As Zumba grows in popularity in the Chattanooga area and across the country, New Balance of Chattanooga has just the product to help dancers keep their groove.
The New Balance WX867 is quickly becoming one of the hottest styles for the local store, and it's a must-have for Zumba and CrossFit enthusiasts, according to store co-owner Angela Kearney.
"We have had a hard time keeping up with the demand," she said. "Every time I go to class it seems like I'm taking a pair or two for ladies I work out with, but now we are in a good stock position at the store."
New Balance carries the WX867 in a variety of colors.Recent numbers show around 12 million people hitting the floor with the Zumba craze, and with the average person burning around 800 calories per class, it's no wonder. The shoe is a perfect fit for the Latin-based aerobic-cardio workout that uses high-intensity interval training as one of the methods of burning maximum calories. It is a blend of body-sculpting dance movements and easy-to-follow dance steps, according to local Zumba instructor Jodi Yother.
"I really do love these shoes and have them in every color," Yother said. "They are made for the frequent side to side moves in this exercise and really help with the torque in your knees and take pressure off. You have to have the correct shoes to avoid putting pressure on your joints."
Yother first discovered the New Balance WX867 when she began instructing six classes a week.
After trying every other shoe on the market, she finally found these and said they are the best out there. She highly recommends them to Zumba enthusiasts.
"They really are legit," she said. "I even had a lady in my class tell me that she feels like she is burning even more calories Kearney is available and $79.99. "I've always had issues with sore knees from the twisting motions during class," said Kearney. "These shoes performed up to the hype, and my knees have been comfortable ever since."
The characteristics that make the shoe so vital for Zumba lovers include the forefoot and rear-foot pivot points that help with the unique torque of the knee joint, as well as the amazing arch support provided, she said. The weight of the shoe is just 7.1 ounces, and they feature a one-piece tongue to provide minimal seams across the top of the foot, making them better for quick movement and change in direction, Kearney said.