Yoga is rapidly becoming one of the most popular forms of exercise because of its ability to broaden the mind, stimulate the senses, stretch muscles, and improve flexibility. People of all ages can become engaged in this activity and benefit from slow, steady workouts over a long period.
Because yoga focuses on flexibility and movement, people often become confused about what to wear, especially on the feet. While many go barefoot, this isn’t an option for everyone. Numerous manufacturers now create special yoga shoes designed to stop slipping while maintaining the foot’s natural flexibility – but many fail.
To find the best ladie’s yoga shoes, it’s essential to check durability, style, cushioning, give, and many other characteristics.
Luckily, you can find tons of great options with a little research, including these top ten of the best yoga shoes available in 2022.
Just remember to take them off at some point, because it’s easy to forget you’re wearing them.
Best Yoga Shoes
1. Vibram Women’s VI-B Fitness Yoga Shoe
These yoga shoes manage to combine the luxury of footwear with regular toe spacers, which are designed to improve a yogi’s comfort and flexibility while stretching. These are made of thin mesh with a sturdy base that barely separates the foot from the floor, allowing for more movement and maneuverability.
The interior features antimicrobial fibers that help prevent the development of bacteria from sweating feet. Because the mesh around the exterior is thin and synthetic, it also wicks away moisture for comfort.
One of the best characteristics of these Vibram Women’s VI-B Fitness Yoga Shoes is that they can be cleaned in a washing machine on cold and then left to air dry without issue. This means you don’t have to exercise in dirty shoes and don’t have to worry about foul odors and slick, greasy surfaces.
Pros
- Unlike many other yoga shoes, these are available in multiple creative colors ranging from plain black to a peaceful hot pink.
- A serrated blade lug design on the rubber soles give these shoes more grip and make them convenient and safe to wear while swapping between positions.
- The toe spacers built into the footwear increase blood flow to the feet and prevent the inhibition of flexibility seen in other shoe styles.
Cons
- Because the toe spacers are built into the footwear, they will not fit everyone, especially those who have long toes. This can be alleviated by purchasing a single size up.
- These Vibrams have absolutely no arch support and are not great for a woman who needs the extra cushion when trying to exercise.
2. Sanuk Women’s Yoga Sling 2
The Sanuk Women’s Yoga Sling manages to be comfortable and flexible at the same time, resembling nothing more so than a simple flip flop with a soft fabric wrap around the ankle.
These shoes provide just enough material to separate the foot from the floor without wasting extra supplies. The soles are made of synthetic rubber and help prevent slips while gripping even the slickest of yoga floors.
The interior of these slings is a soft foam that cushions the foot. The entire platform measures a mere 0.25 in., making them one of the best options for women who need some sort of protection but still want to be able to feel the floor.
These thong flip flops are available in almost fifty different colors and designs, making them customizable for outfits and regular wear. The sizing runs a tad small, so it’s best to request half a size larger than normal.
Pros
- The synthetic rubber soles prevent slipping while also only being about 1/8 inch thick, making them ideal for someone who wants to be as close to the floor as possible.
- The color and style of the fabric can be adjusted to suit any personality.
- Although flat, these shoes provide enough support for individuals with conditions like plantar fasciitis and are great for long term use.
Cons
- These shoes are imported, which means they can take a long time to arrive. The way to avoid this scenario is to request faster shipping through a well-known retailer like Amazon.
- The thong-style can become uncomfortable while switching positions and can cause chafing if the wearer isn’t careful. The easiest way to become accustomed to the shoes is by wearing them more.
3. Ahnu Women’s Yoga Flex
These Ahnu Women’s Yoga Flex shoes are actually similar to mesh running shoes, making them comfortable to wear to and from the studio but not the most ideal for hardcore yogis and those who prefer to have their feet to the ground.
One of the main draws of these shoes is their extra foam and cushioning in the interior. It provides better arch support and comfort for those with conditions like plantar fasciitis and can help wick away sweat and moisture.
