lead to friction, which will cause blisters or infections from hot, wet feet. Look for natural leather or materials that allow your feet to breathe.
• Traction: You will want to be stable while you are busting your moves. Look for a good tread on a rubber sole to keep you firm on your feet. Some shoes have spin points to make turns and slides easier.
• Cushioning: Shock absorption and cushioning will add to your comfort levels and help relieve stress on your feet and legs. Look for things like EVA midsoles or cushioned footbeds.
• Flexibility: You’ll want a shoe that allows you to move and not hold your foot in a rigid position. Make sure they bend with your feet as you dance.
• Design: Hip hop culture is as much about design as it is the music and dancing. Some shoes will have bright colors while others will be simpler iconic designs; don’t sacrifice quality and function for trendiness. The genre is about personal style so pretty much anything goes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Shoes Should I Wear for Hip Hop?

Clothes for hip hop tend to be loose and baggy or veer toward athletic wear. When it comes to shoes, you can wear regular sneakers. However, choosing some with support for dancing or even actual dance shoes is better.

Can You Wear Running Shoes for Hip Hop Dancing?

There is no hard and fast answer to this. Some running shoes have good traction, arch support and cushioning so would be suitable.

On the whole, running shoes are designed to give you grip at the toes and heel for forward motion. You can choose to wear a pair when dancing hip hop. In that case, make sure they have enough tread to keep you stable on your feet when moving laterally.

Do I Need to Buy Special Dance Shoes for Hip Hop?

No, you don’t. Regular sneakers that you wear for workouts or the gym can be good enough for hip hop. Just make sure they support your arches and ankles and have some traction and stability.

Things like canvas tennis shoes or casual fashion sneakers might not be supportive enough. Once you start attending a class, you will see what everyone else is wearing. That might help you decide if you want to buy some new shoes for dancing hip hop.

This video shows you some of the range of movements involved in this type of dancing.

Time to Bust a Move or Two

There are many different styles of shoes you can wear for dance classes. Nevertheless, having the best shoes for dancing hip hop will help you move easier and could protect you from injury.

Any of the shoes we have detailed are great for this style of dancing. Choose the ones that appeal to you and your individual style the most.

We hope you found our guide useful and enjoyed our reviews. We would love to hear from you, please leave a comment, and don’t forget to share.