Looking for the best yoga shoes for your next trip or outdoor adventure? This list is a selection of the 9 best yoga shoes on the market to enhance your practice and protect your feet wherever you go. Of all the health and fitness trends that have taken hold over the past few decades, the rise of yoga is probably the first thing that comes to many people’s minds. More and more people of all ages, genders, shapes, and sizes are turning to yoga to get in shape.
Over time, yoga has become a popular exercise option. Ideal for people of all ages and activity levels, yoga is perhaps one of the most well-known forms of exercise in history. As its popularity has grown and yoga studios have sprung up, so has the need for yoga shoes and other footwear. While many people prefer to do yoga barefoot, there are many occasions when yoga shoes and socks are needed for a session.
But what does a good yoga shoe look like? Like the act of yoga itself, the best yoga shoes focus on flexibility in addition to cushioning and support. From beginners to advanced practitioners, this new trend is driven by the need to protect the feet. Even slow and deliberate exercises like yoga can hurt your feet and ankles. Don’t become a statistic.
Different brands are entering the market with different ideas. With all these brands, prices, quality levels, and designs on the market, it can be difficult to choose the best pair of yoga shoes for your needs. Comfort, value, and quality all play a major role in decision fatigue. Fortunately, Shoe Guide is here to help.
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Best Shoes For Yoga
Best Shoes For Yoga | Comparison Table 2022
5-Stars Pick | Great Prices | High Quality
Image | Title | Buy | |
---|---|---|---|
VIFUUR Water Sports Unisex Shoes Black - 11-12 W US / 9.5-10.5 M US (42-43) | VIFUUR | Check Price | |
FITKICKS Original Women's Foldable Active Lifestyle Minimalist Footwear Barefoot Yoga Sporty Water Shoes (Medium, Black V2) | FITKICKS | Check Price | |
WHITIN Men's Fashion Barefoot Sneakers Extra Wide Toe Box Arch Support Zero Drop Sole W81 Size 10W Minimus Casual Minimalist Outdoor Tennis Shoes Walking Lightweight Comfortable Male Black 43 | WHITIN | Check Price | |
Sanuk Yoga Sling 2 Black 8 B (M) | Sanuk | Check Price | |
FITKICKS Crossovers Women's Foldable Active Lifestyle Minimalist Footwear Barefoot Yoga Water Shoes Black | FITKICKS | Check Price | |
Vibram Women's Five Fingers, V-Soul Indoor Training Shoe Black 41 M | Vibram | Check Price | |
VIFUUR Kids Water Shoes Girls Boys Quick Dry Aqua Socks for Beach Swim Outdoor Sports Gradient Rainbow 34/35 | VIFUUR | Check Price | |
FEETCITY Barerun Barefoot Quick-Dry Water Sports Shoes Aqua Socks for Swim Beach Pool Surf Yoga for Women Men | FEETCITY | Check Price | |
L-RUN Womens Wading Shoes Barefoot Skin Sock Blue L(W:8.5-9.5,M:7-7.5)=EU39-40 | L-RUN | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Shoes For Yoga | Reviews 2022
1. VIFUUR Water Sports Unisex Shoes Black
- Recommended 1: CONVENIENCE - Smooth neck design prevents chafing when wearing our water shoes. It is convenient to wear and take off.
- Recommended 2: COMFORTABLE FIT -- Breathable and smooth fabrics with fine stretch on uppers. Like socks, flexible and comfortable.
- Recommended 3: RUBBER OUTSOLE & FOOT SAFETY -- Wearable and top-quality rubber sole, which protects your feet from being hurt by sharp objects.
- Recommended 4: OCCASION - Yoga Training, beach, swimming, pool, weight training, wake-boarding, sailing, boating, kayaking, windsurfing, cycling, jogging, walking, fishing, beach volleyball, gardening, lawn, car-washing and driving. Family outings!
- Tips:VARIOUS SIZE AVAILABLE -- fit different feet,little kids, big kids,men,women are available.