The exterior of the shoe features a colorful mesh designed to let air reach the interior and help keep the feet cool during a workout. The soles are made of rubber and have extreme grip, with the bottoms reaching almost 1 inch thick.
Because these shoes are available in numerous bright colors, they are popular among women who want something individualistic.
Overall, these shoes are made for a beginner who feels comfortable exercising in sneakers. They are not suitable for someone more experienced and flexible.
Are you concerned about finding the right woman shoe for fitness training? Look at our review about CrossFit shoes for women.
Pros
- These shoes are available in multiple vibrant colors that give a sense of individuality to every workout.
- The extra support is great for beginners and those who suffer foot, back, or joint problems in their legs.
- The sizing of these shoes is accurate, so you never have to send back an order.
Cons
- The Ahnu yoga shoes have thick and chunky soles that can make it difficult for experienced yogis to reach maximum flexibility.
- Sweat pools in the interior and needs to be wiped out on a regular basis. The way to alleviate this problem is to use a footwear disinfecting spray.
4. Vibram Women’s Alitza Loop-W
The Vibram Women’s Alitza Loop-W make great yoga and pilates yoga footwear because they are comfortable and durable. Although sturdy and well-built, these shoes additionally provide overall flexibility to make any workout a breeze.
One of the best features is the presence of toe separators, which allow for more stretch. The sole is slim and features a non-slip synthetic surface great for any kind of flooring or outdoor session.
These shoes can also be cleaned in a washing machine, making them great for women who worry about the buildup of bacteria from sweaty feet. All you need to do is throw them in on cold and then allow them to air dry for maximum benefits.
Besides these basics, the upper surface is breathable, and the shoes come in three bright colors: blue, orange, and Fuschia.
Pros
- The Vibram Women’s Alitza Loop-W are some of the best shoes for yoga because they provide durability and stretch without compromising comfort.
- Each pair can be cleaned in a washing machine, eliminating bacteria the possibility for foot fungus.
- The toe separators improve blood flow and the stretch of the muscles without inhibiting movement.
- The sole is thin but still provides maximum protection against slipping on the floor.
Cons
- The toe separators can run a size small. This problem can be fixed by requesting half a size larger than normal to give longer toes more space.
- People who are accustomed to practicing with bare foot need to get used to the new sensation, which can be restricting around the sides of the feet.
5. Skechers Women’s Meditation-Studio Kicks
If you’re new to yoga and are trying to find a shoe that is comfortable but unrestrictive for your foot, then the Skechers Women’s Meditation-Studio Kicks are nice shoes for you.
This footwear takes the form of thong flip flops with a fabric wraparound for the ankle. The toes are lower than the heel, and the entire base is made of comfortable and durable foam with rubber for extra protection.
Although the upper layer of these shoes is soft and flat, the soles feature ridges to grip the floor better and prevent slipping while moving between positions.
The fabric around the ankle is soft and customizable, adding a note of individuality to the shoes for whoever chooses to wear them to practice.
Although the toes are free in these shoes, there is not much room for flexibility when it comes to maneuvering between poses. These are thus better for novices than experienced individuals who will need to stretch and flex into creative positions.
Pros
- The foam of the bottoms is comfortable and easy to clean, while the rubber soles provide extra grip for beginners finding their footing.
- The Skechers Meditation-Studio Kicks come in almost twenty colors, meaning every woman can find a style that suits her.
- The thong-style of the flip flops is ideal for individuals who feel restricted in traditional sneakers but are not ready to go barefoot or try more form-fitting options.
Cons
- Because these shoes are inexpensive, they wear down fast. To avoid this problem, it is best only to wear these shoes during yoga sessions and not before and after.
- The thong portion of the sandal (the fabric between the toes) runs snug and can be uncomfortable during long term wear. Again, the ideal solution is only to wear these while doing yoga.
6. Nike Women’s Studio Wrap 3 Dance Yoga Shoes
The Nike Women’s Studio Wrap is popular among ladies seeking a yoga shoe that is flexible enough to move comfortably but has enough support when standing or maintaining one’s weight on one’s feet.
