Yoga Shoes

Are you one of those who practices yoga regularly but are not comfortable doing so barefoot? Originally yoga requires a person to be barefoot, however, if you find it difficult to do so, then shoes are the way to go. This is a relatively new concept and there is a variety that you could choose from. Apart from them you also get various other supplies such as socks, sandals for your feet and also various other accessories that you could choose.

Shoes for Yoga

Yoga shoes are like regular ones with minor differences. These are very flexible as physical movements in yoga poses require flexibility of the foot. The soles are thin to maintain this flexibility. They provide good airflow so that your feet can breathe. Another important feature is that they have to be lightweight to provide you with maximum comfort while performing different poses which may require you lift your leg, which might just throw you off balance of the shoes are heavy. They are now also available in various colors for you to choose from.

Do You Need Them?

Wearing yoga shoes is absolutely your choice. Here are a few pros and cons to help you decide whether you need to sport them at workouts or not.

Pros
The reasons you might want to wear shoes could be,

• Just for comfort. If you are someone who is uncomfortable exercising without them.
• If you have fear of infection by germs due to sharing a mat with others at yoga class.
• Safety could be your concern if you perform yoga outdoors where there are chances of hurting your feet due to something sharp.
• If you have smooth feet, shoes provide you with traction and keep you from slipping.

Cons
The reasons you might not want to wear these are,

• Yoga is a traditional Indian discipline that requires you to be connected or centered to the earth as much as possible. Wearing shoes will hamper this requirement.
• Certain poses are difficult to get with shoes on.

There are different brands of available in the market for men and women. Here is a list of a few good ones that you could choose from.

Yoga Shoes for Men
To be honest, men don't have many varieties to choose from, but there are still a few good ones that are mentioned below.

Glide-K Men's Shoes by Earth Footwear - This is a typical lightweight yoga shoe with mesh upper treatment for airflow and flexible sole. The shoe costs around $80-$100 depending on the place you buy it from. Online purchases are often cheaper.

Kigo Shel Trainers - This is an all weather shoe and can be worn by men and women. It has thin and flexible soles that allows easy movement. The sot of this shoe is around $40- $45.

Yoga Shoes for Women
Women have a range available that they could choose from. Here are a few.

Stella McCartney Bacalit Ballerina Shoes - These are perfect with the ultimate barefoot feeling for performing yoga. It costs around $50. Your nearest Adidas outlet must definitely have a pair.

Women's Easy Spirit Attila - This shoe has Velcro straps for flexibility and a cushioned insole. The cost of this pair is around $70.

Apart from the traditional ones, shoes with toes, are also becoming quite popular. These toe separators add on to the extra flexibility and give you the barefoot feeling as well. Apart from these, yoga sandals are also quite comfortable. They too come in various types and colors. Yoga meditation just got a little more colorful with these. So, though not an absolute necessity, these shoes are catching trend!