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Looking for the perfect pair of yoga footwear for your next trip or outdoor adventure? Look no further than this list of the top 10 best yoga shoes on the market to help you improve your practice and protect your feet wherever you go.
Of all the health and fitness trends that have taken root over the last several decades, the rise of yoga is definitely first in many people’s minds.
More and more, people of all ages, genders, shapes, and sizes have been flocking to yoga and justifiably so.
In addition to being one of the best tools for self-discovery and a great stress reliever, yoga has many other proven benefits, from anti-aging to weight loss.
With new yoga studios popping up everywhere you look these days and everybody getting involved, you’d think the world was slowly turning into one big giant Ashram.
In a hurry? Click here to see my top pick for the best yoga shoes now!
Read more:
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- 10 Best Travel Yoga Pants: Versatile, Comfy, & Stylish
- Top 10 Best Yoga Blocks for Beginners
- Ultimate Guide to the Best Meditation Chair with Back Support
Best Yoga Shoes Comparison Chart
This comparison chart will give you a great overview of the best yoga shoes on the market.
Check out my buying guide below for everything you need to consider when selecting the perfect yoga footwear for you. Then read my detailed reviews of the top 10 yoga shoes out there and get ready to rock your new sole mates!
| Name | Type | Rate | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| L-Run Unisex Water Shoes | Barefoot shoes | 4.6 | See price on Amazon |
| Ahnu Women's Yoga Flex | Cross trainers | 4.5 | See price on Amazon |
| Skechers Meditation Studio Kicks | Sling sandals | 4.7 | See price on Amazon |
| Sanuk Women's Yoga Sling 2 | Sling sandals | 4.6 | See price on Amazon |
| VIFUUR Water Shoes | Barefoot shoes | 4.5 | See price on Amazon |
| Fitkicks Live Well | Barefoot shoes | 4.7 | See price on Amazon |
| New Balance 118v2 | Cross trainers | 4.2 | See price on Amazon |
| LA Active Grip Socks | Yoga socks | 4.7 | See price on Amazon |
| HMIYA Unisex Aqua Socks | Barefoot shoes | 4.8 | See price on Amazon |
| Vibram Women's VI-B Fitness & Yoga Shoe | Barefoot shoes | 4.9 | See price on Amazon |
Why you might just need yoga shoes…
Most people are under the impression that yoga is usually done sans shoes, and they’re kinda-sorta right.
Traditionally, yoga was performed barefoot on the ground.
However, there are several good reasons to use shoes when doing yoga, and you may find it makes a world of difference.
From making yoga much safer to improving your grip and flexibility, there is definitely no shortage of reasons to go looking for the perfect pair of yoga footwear.
And if you’re a yogi who travels or likes to practice outside, yoga shoes are essential to keep your feet comfortable, safe, and protected from germs and bacteria wherever you end up rolling out your mat.
Things to consider when selecting the perfect pair of yoga shoes
#1 Are they safe?
Yoga’s tough enough as it is without having to worry about your shoes being a liability to dump you on your head whenever you try a new asana.
Even though you’re probably worried about things like your favorite color and whether or not you’ll love the style of your new yoga shoes, the reality is that safety needs to come first.
Not to worry, though, because as we’ll see, picking out a safe pair of yoga shoes doesn’t mean you have to compromise on cuteness.
Safety is obviously a matter of stability, but less obvious is that safety is also a matter of cleanliness.
You don’t want shoes that are going to easily cake on dirt icky sweat, especially if you’re into hot yoga.
Worse yet, if you’re practicing in a group studio then you definitely don’t want shoes that are going to easily cake on other people’s icky sweat.
The right pair of yoga shoes will be stable with a great grip on the bottom and firm support to help you keep that perfect pose for days.
Your muscles might be burning three minutes into your session, but your feet don’t have to be in danger.
#2 Will they last?
The last thing you want to do is spend a bunch of time picking out the perfect pair of yoga shoes only to have to do it all over again in 3 months because the soles are falling apart and everything is bursting at the seams.
Companies that make yoga shoes tend to be a little more scrupulous than, say, consumer electronics makers who plan a limited lifetime to their products so you have no choice but to upgrade, but nevertheless it’s important to consider how durable your shoes are going to be.