- - 11-12 W US / 9.5-10.5 M US (42-43)
2. FITKICKS Original Women’s Foldable Active Lifestyle
- FITKICKS 2nd generation with the latest colors of the original womens foldable active lifestyle minimalist footwear barefoot yoga water shoes
- Slip-on design footwear with minimalist breathable aqua shoe look and feel; full movement potential; ample toe splay; ergonomic fit; conforms to foot
- Supports foot with enhanced comfort and mobility; minimal design with inner cushion; convenient pull tabs; protective toe guard; signature grip strap; Flex Form sole technology; fold & go transport; perfect for active lifestyles
- 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, kicking back
- Spandex blend; durable FlexForm sole; fold-and-go transport; Available in sizes Small (5.5-6.5), Medium (M=7-8), Large (8.5-9.5) and Extra Large (10-11).
- Minimalist Footwear Barefoot Yoga Sporty Water Shoes (Large, Black V2)
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3. WHITIN Men’s Fashion Barefoot Sneakers
- Minimalist casual style meets natural way of walking.
- Wide toe box allowing space for optimal, anatomical toe positioning.
- Removable sockliner (insole) if you want a “more barefoot” feeling.
- Zero-drop, non-elevated sole for proper posture and balance.
- Flexible, non-slip, abrasion resistant rubber sole for extraordinary barefoot feeling and free movement.
- Extra Wide Toe Box Arch Support Zero Drop Sole W81 Size 10W Minimus Casual Minimalist Outdoor Tennis Shoes Walking Lightweight Comfortable Male Black 43
4. Sanuk Yoga Sling 2 Black 8 B (M)
- Thong flip-flop featuring stretch fabric straps with wrapped toe post
- Padded yoga-mat footbed
- Happy U rubber sponge outsole
- Machine wash cold with color-safe detergent, no dryer
- Footbed made from real yoga mat with a sealed edge. Avoid exposure to high temperatures and prolonged periods in direct sunlight
5. FITKICKS Crossovers Women’s Foldable Active
- FITKICKS Crossovers Womens Foldable Active Lifestyle Minimalist Footwear Barefoot Yoga Water Shoes
- Slip-on style footwear with a ballet studio-inspired twist; innovative soft elastic criss-cross straps; minimalist design with cushioned insole
- Supports foot with enhanced comfort and mobility; protective toe guard; convenient pull tabs; perfect for active lifestyles
- Footwear that crosses over from beach to studio, couch to commute, and everywhere in between; wear lounging or running errands, low-impact workouts; sand, land, ocean, freshwater
- Spandex blend gently hugs foot; durable FlexForm sole; fold-and-go transport; Womens sizes available in Small (5.5-6.5), Medium (7-8), Large (8.5-9.5), X-large (10-11)
- Lifestyle Minimalist Footwear Barefoot Yoga Water Shoes Black
6. Vibram Women’s Five Fingers, V-Soul Indoor Training Shoe Black 41 M
- Lightweight, shiny polyester upper
- Slip on style with adjustable hook and loop strap
- Wool poly sockliner with 2mm PU foam cushion
- 3 mm XS Trek rubber compound outsole for excellent grip and close to the ground feel
- Best uses for this shoe are functional fitness, plyometrics, Pilates and Yoga, etc.
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7. VIFUUR Kids Water Shoes Girls Boys Quick Dry Aqua Socks
- QUICK DRY:these kids sport water shoes with breathable and high stretch fabric,quick drying and comfortable to wear when your kids playing in the beach.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & FLEXIBLE: Latex pad are shock absorption and comfortable to reduce kids walking pressure. The insole can be removed and easy to wash.
- SAFETY & NON-SLIP: The anti-collision toe cap design reducing hurt caused by collision. Thickend protection on heel strengthen support, protecting feet. The soft rubber sole are wear-resistant and non-slip resistance, protecting feet from being hurt by sharp objects.
