Yoga is a form of meditation and exercise, that has become very popular among millions of individuals today.
Yoga is practiced for its health, physical and mental benefits, and features mainly breathing control, meditation, and specific body positions.
In general yoga is practiced barefoot, but in some cases Yoga shoes may be required or sough after.
Why You May Need Yoga Shoes
During your work out you want the best in comfort and flexibility from your Yoga shoes.
Whether you have been practicing Yoga for a long time, or are just a beginner, the right Yoga shoes can make a huge difference to your overall experience.
Yoga shoes can help to improve your flexibility and balance, and aid in aligning the rest of your body, so that you are able to hold certain poses for much longer.
If you do not wear Yoga shoes that offer the right support you may end up with injuries, and your Yoga practice may do more damage than good.
What to Look for in a Yoga Shoe
Breathability – Yoga is not just a gentle stretching activity, this is a great misconception. Yoga can be an intense form of physical exercise which can cause you to sweat and become quite hot. Thus BREATHABILITY in a good yoga shoe is always important if you do not want wet, or smelly feet after an intense session. So stay clear of shoes lined with polyester and synthetic materials, or rubber and opt for leather, canvas or other porous and breathable materials. Besides this, a good pair of breathable and lightweight cotton socks will similarly make a huge difference.
Your Toes – Yoga is all about balance and stamina, meaning you will be in certain poses for certain periods of time, which may require good toe grip or spreading. For this reason, you do not want your toes to be too cramped, but rather look for a shoe that mimics the natural shape of your feet, particularly your toes.
Good Grip – Neoprene is one of the best materials to look for that will improve your grip. I would highly recommend investing in a no-slip technology shoe if you are interested in more advanced and inverted yoga positions and techniques.
Shoes that Mimic Socks – So you may feel you are more comfortable practicing Yoga bare feet, well, in reality, you are just opening yourself up to discomfort, potential injuries, improper alignment and also, bacterial infections.
Yoga Socks – If you are looking for a more minimalist and natural feel, yoga socks a good option to consider. Yoga Socks are breathable, fit like socks, and provide excellent grip.
The Hybrid Option – Another excellent choice is the Hybrid Option, which exposes the tops of your feet almost like sandals, but individually wraps each toe and ties at your ankles. These shoes are comfortable, versatile and highly improve your form.
Yoga Shoe Features
- A durable rubber or non-slip Outsole.
- Cushioned EVA, Foam or Gel footbed or midsole.
- It has an elasticated heel strap or closure.
- Mesh, leather or natural fabric uppers that are lightweight and breathable.
- Flexible uppers and sole.
- Anti-microbial treated, moisture-wicking lining.
Reviews: The Best Yoga Shoes
Sanuk Yoga Mat Sling 2 Sandals Black - 8 - yoga Sandal
The Sanuk Sling is a very comfortable and cool thong sandal with a yoga-mat footbed and soft textile uppers which makes it great for yoga practice and meditation.
Top Features:
- Pure 100% textile uppers that are soft an comfortable against your feet, in a thong style.
- A durable and thick, supportive sole with a padded yoga-mat footbed, for comfort and support.
- Very flexible and lightweight.
- Available in one Neutral Black color option.
Ozaiic Yoga Socks for Women Non-Slip Grips & Straps, Ideal for Pilates, Pure Barre, Ballet, Dance, Barefoot Workout - Yoga Socks
For that completely natural Barefoot feel without the risk of slipping, these Yoga socks give you the perfect opportunity and freedom, along with excellent slip resistance.
Top Features:
- Manufactured from quality Premium Cotton with silicone gel grips at the bottom and elastic straps.
- A ballet inspired style Yoga sock with a feminine low cut and elastic straps for accentuated style and a comfortable fit.
- A gorgeous ethnic pattern at the bottom of these Yoga Socks make up the anti-skid, non-slip gripping sole.Moisture-managing design that permits better airflow to keep your feet dry and fresh.
Vibram Women's Vi-S-W Fitness/Yoga Shoe, Black, 40 EU/8 M US - Vibram Sole Yoga Shoe
The Vibram VI-S is a tough and flexible Yoga shoe, which characterizes the sough after Vibram rubber outsole for the best grip.
Top Features:
- Available in many fun and colorful colors and print options for your own personal style preference.
- 100% Pure Quality textile uppers with perforation holes for breathability.
- A Form-Fitting front that encapsulates every toe with an open design and closed protective heel.
- A stretchable and highly adjustable closure system, that has an easy release system.
- The serrated blade lug design outsole, offers good grip and is manufactured from pure Vibram rubber.
- Features a zero drop design for better balance and stability.
- Easily machine washable and quick air drying.
- Completely flexible and comfortable on your feet.
Water Shoes for Womens and Mens Summer Barefoot Shoes Quick Dry Aqua Socks for Beach Swim Yoga Exercise (Flamingo/Pink, 46/47) - Yoga Water Shoes
I love these water shoes, they have the perfect design to use for a variety of exercises, including water sports and Yoga. Flexible, breathable, and good gripping rubber, what more do you need in the ideal Yoga shoe.
Top Features:
- These shoes are available in so many delightful and funky designs and prints, as well as solid color options for kids, men and women.
- Outstanding appeal and genuinely comfortable water shoes.
- Versatile enough to use for many occasions and sports or exercises including yoga.
- Ultralight design that is flexible and compressible for easy storage and portability.
- Features a top[ quality rubber outsole that protects your feet from sharp objects and offers good grip even on wet surfaces.
- Excellent shock absorbency and cushioning with a separate protective toe.
- Made from light, quick drying, and highly breathable Polyester and Spandex materials.
Mishansha Women Water Shoes Beach Aqua Shoes for Men Quick Dry Swimming Shoes Barefoot Water Sport Sneakers Kayaking Fishing Diving Surfing Yoga Purple/Spandex 9.5 Women/8 Men - Sprots Kayaking Shoes
The Mishansha Water Shoes are ideal for a variety of sports and excercises including yoga and water aerobics.
Top Features:
- Flexible and breathable spandex and fabric uppers.
- A non-slip outsole that is flexible.
- Quick drying and easy cleaning design.
- Available in many colors and pattern options for men and women.
WateLves Womens and Mens Kids Water Shoes Barefoot Quick-Dry Aqua Socks for Beach Swim Surf Yoga Exercise (Gold Love/Black, M) - Aqua Shoes for Yoga
The WateLves are flexible and comfortable shoe ideal for Yoga and make great water socks.
Top Features:
- Available in sizes for men women and children.
- Flexible design with a supportive insole and flexible rubber outsole.
- The uppers are breathable and fit like a glove with a quick-drying design.
- Very lightweight with absorbent polyester and flexible spandex.
Sanuk Women's Yoga Sling 2 Prints Flip Flop,Charcoal/Natural Stripes,8 M US - Vintage Printed Yoga Sandals
From Sanuk, we have the Sling 2 Vintage Print Yoga sandals.
Top Features:
- Available in many Vintage print colors and pattern options.
- 100% textile upper sandal thong strap.
- A Flexible rubber Outsole.
- Slight platform design.
- A padded Yoga Mat footbed.
Index Table: Top Rated Yoga Shoes
