In the search for yoga mat shoes? We hear you; while yoga is known to be practiced barefoot, many people aren’t comfortable touching the cold floor.
The reason why today, we’ll be telling you about different types of yoga mat shoes.
Whether you are an experienced yogi or just starting, you can probably benefit from yoga footwear.
Yoga mat shoes provide you with the much-needed support and grip when executing challenging poses and contribute to your overall progress.
Yoga mat shoes are explicitly designed for yogis who want to stay comfortable while practicing their poses.
There are different types of yoga mat shoes available that offer different features and levels of support, so it’s important to know what you need before making a purchase.
In this article, we’ll discuss the various types of yoga mat shoes available on the market today and how they can help you reach your full potential as a yogi!
What aspects of yoga mat shoes should you take into account?
Protection
If you’re a beginner or practicing poses that require deep stretching, it’s important to find shoes that offer enough protection from potential injuries. Look for models with extra padding around areas like the toes and ankles.
Comfort
Yoga requires as much comfort as possible. Therefore, you need to ensure that you get comfortable shoes that can be worn for long periods when you’re getting yoga shoes.
Discomfort can be distracting, which could mean that you don’t get as much out of a yoga session as you should.
It is also highly recommended that you get shoes with comfortable materials that are soft on your feet.
Breathability
The breathability of the shoes is also essential; if you wear enclosed shoes with no breathable spaces or material, your feet are likely to sweat, which could cause you to slip, or for bad odors to emanate from your feet.
Durability
If yoga is a daily affair for you or even if you do it once a week, with time, it’s only natural that you’ll add up a lot of yoga sessions over time, so you’d want your shoes to handle the level of use.
Flexibility
You certainly do not want your yoga shoes to cripple your practice in any way; therefore, getting flexible shoes that can stretch and bend with your feet is very important. Look for shoes that are made with materials that can move with your feet seamlessly.
Grip
Yoga requires a lot of movement, so you need stable and balanced shoes, so make sure to look for shoes that offer durable grips. You will undoubtedly want shoes with competent grips and ones that don’t ruin the yoga mat.
Different Types of yoga mat shoes
Flip-Flops
Flip-flops are great for wearing around the house or during summertime activities, but they won’t provide enough support for yoga practice.
Shoes with a Split Sole Design
Shoes with a split sole design offer extra flexibility and support in key areas of the foot. Many come with extra cushioning for added comfort.
Strap Shoes
If you’re a beginner, strap shoes provide extra stability while practicing poses. They feature straps that can be adjusted to fit your feet snugly and securely.
Barefoot Shoes
For the more advanced yogi, barefoot shoes offer maximum flexibility and support. They protect against potential injuries while allowing you to feel the ground beneath your feet.
When it comes to buying yoga mat shoes, it’s essential to consider what type of shoe best suits your practice. Different shoes offer different levels of comfort, support, and protection, so make sure to choose the right one for you. With the right pair of yoga mat shoes, you’ll be able to reach your full potential as a yogi!
Yoga Mat Shoes Reviewed In This Guide
L-RUN Athletic Hiking Water Shoes
Take advantage of the textile, high-quality flexible, lightweight style that perfectly fits your barefoot skin and makes you feel like wearing socks.
The thickened outsole with stronger traction prevents you from slipping in slippery conditions. Perfectly designed for swimming, surfing, water sports, beach sports, sailing, yoga, water aerobics sports, etc.
Upper with stretch, breathable ultra-lightweight fabric for fast draining and cross ventilation gives excellent flexibility and comfort.
Features:
- Durable, breathable double-layer fabric upper
- Adjustable shoe straps provide a secure fit
- TPR sole offers traction when they walk or run
JACKSHIBO Men Women Quick-Dry Water Skin Shoes
Made from good quality quick-drying material, these allow your foot to breathe easily for a cool, dry feel out on the water.
The upper material and rubber sole feature incredible flexibility, which allows for random folding and easy packing, giving you sock-like comfort.
The dotted rubber sole offers greater traction for water activities. A durable rubber sole enables you to tread on wet rocks or sand without getting hurt.
Features:
- Rubber sole
- Quick-drying comfort
- Protective and flexible
- Quick and easy fitting
- Versatile use
Vibram Women’s VI-S Fitness and Yoga Shoe
An elegant, form-fitting design, the Vi-S is a graceful fashion sandal, one part hard-working KSO EVO. A flexible yet high-traction sole makes the demands of everyday life feel effortless.
Vibram XS Trek is a technical compound that allows great overall performance qualities, particularly flexibility and wet traction. It is highly responsive to the various demands of life; XS TREK will carry you from the trail to the urban playground and even indoor activities due to its non-marking features.
Features:
- 100% Polyester
- Rubber sole
- Form-fitting and open sandal upper flatters the foot
- Stretch adjustable closure system
- Zero Drop
- Machine wash cold. Air dry
Spesoul Women’s Men’s Water Sports Shoes
These water sport shoes are made of thick rubber soles, anti-slip and durable, protecting your feet from being hurt by sharp objects when you and your family are walking by the sea or swimming, diving, or surfing.
These water sport shoes come with elastic straps and a lace-up lock design; according to the width of your foot, quickly adjust the shoes, easy on and off.
