Can You Wear Shoes in Yoga?

Yoga shoes resemble sneakers but have thin soles that allow for flexibility, and the tops of the shoes are light to facilitate air circulation. There are many different color options and types. Reebok, Adidas, and Puma are just a few of the major brands that make yoga-specific footwear.

Yoga Shoe Considerations

Considerations Before You Choose to Wear Shoes During Yoga

Why Wear Shoes

Yoga shoes are a choice that some individuals prefer to use while practicing yoga, even though they aren’t required. There are many reasons why you might want to wear them too.

• You may just feel uncomfortable without shoes and socks on.
• Germs or bacteria are a major source of anxiety for many people. If you use a yoga mat and fear exchanging germs, you should consider wearing yoga shoes.
• Shoes may prevent you from stepping on sharp stones or acquiring ant bites if you practice yoga outside or anywhere else where going barefoot isn’t a good idea.
• Traction: If you have smooth feet, you may want a pair of shoes that offer traction and prevent you from sliding during certain postures.

Why Not to Wear Shoes

There are some valid reasons for removing your shoes and socks for yoga, even if you couldn’t imagine doing so for any kind of activity.

• Some individuals like to yoga barefoot because it feels better for them; others find that it is more convenient.
• Shoes prevent individuals from being “grounded” and linked to the planet.
• Wearing shoes may make it more difficult to get into or stay in certain postures.
• Reflexology: Because the feet are connected to other parts of the body, it is considered more advantageous to exercise them in addition to your yoga.

Shopping for Yoga Footwear

Yoga shoes may be found at a variety of different stores. Yoga shoes are available from most major sporting goods businesses and athletic shoe retailers. You can get a sense of the sorts and prices by browsing the web.

• Zappos sells a variety of styles and brands of yoga thongs, with prices ranging from $40 to $100.
• With their sandals designed for yoga and pilates, Yoga Sandals claims to improve body alignment and balance.
• Toe Sox stocks a variety of yoga sandals and socks from a number of firms.

Aside from the stores mentioned above, consider grabbing a pair of shoes from Blake Brody’s in-studio collection. You can wear them outside too. On her website, you can purchase them.

Some yoga studios require you to wear shoes, while others do not. Some studios will advise you against wearing them, while others will demand them for safety reasons; verify with the studio before purchasing any sneakers.

Other Options

If you don’t want to wear shoes but don’t want to go barefoot, there are two more alternatives.

Foot Thongs

Thong sandals are a type of tiny shoe. They just cover the ball of the foot and are secured with similar-looking straps on top. They allow for increased traction without requiring you to fully cover your entire foot.

Yoga Socks

Yoga socks are gloves for your feet. Yoga socks have toes, much like gloves have fingers. They’re often marketed as toe socks with non-slip rubber dots for traction. Because they are less restricting than yoga shoes, many people choose these over them.

Flex Your Feet

We all like to try out different stretches and poses in order find the most comfortable position for ourselves. But regardless of where or how you stretch your body, it’s important that when doing so there is no discomfort caused by shoes not being suitable enough- check with a studio before purchasing any footwear!