Yoga is traditionally performed barefoot, but there are an array of benefits that shoes can bring you while doing it, too. They can offer you added protection and comfort than going barefoot.

Yoga shoes can give you extra traction and the ability to hold poses longer. We’ve spent the last month or so researching and trying out the top yoga shoes on Amazon to make your choice easy.

We know you’re ready to get on your mat so let’s not waste any time!

Best Yoga Shoes

	Vibram Women's VI-B Fitness Yoga Shoe	L-RUN Unisex Water Shoes	Sanuk Women's Yoga Sling 2 Sandal
Style:	Ballet Flat / 5 Toe	Bootie	Sandal
Upper:	PU/Textile	Polyester	Textile
Sole:	Rubber	Rubber	Synthetic

For more of my yoga gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Women’s Workout guide links: Yoga Pants, Yoga Wheels, Yoga Bolsters.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Yoga Shoes For 2024

1. Vibram Women’s VI-B Fitness Yoga Shoe
2. L-RUN Unisex Water Shoes
3. Sanuk Women’s Yoga Sling 2 Sandal
4. FitKicks Original Women’s Foldable Active Lifestyle Minimalist
5. Barerun Women’s Ballet Shoes
6. Vibram Five Fingers Women’s V-Soul Fitness
7. Already Non Slip Yoga Shoes for Women 

Our reviews of the top rated yoga shoes with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right pair for you.

Yoga Shoes Reviews

#1 Vibram Women’s VI-B Fitness Yoga Shoe

In the last 7 or so years, Vibram really took off, making a worldwide name for themselves in the barefoot shoe world. They recognize the benefits that walking without regular shoes offers, leading us to lead a healthier lifestyle.

The VI-B model combines elegance with functionality, presenting itself in an advanced type of ballet flat that’s not only unique but perfect for yoga and beyond.

Coming in either Black or Burgundy, you don’t have a ton of options available, but either one works with any outfit you have on.

Made of 100% textile, they’re nice and soft, never chafing against the foot. However, the polyester upper with PU printing reinforcement also adds durability and structure so they’ll last a long time.

Due to the mesh design, you can expect it to offer an incredible amount of breathability and airflow.

The rubber sole is nice and grippy, offering excellent traction to help you achieve certain poses better and longer. This will improve your overall strength and fitness, as well. The serrated blade lugs only aid in this.

Finally, you’ll find Vibram’s signature 5-toe design which has an individual slot for each toe, offering the most natural feel and movement possible in a shoe. While these admittedly do take some getting used to, once you’re acclimated you’ll fall in love with them.

#2 L-RUN Unisex Water Shoes

Lastly, if you’re on a tight budget but still looking for one of the best pairs of yoga shoes out there, you can’t go wrong with the L-RUN Unisex Water Shoes.

As the name would suggest, yes, these are water shoes. However, they’re grippy, comfy, and fit like a glove to allow you to improve your skills and fitness level.

Despite being so affordable, these are easily one of the most trendy, visually aesthetic pairs out there.

They come in an impressive 45 different colors/patterns to choose from, including options like: Sky Purple, Pure White, Skull, Moose, Black Gold and many more.

In addition, you can opt for the traditional low-cut bootie or the higher-cut models that go up and around the ankles for added support and protection.

The design is made so you can slip them on and off quickly and without struggle. If you’ll be bringing them in your purse or backpack, then you’ll appreciate the fact that they can easily be folded up to take up minimal space.

Made with polyester, the uppers are extra light and breathable. The exterior is nice and tough while the interior features a soft lining to keep your feet feeling refreshed.

#3 Sanuk Women’s Yoga Sling 2 Sandal

If you’re on the search for a solid pair of yoga shoes that you can also use outside of class, then check out the Sanuk Women’s Yoga Sling 2 Sandals.

Ranked as “Amazon’s Choice”, you can be assured of their quality and comfort. Not only that, but if you’re on a budget, these are a great money-saving pair.

The upper is made of 100% textile which is soft and breathable, moving moisture away from the skin and allowing it to evaporate.

This is important to keep them sturdy on your feet instead of sliding around, which is the last thing you want in a yoga shoe.

The footbed is wonderfully luxurious, made of a padded yoga mat footbed! They offer a supportive cushiness that is great for keeping your feet protected and comfy on hard studio floors. In terms of fashion, they’re one of the most attractive out there.

They can go from yoga to dinner seamlessly, and they come in dozens upon dozens of eye-catching colors and patterns so you can select something that suits your personality perfectly.

While no shoe is different, we did have a small complaint about this model. It was relatively rare, but there were occasional moments where the front of the footbed caught on the floor or on the mat.

#4 FitKicks Original Women’s Foldable Active Lifestyle

The FitKicks Original Women’s Foldable Active Lifestyle Minimalist Water Shoes may be perfect for the pool, but they’re also ideal for yoga.