- OCCASIONS: Perfect for beach games,swimming,pool,water park,walking,playground,vacation,home,Outdoor sports etc. Especially for family outings!
- UNIQUE DESIGN: Unique Hook and Loop design with cute cartoon parten. It is easy to wear and take off for kids.There are a variety of colorful styles to choose from.
- for Beach Swim Outdoor Sports Gradient Rainbow 34/35
8. FEETCITY Barerun Barefoot Quick-Dry Water Sports Shoes
- 1.Ultra Lightweight: Super lightweight and flexible, make you feel great freedom and comfortable in wearing.Lightweight and compressible for easy packing,convenience for leisure or any other sport activities.
- 2.PERFECT MATERIAL: 92% polyester+8% spandex Upper. Breathable Ultra Light fabrics with fine stretch on uppers, flexible and comfortable. Smooth designed neck prevents chafing when wearing our water shoes. FOOT SAFETY -- Wearable and top-quality rubber sole, which protects your feet from being hurt by sharp objects. With an ergonomically molded, shock absorption performance cushioning separated protective toe.
- 3.UPDATED STYLE CHOICES: We continue to design new style of water shoes, and constantly update our color. If you are looking for the latest style of water shoes, please come here and add us to the wishlist, your favorite is the next style.
- 4.OCCASION: You can use the shoes in many occasions,such as:water park,water class,cruise,hanging out,aqua zumba,aqua therapy,water park employees,waterfall hikes,etc.Take our shoes when you go to vacation.when you go to Hawaii,Mexico,Costa Rica ,Caribbean,Xplor Park,any famous place when you enjoy you free time.
- Aqua Socks for Swim Beach Pool Surf Yoga for Women Men
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9. L-RUN Womens Wading Shoes Barefoot Skin Sock Blue
- Quick dry and stretchy upper material: Made of high quality smooth material with good breathable and quick drying.
- Easy On and Off: The pull tap at the heel allows quick and easy entry, protecting your feet from dripping off.
- Breathable and comfortable: Upper with stretch breathable ultra light weight fabric for fast draining and cross ventilation, give excellent flexible and comfortable.
- Wearable and Safety: The soles are made of rubber materials with excellent air permeability and non-slip resistance. Anti-slip rubber sole are flexible yet thick enough to protect your feet from stepping on rock and stone. They can protect your feet well.
- Occasions: Suitable for a wide range of activities, yoga, dance, driving and so on. Especially perfect for water sports and enjoying in swimming pool or walking over sand. (Please see the size chart description before order)
- L(W:8.5-9.5,M:7-7.5)=EU39-40
How To Choose The Best Shoes For Yoga | Unrivaled Guide 2022
Weight
Many yoga poses and movements require the feet to be off the ground in some way. Movements such as half-moons, boats, ravens, shoulder stands, and other stretches of these poses can prove to be very challenging. Finally, these poses are more problematic with heavy, high-density shoes. Purchasing yoga shoes that are designed to be lightweight can be very beneficial. That way, your feet will not be heavy when doing those poses and stretches.
The best way to choose lightweight yoga shoes is to look for options with soft, resilient soles. If weight is a priority, it is best to avoid types with soles that appear thick. In general, most options available at least mention their weight. Other weight-related topics include accurate measurements of shoes in grams and descriptions of “quick slip-on”.
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Flexibility
When practicing yoga, feet are made to twist, turn, and rotate in all directions. Wearing shoes that are inflexible and ill-fitting can lead to severe foot pain at the end of a session. The next pair of yoga shoes you choose should be flexible. This will make your feet more comfortable as you stretch. The most effective way to meet your flexibility needs is to look for materials such as polyamide in the construction of the shoe. This fabric is incredibly stretchy and allows the foot to move freely without much resistance.