After all, the perfect pair of yoga shoes will be multi-functional, saving you a bundle in the process.
For example, many shoe models are water-friendly, meaning they’re as perfect to wear to the beach as they are to wear to your favorite guru’s spiritual getaway.
Actually, come to think of it, water-friendly shoes are obviously perfect for doing yoga on the beach as well, but I digress.
#3 Are they comfortable?
If your yoga shoes last long and keep you from falling on your head while you’re working on new positions, well that’s always a plus.
However, if you’re constantly dealing with blisters, boils, or worse and your supposed-to-be friendly footwear is constantly scratching the insides of your feet, that’s certainly not-so-bueno.
Not only do the insides need to be comfortable, but the outer layer and shell of the shoes should be flexible enough to bend whenever you do.
Yoga’s about flexibility after all, and your shoes should feel the same.
Though it should go without saying, perhaps the biggest part of comfort is actually selecting the right size.
You’re going to be putting a lot of wear and tear on both your toe joins and the balls of your feet throughout your time as a yogi, so make sure there’s both plenty of room in the toes and between the soles and the top of the shoe by the balls of your feet.
#4 Do they breathe well?
Take a deep breath and cool down for a minute.
No, not you – I’m talking to your shoes.
If your yoga shoes aren’t breathing properly, they’re going to overheat and make life miserable.
While yoga isn’t always meant to be relaxing and sessions can certainly be intense, something is definitely wrong if your feet start feeling like you’re walking across a hot bed of coals instead of supporting your efforts to master your Downward-Facing Dog.
When you’re considering how well your shoes will air out, the main choice comes down whether to go for an open-toed model or be conservative with closed-toe.
If you’re going closed-toe, then you’ll most likely be well-served with a well-ventilating meshy type of material.
Okay, enough of the boring stuff like safety and preventing a freak accident – let’s get to the shoes.
Top 10 Best Yoga Shoes Revealed
#10 L-Run Unisex Water Shoes
These water shoes are the perfect versatile pair for doubling between yoga and having fun on the beach.
With a high-grip rubber sole and a durable polyester body, L-Run has definitely produced a winner with these.
They’ll cost you less than an overpriced salad from Whole Foods, to boot.
Pros:
- Durable
- Very sleek and adaptable to many different foot shapes
- Flexible
- Versatile
Cons:
- The appearance is very basic. If you’re looking to use these for a night out on the town, you’re probably going to end up disappointed.
Get the L-Run Unisex Water Shoes here.
#9 Women’s Yoga Flex from Ahnu
These are definitely a bit more stylish than the L-Run water shoes which came in at #10, and they’re all-mesh for perfect breathability.
Designed for medium to high-impact hybrid training, these shoes are incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of workouts, from yoga shoes to crossfit shoes.
Pros:
- Very breathable
- Being made entirely from mesh makes them very flexible but with adequate support
- Stylish designs in several colors
- Incredibly versatile
Cons:
- They can run a little small, so make sure to order a size up.
Get the Ahnu Women’s Yoga Flex here.
#8 Meditation Studio Kicks From Skechers
With an open-toe and open-body design, these admittedly resemble beach sandals a bit more than traditional yoga shoes.
However, the soles on these shoes are very well solid and they provide great support.
Pros:
- Outstanding support for holding even the toughest poses
Cons:
- Some people may not be crazy about the flip-flop like design, and the open-body style can expose the top of your feet to the elements if you’re looking to practice outside.
Get the Meditation Studio Kicks from Skechers here.
#7 Women’s Yoga Sling 2 From Sanuk
Similar to the Meditation Studio Kicks from Sketchers, the Sanuk Women’s Yoga Sling 2 shoes are also open-toed and open-body with a bit of a different take on the sole.
Pros :
- Durable upper-soles made from strong and sturdy textile material
- Eminently breathable to air your feet out in all types of conditions
Cons:
- Like other flip-flop designs, these do expose your feet more to the elements.
- The open-body design means there is little support on top for certain poses.
Get the Women’s Yoga Sling 2 from Sanuk here.
