Many people believe that it’s best to perform yoga barefoot. Not everyone feels comfortable doing yoga like this though, and often for a number of reasons. The best solution for people who don’t want to go completely barefoot is barefoot shoes.
Barefoot shoes, also known as minimalist shoes, are shoes with next to no support or cushioning. The whole point of the shoe is to get your feet more accustomed to their natural state.
There are a lot of different barefoot shoes out there, making it difficult to choose the best one for you. So we did some research and found some of the best Barefoot Shoes on the market.
These Are the Best Barefoot Shoes for Yoga
Vibram Women’s VI-B
Chances are you’re delving into the barefoot shoe world and are doing research on which shoes might work for you. If so, then you should learn about Vibram, a very well reputable company. All of their designs are simple, breathable, flexible, and easy on the eye.
One recommended Vibram shoe is the Women’s VI-B. If you’re just buying your first barefoot shoe, this is a great starting point. This shoe is machine-washable and designed like a ballet flat.
Made for general use in both wet and dry weather, the VI-B will have traction on many surfaces. The individual toes also allow for more freedom of movement, which is a big reason why people love these shoes for yoga.
Here are a few more details about the VI-B shoes:
- The average size of one VI-B shoe weighs just under 4 ounces.
- The insoles are just 3.5 millimeters thick.
- The shoes are made of polyester-Lycra stretch mesh.
Vibram Classic Men’s Shoe
The Classic Men’s shoe is another Vibram barefoot shoe but restored and innovated. These shoes have abrasion-resistant fabric on the soles for comfort and durability.
This flexible material makes it the perfect shoe to wear when doing yoga. It’s sleek and fits like a glove, making it easy to maneuver your feet exactly how you want. This allows for a more connected feeling to the ground, making for a better overall experience.
Here are a few more details about the Classic Men’s Shoes:
- The insoles are just 3.5 millimeters thick.
- The average weight of the Classic Men’s shoes is just 3.5 ounces.
- The shoe is made of a polyester mesh and stretch polyamide.
- You can machine-wash cold and air-dry.
Vibram Women’s V-Soul
The Women’s V-Soul shoes are perfectly crafted for indoor exercising and activities, like yoga or Pilates. They have a thin foam insole for comfort and are super lightweight. They’re a good choice if you plan on doing a lot of indoor activities.
They come with Vibram’s XS Trek Technology and will work well outdoors too. XS Trek is a compound made by Vibram to maximize stability and traction. These shoes aren’t made for tough terrain though. They’re instead designed for flexibility and comfort in movement.
Here are a few more details on the Women’s V-Souls:
- 3-millimeter thick soles, with a 2-millimeter thick foam insole. 5 millimeters in total.
- The average weight is just over 3 ounces.
- The shoe is made of a polyester blend.
- These shoes are machine-wash cold and air-dry.
Vibram Men’s EL-X
The Men’s EL-X Shoe is Vibram’s thinnest-soled shoe. It’s incredibly breathable and light, designed to be worn as a true minimalist shoe.
These shoes have a great user review score on the Vibram website, with reviews showcasing the high quality of the shoes. The EL-X shoes are meant for indoor exercise and outdoor activities, providing a natural range of movement for your feet.
Here are some details about the EL-X Shoes:
- The soles are 2-millimeters thick.
- The average weight per shoe is around 4 ounces.
- They’re made of a polyester fabric.
- They are not machine-washable.
FitKicks Men’s Edition Shoes
If you’re looking for an affordable barefoot shoe that’s perfect for yoga, the Fitkicks Women’s and Fitkicks Men’s Edition Shoe could be it.
These shoes are quick and easy to just slip into and get to work. These are a great starter barefoot shoe; you can buy them to get used to the barefoot feel before moving onto a different, more expensive shoe.
Some quick details about the FitKicks Active:
- The average size shoe weighs about 4 ounces.
- You can machine-wash cold and air dry.
- Made of an Interwoven Heathered material.
- Uses pegs to adhere the sole to the insole, as opposed to glue.
Merrel The Vapor Glove 4 Shoes
Merrel’s Vapor Glove 4 shoes are more similar in design to a traditional shoe but still keep the light, breathable feel of barefoot shoes. They’re designed as an all-around shoe, good for exercising or just wearing when you walk around naturally. These shoes come in both a men’s and women’s version.
The design is sleek and works with the majority of outfits, so it’s perfect to use as a full-time shoe, not just an exercise shoe. The Vapor Glove 4 is also a great shoe for you if you aren’t quite used to the barefoot feeling but want something more lightweight than the average shoe.
Here are some details about the Vapor Glove 4s:
- The soles are 4.5 millimeters thick.
- The average shoe weighs 4 ounces.
- The shoe comes with antimicrobial agents to reduce odors.
- The shoe is made of Cordura mesh.
Women’s Groundies Mandalay 2
The Groundies Bella are women’s barefoot ballerina shoes. They’re incredibly lightweight while still being durable enough for everyday wear.
These shoes feature a Truesense Barefoot Sole, allowing for the ability to feel minute differences in the ground beneath your feet. In addition to their performance as an exercise shoe, they also work as an everyday shoe. The Groundies Mandalay 2 shoes go with a variety of outfits and have good reviews of such.
Here are more details about this shoe:
- The soles are 3.3 millimeters thick.
- The shoes are made of genuine cowhide and microfibers.
- They come with a 3-year warranty.
Leguano Shoes
Leguano shoes are known for their durability, flexibility, and sleek stylish design. They’re a little pricy, but you get what you pay for, in a good way. Plenty of great reviews prove the worth of these German-crafted shoes. You can get the Classic Black Leguanos or the Ballerina Leguanos for doing yoga.
They’re designed to be used indoors and out for whatever activities you have planned. They’ll look and perform great during yoga, hiking, or just going shopping. With a wide variety of sizes and fast global shipping, these shoes are an excellent option for anyone who is serious about getting into barefoot or minimalist shoes.
Here are some details on Leguano shoes:
- They’re made of a blend of Lyocell and polyamide.
- The average size weighs 3.5 ounces.
- These shoes are machine-washable and can be air-dried.
Skinners
Skinner’s barefoot shoes are more akin to socks than they are shoes. This makes them perfect for both comfort and maneuverability. They’re a unisex shoe with kids’ options as well.
Thanks to their incredibly lightweight design, you can just roll them up and put them in your pocket or purse on your way to yoga or the beach. Despite Skinner’s lightweight design, they do come with a 400+ mile guarantee.
Here are some details about Skinner’s barefoot shoes:
- The average shoe weighs less than 3 ounces.
- These shoes are machine-washable.
- They’re safe to wear underwater.
- Designed to stretch to conform to your foot.
Conclusion
As you may have gathered, barefoot shoes are beginning to catch on as a viable shoe option for yoga. Now that you’ve seen the best of the best in barefoot yoga shoes, you are well prepared to choose the top ones for you.