Another buzzword for flexibility in yoga shoes is the sock-like construction. If you can wear yoga shoes and move your feet without restrictions, like stretching with socks, then you have found the right shoe for you. It is especially important to pay attention to whether the upper portion of the shoe has “stretch material” or not. The last important word is the XS Trek sole, which specializes in flexibility.
Breathability
Even if you don’t do hot yoga, your feet sweat profusely: this is a fact. One of the best ways to avoid sweating and therefore adding moisture to the shoes you wear is to focus on breathability when making a purchase decision.
The most obvious defense is an upper made of polyester mesh. Conversely, look for shoes made of polyamide. Both polyamide and polyester are remarkably water-resistant. They help transport moisture from the body to the atmosphere.
Mesh is porous and a bit net-like in some ways. Combined with polyester, it allows for the air circulation your feet need to stay dry and cool for most of the season. Fortunately, most shoes are made of this material and have a wide upper like a flat shoe. So, no matter where you look, you won’t find amazingly breathable yoga shoes. Types of breathable fabrics include knit uppers, mesh, and (not surprisingly) canvas.
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Traction
Traction is more important than you might think. It is important that yoga shoes have a good grip on the floor when performing these poses. Shoes that do not grip well can easily cause awkward falls and collapse of poses, which can lead to injury.
One of the most effective elements for traction is a rubber sole. The soles of the shoes should be made of rubber. This feature provides maximum traction for all stretches and allows the wearer to maintain a safe posture when doing yoga.
It is important that the sole we have chosen ensures both non-marking and non-slip. This is to ensure that the sole does not damage the floor when yoga is practiced without a mat. Even with a mat, you don’t want the sole to wear away the material. Therefore, choosing a smoother, less rough sole will help reduce wear and tear while still providing the necessary grip.
Comfort
Finally, one of the most important considerations when looking for the best yoga shoes is comfort. Yoga stretches can be quite strenuous on the feet. If you are not wearing the right shoes, or not wearing them at all, some areas of your feet may experience more stress than others. This is why it is essential to wear shoes that provide good support for the feet. Failure to do so can lead to injuries, slips, and falls.
The most important buzzword for comfort is “zero-fall.” The construction of a zero-drop shoe allows the heel to be at the same height as the forefoot and more naturally resemble the actual foot when standing on a flat surface. The more natural feel supports every pose and makes yoga practice more comfortable.
Another very useful feature to check out is the polyurethane cushioning in the sole. This reduces the impact of your body weight with each step and provides comfort when placing your feet. This is ideal for those who want to practice their yoga hobby outdoors and without a mat.
In addition, the thicker foam arch support inserts provide extra protection for your feet. Ideal for those with flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or those who practice yoga in the field.
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Things to consider when choosing the best yoga shoes.
Are They Safe
Yoga is hard enough without having to worry about your shoes falling on your head every time you try a new asana. You probably worry about whether you like your favorite color or the style of your new yoga shoes, but the reality is that safety comes first. But don’t worry. As we will show you, choosing safe yoga shoes does not mean compromising on beauty.
Safety is stability, of course, but what is less well known is that safety is also cleanliness.
Especially if you are doing hot yoga, you do not want to wear shoes that can easily soak up dirt and sweat. Even worse, if you practice in a group studio, you certainly don’t want to get shoes that easily get dirty with other people’s sweat.
The right yoga shoes should be stable, have a good grip on the bottom, and provide good support to keep you in perfect poses for days. Your muscles may ache after three minutes, but your feet won’t.
Will They Last
The last thing you want is to spend a lot of time choosing the perfect pair of yoga shoes, only to have to start all over again in three months because the soles are crumbling and everything is bursting at the seams.
Companies that make yoga shoes tend to be a bit more meticulous than, say, consumer electronics manufacturers, who have limited product life expectancy, so you have no choice but to upgrade. After all, the ideal pair of yoga shoes are multifunctional and save a lot of money.
For example, many shoe models are water-resistant, making them perfect for your favorite guru’s spiritual getaway or for the beach. Come to think of it, water-resistant shoes are also appropriate for yoga on the beach.