These are available in three different colors and have a stretchy flex design that prevents chafing and sweating while in motion. The extra grip on the bottom is ideal for someone doing beginner or intermediate yoga that requires a lot of basic standing and stretching.
These shoes are common because they fit anyone and manage to be comfortable without unnecessary chafing or sweating. If your feet do sweat while wearing these, the moisture is absorbed by the breathable synthetic fibers of the shoe.
They are also easy to take on and off, making them great if you need shoes for some positions but not in others.
The Nike Women’s Studio Wrap 3 is suitable for almost any type of yoga, making them versatile. You can continue to wear them even if you advance to tougher forms of exercise like hot yoga, which will definitely make you sweat.
The only real issue with the shoes is they do run quite small – sometimes as much as two sizes. This makes ordering difficult if you can’t try the shoes on properly.
Pros
- Because the shoes have a wrap design, they fit snugly against the foot and don’t slip or slide like other yoga footwear.
- The synthetic fibers of the shoe absorb sweat, meaning it doesn’t have a chance to pool in the bottom of the shoe.
- The extra synthetic grip on the soles prevent slipping and sliding between position changes, ensuring you can maintain your ground even on hardware floors.
Cons
- The size of the shoe runs smaller than the average shoe size, making it hard to find the proper one. Ordering up to 1-2 sizes greater than your average alleviates this problem.
- These Nike shoes are not machine washable, so sweat and bacteria can gather in the fabric. This problem is solved through dry cleaning or using a shoe disinfectant spray.
- The wrap shoes can be more expensive than other varieties, sometimes costing as much as $120-$180.
7. New Balance Women’s 118v2 Training Shoe
This pair of footwear looks insane at first but is actually comfortable and flexible while still providing enough support for individuals with weak joints and ankle muscles.
The New Balance Women’s 118v2 Training Shoe is reminiscent of old-fashioned bandage wraps. Multiple stretchy pieces of fabric lace around the foot and ankle, keeping the sole attached while still providing plenty of room for the toes and upper foot to flex.
The sole itself is made of rubber with a deep, gripping surface that stops slips and slides.
The overall footwear is inexpensive and can be customized with multiple colors. The sole is extremely thin, meaning wearers can feel any alterations in the ground while trying to stretch.
The main downside is that these shoes are not durable because of their design and materials, meaning they should only be worn during yoga sessions.
Pros
- The soft foam is comfortable around the foot and ankle and makes it easy to bend into new positions.
- There is extra support in the front of the shoe, which helps women who struggle with plantar fascistic and other conditions.
- The foam straps stick to the foot with ease and do not slide around, posing little risk to wearers who need to adjust quickly and move to different poses.
Cons
- There is less sole in the middle and back of the shoe, meaning users will discover the sensation is similar to going barefoot with no support.
- These shoes run small, so it’s important to order half a size larger than normal to get an option that fits comfortably for exercise.
8. AoSiFu Barefoot Water Shoes Aqua Socks Surf Pool Yoga
The AoSiFu Barefoot Water Shoes might sound like an unusual choice for yoga, but these are the best yoga shoes for casual practitioners because of their comfort and flexibility.
Instead of relying on exposed feet, these shoes provide a layer of synthetic protection that helps prevent overstretching and slipping on one’s own sweat.
The outsole is made of graded and ridged rubber for better surface tension, while the insole has a soft and comfortable foam to treat arches.
The toes have plenty of room in this footwear, and fabric around the top stops chafing around the ankle.
If you have plantar fasciitis or a history of rolled ankles, then these might be for you, or you may also like our full discussion about walking shoes for plantar fasciitis to avoid foot pain.
Pros
- The fitting design of these shoes manages to be comfortable without pinching feet.
- The thin soles allow wearers to feel what is underneath their feet, making it easier to adjust position and know when they have stepped off the mat.
- These shoes are easy to slip on and off, making them convenient for short sessions and getting ready for class after entering the studio.
Cons
- Because these shoes are inexpensive, they wear down quickly. The solution is only to wear these aqua socks when doing yoga and not before or after sessions.