Suitable for yoga training, beach, swimming, sailing, boating, kayaking, windsurfing, cycling, jogging, walking, fishing, beach volleyball, gardening, lawn, car-washing, driving, etc.
Features:
- Uppers are of breathable stretch quick-dry fabric
- Thick soles, non-slip and durable, with a good, protective effect.
- Drainage Hole Sole
- Lace-Up Lock or hook-and-loop closure
- Breathable mesh lining
FITKICKS Women’s Active Lifestyle Footwear
These offer complete flexibility with a free-forming, ergonomic fit. Durable FlexForm soles naturally contour to the unique shape of your feet with enough protection for everything from water sports and outdoor adventures to yoga, lounging, and everyday wear.
Supports foot with enhanced comfort and mobility. Made with breathable sports fabric. Slip-on design with a convenient pull tab for easy on and off.
Wear lounging or running everyday errands, low-impact workouts, swimming, high-heel relief, kick-around shoes, traveling, yoga, exercising, walking, at the beach, dancing, water sports, commuting, and kicking back.
Features:
- Rubber sole
- Full flexibility
- Supports foot
- Comfort and mobility
- Breathable sport fabric
- Slip-on design
So by wearing yoga shoes, you’ll protect your feet, but what about those people with bad kneed who need the extra cushion? If that is the case, check out these 10 Best Thick Yoga Mat for Bad Knees.
FAQ’s
Is it ok to wear shoes during a yoga class?
Taking yoga etiquette under consideration dictates that you do not wear shoes or socks to practice yoga.
That said, you can wear shoes while doing yoga as long as it is comfortable. If you insist on practicing yoga with your shoes, you must use the right pair, as regular shoes can damage yoga mats.
Can yoga mat shoes really help in your yoga progress?
The answer is yes; yoga mat shoes are designed to give you support and grip when performing poses that may be extra difficult. In less than a few months, you can do headstands and a side plank with the mere help of your yoga gear.
What are the types of yoga mat shoes?
The mat yoga shoe market offers wrap-around flats, ballet shoes, and full-on tennis shoes.
Some are better for aerial yoga, whereas others are ideal for the classic vinyasa type of vibes. Some models are on the cheaper spectrum, whereas others are more of a splurge.
Should you wash yoga mat shoes?
Most yoga mat shoes are machine washable, luckily. Just toss them into the washing machine with the rest of your clothes and wash them cold, then leave them out to dry.
Remember that if you pick a yoga shoe with leather components, you might want to forego the machine wash and use a leather cleaner.
Why do you wear yoga shoes?
Yoga shoes are worn to provide extra stability, flexibility, and support while practicing poses. They are designed specifically for yogis who want to stay comfortable throughout their practice. Yoga shoes come with rubber or non-skid soles that provide maximum grip on the floor and cushioning in the midsole for extra comfort. Additionally, many yoga mat shoes come with straps that can be adjusted to fit your feet snugly and securely, providing additional protection against potential injuries. Wearing yoga shoes can help you reach your full potential as a yogi!
Are Sanuks made of yoga mats?
No, Sanuks are not made of yoga mats. Sanuk is a trademarked brand of shoes and sandals that typically feature an outer sole made from molded EVA foam or rubber. They also have a variety of uppers, including canvas, leather, suede, and vegan materials that are not made from yoga mats.
Do you need special shoes for yoga?
Yes, it is recommended to wear special shoes for yoga that provide extra stability, flexibility, and support while practicing poses.
Yoga mat shoes have rubber or non-skid soles that provide maximum grip on the floor and cushioning in the midsole for extra comfort.
Additionally, many yoga mat shoes come with straps that can be adjusted to fit your feet snugly and securely, providing extra protection against potential injuries. Wearing the right pair of yoga mat shoes can help you reach your full potential as a yogi!
Can I do yoga in sneakers?
No, it is not recommended to do yoga in sneakers. Sneakers are designed for activities that require more cushioning and high-impact movements, such as running or sports.
Yoga requires a different type of support, balance, and stability which cannot be provided by wearing sneakers.
Yoga mat shoes provide the necessary grip on the floor and cushioning in the midsole for extra comfort when practicing poses.
Additionally, many yoga mat shoes come with straps that can be adjusted to fit your feet snugly and securely, providing extra protection against potential injuries. Wearing specialized yoga shoes can help you reach your full potential as a yogi!
Final Thoughts On The Different Types Of Yoga Mat Shoes
Yoga mat shoes are essential for yogis of all levels to practice poses safely and comfortably.
Different types of yoga mat shoes offer different levels of comfort, support, and protection, so make sure to choose the right one for you.
With the right pair of yoga mat shoes, you’ll be able to reach your full potential as a yogi!
Yoga mat shoes are an excellent investment for anyone looking to perfect their practice and reach their full potential as yogi.
With the right pair of yoga mat shoes, you’ll be able to stay comfortable throughout your practice and protect yourself against potential injuries.
Make sure to do your research and choose the best yoga mat shoes for you!
With the right pair of yoga mat shoes, you can practice safely and comfortably and reach your full potential as a yogi!
Happy Yoging!