Are They Comfortable?
If your yoga shoes last a long time and you don’t fall head over heels when doing a new pose, that’s always a plus. However, if the supposedly comfortable shoes are constantly blistering, boiling, or worse, constantly hurting the insides of your feet, that is definitely not a plus.
Not only is it important that the inside of the shoe be comfortable, but it is also important that the outer skin or shell of the shoe be flexible enough to bend at any time.
Flexibility is important in yoga, and so should the shoes. This goes without saying, but the biggest key to comfort is choosing the right size.
During yoga practice, you will be wearing out a lot of your toes and soles, so make sure there is enough room between the soles of your toes and the tops of your feet, and the tops of your shoes.
Is Your Breathing Good?
Take a deep breath and let it cool for one minute. No, not you, your shoes. If your yoga shoes are not breathing properly, they will overheat and you will be miserable. Yoga is not always relaxing, and sessions can be intense, but if your feet feel like they are walking on a bed of charcoal instead of supporting your efforts to master the “downward dog,” there is something wrong.
When considering shoe breathability, a major consideration is whether to be cautious by choosing an open-toe model or a closed-toe model. If you choose a closed-toe shoe, a breathable mesh material is a good choice. OK, let’s move on to the boring ones-shoes that are safe enough and prevent freak accidents.
How To Choose Good Exercise Shoes? | Video Explanation
FAQs
Can I wear shoes to yoga?
Some yoga teachers prefer their students to be barefoot during class. However, most teachers allow students to wear shoes during class. The easiest way to do this is to contact your teacher or company and ask if you can wear shoes during class. Generally, the teacher just wants you to be very comfortable when practicing yoga, so this should not be a problem.
What about water? Can they be submerged in water?
In general, most yoga shoes are versatile and can be used as water shoes, but the problem lies in the shoe itself. Because they are similar to water shoes, many yoga shoes can be used for both. Check out our guide to the best water shoes and you will find many contrasts between the two types of shoes.
Many models are made with a blend of polyamide, polyester, and other highly absorbent materials, so they can be used for kayaking, surfing, and other water activities. In fact, many of them slip on securely so they won’t come off in the water.
How do I wash my new yoga shoes?
This process couldn’t be easier, even if we tried. All of the shoes we have rated as the best yoga shoes are machine washable. Place them in the washing machine with your other clothing, wash them at cold temperature, and let them dry naturally. If you choose yoga shoes with leather parts, it is best to use a leather cleaner instead of using the washing machine.
What about casual wear? Will they make you look silly in everyday life?
That depends entirely on the style of the shoe itself and your own style preferences. Some people find yoga shoes comfortable enough for everyday wear, but it depends on the flexibility of your feet and the softness of the material.
Some people prefer a little more arch support in their everyday shoes. Most yoga shoes do not provide the level of arch support needed for prolonged standing or walking. But again, the choice is yours. If you plan to use yoga shoes on a daily basis, we recommend trying them on for a day to see how they feel.
Is it difficult to find the right size?
Most yoga shoes are true to size. However, for men, finding your size can be difficult. In this case, subtract 1.5 from the women’s size to get a relatively accurate representation of men’s sizes. However, there are also yoga shoes in the more common “S, M, L” configuration. It is best to look for yoga shoes that are a little tighter to fit the shape of your feet.
Conclusion
This guide offers a wide variety of the best shoes for yoga at a wide range of prices, so you won’t be spending a fortune. Instead, you’ll spend enough to keep your feet safe and your wallet full. If you already own a pair of flip-flops or have just purchased a pair, please share your experience by leaving a comment in the comments section below.

Hi, I am Brian, Lives in Mooresville, North Carolina, and Went to The University of Texas at Austin, I am a shoe lover & know the inside out of shoes. I am well aware of the qualities of top-quality boots. That’s what I’m sharing with the reader of About Shoes/boots/footwear. Read More Here
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