- AoSiFu doesn’t follow regular American sizing and instead labels shoes as S-XL, making it difficult to find the right size. To locate the proper ones, measure your feet before ordering from retailers like Amazon.
9. HooyFeel unisex shoes for Yoga Exercise
When you do hot yoga, an unwanted effect is feet sweating like crazy. It’s this important to have a shoe like the HooyFeel, which is durable and designed to wick away moisture while being waterproof itself. Click through to see our review about waterproof shoes here!
This footwear is designed to be worn in uncomfortable and tough environments, making them ideal for individuals who do intense yoga sessions and need extra protection and stability.
Thick rubber soles prevent sliding, while a durable insole helps keep sweating to a minimum while cushioning the arch.
These shoes are available in multiple designs and colors, making them popular among creative individuals.
Pros
- These shoes fit well for individuals with all foot sizes, including those with wide or exceptionally large feet.
- The extra protection is helpful for beginners, who might struggle to flex and move their feet properly during yoga.
- The extra protection against moisture is also beneficial for practitioners of hot yoga who fear to slide around along the floor when trying to move.
Cons
- Because these shoes are so durable, they are not as flexible as other options.
- These shoes are inexpensive but can wear down easily. It’s only to wear shoes during class and not before or after.
10. Barerun Barefoot Shoes for Yoga
These are an unusual choice to appear on a list of yoga shoes, but these Barerun Barefoot shoes are ideal because they are form-fitting, designed to breathe, and offer one of the toughest soles available.
Originally made for beachwear and walking through water, these shoes pack a wallop in terms of strength and durability. The synthetic exterior wicks away moisture, while holes throughout the box keep feet refreshed with cool air.
The soles are made of rubber and are strong enough to grip onto constantly shifting surfaces like sand and gravel, making them ideal for outdoor yoga practitioners.
The Barerun Barefoots can be slipped on and off with ease and are easy to clean and disinfect because of their synthetic interiors and exteriors.
These shoes come in numerous designs and colors, meaning there is a style to suit everyone.
The only real downside to these shoes is that they have a firmer exterior than many yoga practitioners are used to, so they will take a short adjustment period to become comfortable.
Pros
- A smooth neck design prevents chafing around the ankle and top of the foot while doing complicated poses.
- The synthetic materials used to create the shoe wick away sweat and moisture, and are also easy to care for.
- The thick rubber soles are great for outdoor practitioners because they mean the wearer cannot feel rocks or other sharp objects while exercising.
Cons
- These shoes are stiffer than the average pair of yoga footwear and require some adjusting. Users should wear these shoes outside of yoga sessions to become accustomed to the feel.
- Because they are inexpensive, the insole can start to peel away from the base. The best way to prevent this problem is to actually to avoid getting the shoes wet.
What to Look for Before Buying Yoga Shoes
It’s a fact of life that not all footwear is made the same, and shoes for yoga are no different. Whether you’re in the market for women’s or men’s yoga shoes, the fact remains that several key factors create the ultimate footwear.
For everyday functionality, it’s essential to have a look at the following characteristics before purchasing any footwear.
Style
Style doesn’t just refer to the color of the shoes, but the overall design.
Some manufacturers create shoes for yoga that are flip flops, while others create full sneakers. Some insert special toe spacers while others keep the toes defined.
The best style for you will depend on your needs. If you’re a beginner or suffer from joint problems, then a chunkier, sturdier shoe is for you. If you’re an intermediate or expert, then you can experiment with lighter, more flexible options that free the toes while still protecting the feet from slipping on the floor.
Comfort
You won’t wear a shoe if it’s not comfortable. Always try on any pair before buying them, and see if you can move around as much as you like. If anything pinches or strains the muscles, then that pair is not the right one for you.
If you choose to order shoes online, pay attention to sizing and the materials used to create the footwear. Most shoes use synthetics, so look for extra padding or foam. If shoes run small, don’t be afraid to get a size up. Most online retailers like Amazon will send you a different pair for free if you send the originals back.
Lightweight
Yoga is all about flexibility and being able to move and stretch the body. This isn’t possible if you’re carrying around unnecessary weight on your feet.