#6 VIFUUR Water Shoes
Another pair of water shoes makes our list at #6. These are light, incredibly affordable, and an all-around good bargain.
Pros :
- Very affordably priced
- Durable rubber soles with excellent grip
- Very form-fitting
Cons:
- The elastic may fail to stand up to the toughest wear and tear.
- They’re one of the least durable on the list (but they’re also quite inexpensive to replace).
Get the VIFUUR Water Shoes here.
#5 Live Well Women’s Foldable Footwear by FitKicks
A great option if you’re looking for the ultimate in versatility, these shoes offer adequate protection and an abundance of convenience.
Not to mention, some of the multi-colored styles are pretty great.
Pros:
- They slip off and on quite easily and are quick to change into and out of.
- Lots of room in the toes with and ample support in the sole.
Cons:
- Even though they’re incredibly versatile, they may need to be replaced a bit faster than others on our list.
- The colors and styles they come in are definitely unique but maybe a bit flashier than you’re looking for.
Get the Live Well Women’s Foldable Footwear by FitKicks here.
#4 118v2 Women’s Training Shoes by New Balance
These are similar to the Sanuk Yoga Sling 2 model and the Sketchers Meditation Studio shoes above, but with way more reinforcement and support along the top and the sides.
They’re definitely training shoes, and are designed for a wide range of physical activity including Pilates and ballet.
Overall, a great open-toed pair that’s absolutely perfect for yoga and more.
Pros:
- Dedicated training shoes with built-in durability
- Superb reinforcement with study top-side protection along the center and well-built straps along the sides
Cons:
- The design is all business. Unless you’re walking down the runway at Venice Beach, these aren’t meant for a fashion show.
- The open-toed style may not appeal.
Get the 118v2 Women’s Training Shoes by New Balance here.
#3 Active Grip Yoga Socks by LA Active
You’re probably wondering what socks are doing on the list, and if we’re including them as an accessory to your shoes.
As a matter of fact, the right pair of yoga socks can stand perfectly on their own, providing an alternative to shoes if need be.
Pros:
- Obviously they weigh almost nothing, and you probably won’t notice they’re on your feet.
- High-grip and form-fitting
Cons:
- They’re durable but not as durable as the perfect pair of shoes.
- Not as well-ventilated as open-toed shoes.
Get the Active Grip Yoga Socks by LA Active here.
#2 Unisex Aqua Socks by HMIYA
Don’t let the name fool you, these are definitely shoes and they’re available in so many colors and varieties that there’s no excuse not to consider them.
As water-friendly shoes, they’re perfect for playing in the sand, but they also offer enough support and grip to come in at #2 on our list.
Pros:
- Versatility, durability, and comfort wrapped up in one.
- Flexible, stretch-friendly, and breathable material to maintain optimal temperature and provide adaptive support.
- Several colors and styles to choose from.
Cons:
- Honestly, there aren’t very many cons to speak of. These are closed-toe and closed-body, though, so keep that in mind.
Get the Unisex Aqua Socks by HMIYA here.
#1 Vibram Women’s VI-B Fitness & Yoga Shoe
Long-known for its innovative engineering concepts and five-finger designs, it should come as no surprise that Vibram has produced a shoe that tops of our list of the top 10 best yoga shoes.
The VI-B shoes feature individual slots for each toe so you get the flexibility of an opened toe-design, but they’re also made of durable mesh material so you can have exceptional durability and comfort combined.
Pros:
- Great traction from very well-made soles
- The full-mesh body provides top-notch ventilation and temperature control
- The separate-toe design helps you maintain greater body awareness to execute poses with ease.
Cons:
- Limited styles to choose from. Other than that, these don’t have a single thing detriment to speak of.
Get the Vibram Women’s VI-B Fitness & Yoga Shoe here.
Well, there you have it, ten of the highest-quality yoga shoes on the market today.
With a little research for the yoga footwear that best fits your situation, whichever pair you pick will help take your yoga practice to an entirely new level.
Just remember not to get too frustrated if these don’t turn you into an instant guru.
Read more:
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- 15 Gift Ideas for Travel and Yoga Lovers
- The Best Yoga Studios Around the World
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