To free your body for better, healthier movement, it’s important to have lightweight shoes that allow you to bend and stretch into new positions.
So, you should pick a pair that doesn’t add any unnecessary weight. On average, each shoe should weigh less than 0.6 oz., or slightly under ½ lb.
Not only for a yoga session, but you can also pick a pair of lightweight slippers for inside your home that can provide your feet with extra comfort and avoid any bad feet condition.
Flexibility
Similar to comfort, you need to have shoes that are flexible. If your footwear is not, it will prevent you from moving into comfortable positions and can even stop you from doing more challenging poses.
In general, thinner footwear is more flexible. Synthetics like antimicrobial mesh also bend easier than materials like rubber. Keep this in mind when picking any pair.
You may try our full discussion about flexible foldable flat shoes for the woman. It’s thinner sole increase more comfort your feet.
Non-Slip
One of the worst feelings in the world is trying to do a new position and then slipping and sliding across the floor because your feet are covered in sweat.
To prevent slipping while wearing yoga shoes, it’s important to get a model that has a non-slip grip on the soles. This is most often made with rubber and is a boon to beginners and experts alike.
If you’re going to wear shoes, put on a pair that won’t have you sliding across the floor.
Breathability
Feet are one of the sweatiest parts of the body, especially when encased in socks or shoes. It’s, therefore, important to choose footwear for yoga that allows the skin to breathe as much as possible.
Breathability not only keeps you cool but can stop sweat from forming. This, in turn, means you don’t slide around in your footwear and are happy and comfortable while stretching and exercising.
Durable
What is the point of buying shoes for exercise if they don’t last? Unlike runners, who need to replace footwear every year, yogis can buy a single pair of shoes and have them last for years.
The key is to find a shoe that is durable enough to survive many workouts but soft and flexible enough to be comfortable.
More and more individuals are investing in the synthetic mesh that clings to the foot and can survive regular wear and tear.
If possible, get one of these durable options to have the best workout.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the Difference between Yoga Shoes and Yoga Toes?
A. A pair of yoga shoes are full footwear designed to protect the foot while also offering easy movement and comfort. Yoga toes are a specialized form of tow separators that some yogis wear to improve the flexibility and circulation of their feet while exercising. The yoga toes can be worn with the shoes or barefoot, but the goal is to create a better workout focused on flexibility and overall body wellness.
Q. Do Yoga Shoes Have Any Practical Benefits on my Workout?
A. While most people associate yoga with being barefoot, the truth is that many people can benefit from the extra footwear. This is because yoga, like any other physical activity, puts a strain on the joints and muscles.
If you’re already someone who suffers from joint weakness around the ankles or knee pain, then wearing the right shoes can provide much-needed support and prevent slipping during positions.
Q. Is Durability or Flexibility More Important?
A. For yoga, you want your feet to be as flexible as possible. Although durable shoes will last longer, you don’t want to sacrifice flexibility because it can inhibit your dexterity and make practice difficult.
Q. Should I Get a Toe Separator?
A. Toe separators are often worn by individuals who are trying to improve the blood flow to their foot and improve muscle strength. They are not necessary to practice yoga and can limit movement in beginners.
Q. How Much Should Yoga Shoes Cost?
A. The overall cost of these shoes will depend on the quality you want and how long you expect them to last. In general, good yoga footwear will cost between $40 and $60, although many inexpensive options are less than $20.
Conclusion
After a careful review of so much footwear, the title of Best Yoga Shoes of 2022 goes to the Vibram Women’s VI-B Fitness. These shoes combine flexibility with durability and will make you feel like you’re walking and stretching on-air while practicing new poses.
The two boxes and separator is also great if your feet tend to fall asleep, and the thin sole has enough support for even those women with joint problems.
If all else fails, remember you can practice yoga no matter what you’re wearing, but remember not to inhibit mobility.
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Additional Resources:
- The Most Common Yoga Injury and How to Prevent It, by shape
- Do You Wear Shoes in Yoga?, by livestrong