The foldable design makes them ultra-convenient to carry wherever you need to, as they’re easy to fold down into an extremely compact size.

Not only that, but you get your choice of quite a few different colors and patterns like Cloud Burst, Coco Palm, Graphite, Pink and more.

The slip-on design makes them quick and easy to take on and off, and the minimalist look won’t get in the way of your movements. It also allows for freedom of movement, with a good amount of toe splay and an ergonomic fit that will feel natural.

An inner cushion only helps in terms of comfort and support, coming with easy pull tables, a protective toe guard, and signature grip strap.

The Flex Form Sole technology is perfect if you’re always on-the-go or need to take your shoes with you to work. Comprised of Spandex, they’re made to stretch with your feet and will last a long time.

The shoes are only available in 4 different colors, but don’t be concerned – simply check the manufacturer’s sizing guide and you’ll find one that works perfectly for you. They’re so comfy that you’ll never want to take them off!

#5 Barerun Women’s Ballet Shoes

Barerun is a brand that works on lightweight, comfy footwear and their Classic Gymnastics Slippers are a perfect example of that.

As they’re made for gymnastics, you can expect them to offer an exceptional amount of grip and comfort.

Of course, in gymnastics you need your clothing to be as lightweight as possible, and as these literally weigh an ounce, you can’t get better than that!

You’ll get 13 different colors to choose from, with the base color being either white or black. Complimentary colors vary from Orange, Light Green, Pink, Blue, and Yellow. Admittedly, they’re not the most fashionable out there but they work well and go with most outfits.

The upper is made up of a microfiber leather made to absorb sweat while adding comfort without the bulk that others may have. This provides a similar feeling to being barefoot that will leave you feeling free and able to pull off any pose.

The bottom is comprised of silicone which is also very light yet durable and comfy. It provides a non-slip surface so you can more easily achieve difficult poses without compromising your form.

As the bottoms are also lightly padded and wear-resistant, you can wear them for long periods of time without discomfort. Much like the previous model, they’re also foldable which makes transportation a breeze.

#6 Vibram Five Fingers Women’s V-Soul

We’re back yet again with another model from Vibram. This time, we’re going to cover their Five Fingers V-Soul which is a stylish and sleek model perfect for use in the yoga studio.

If you’re okay with making a bit of an investment and spending more money, it’s hard to pick a better option than this one.

Offering what Vibram themselves call their “max feel product philosophy”, you’ll benefit from max potential articulation and ground feel.

What this means is that you’ll be able to move without any restriction at all and be able to connect with the ground, which is important to many yogis.

The 2mm PU foam insole with a wool/polyester sockliner provide an ergonomic fit while preventing the growth of bacteria and foul odors.

The adjustability will ensure you get the best fit possible, all while providing a secure fit so you don’t have to worry about them sliding around or causing you discomfort.

This makes them not only a great option for yoga, but for plyometrics, Pilates and more. The upper consists of 100% textile, which is soft, thin, yet durable.

On the sole, you’ll find their XS TREK technology which combines a blend of both traction and durability. These will easily be able to provide you with years of heavy use, outlasting less expensive competitor products.

#7 Alerdy Non Slip Yoga Shoes for Women

Next up, we have a very interesting-looking pair of yoga shoes. These are the Alerdy Non Slip Yoga Shoes for Women, which draw similarities to pool shoes in many aspects, save the toe coverings.

Perfect for Yoga, Pilates, Barre, Ballet, and more, they’re incredibly convenient and made to last.

Each shoe is made to fit like a sock, essentially, coming with an additional ankle strap to keep it put throughout your workout/meditation.

The strap’s positioning allows for complete movement of the ankle, too. Every colorway starts with a black base, varying in the accents. You can choose from Gray, Yellow, Purple, Orange, and more.

Comprised of a high-quality neoprene material, you can count on it allowing for a great amount of air flow so you feel free instead of muggy. It’s super soft against the skin, moving with your feet instead of against them. On the bottom, you’ll find a silicone textured pattern, or a “sole”.

This makes for a very lightweight model that feels like you’re almost barefoot. They also create a grip to ensure you stay stable and balanced.

The only complaint we had was that the first couple weeks of wearing them, the place between the big toe and second toe did cause a bit of chafing. However, this did soften up after regular use.

Yoga Shoes Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Yoga Shoes – Buying Guide

Even if you have a lot of experience with yoga or even yoga shoes, you may not know which shoes to pick. Every body, fitness level, and preferences differ, so what may be the best model for one yogi may be terrible for another!

Needless to say, the process can be confusing if you’re not sure what features to keep an eye out for. If you need some guidance, we’re here to help. We’ve decided to go ahead and create a user-friendly buying guide below that will take you through each step of the process.

Comfort

When it comes to yoga shoes, comfort is hands-down the most important aspect you need to consider. As stretches/poses can place a substantial amount of weight on the feet unequally, you’re going to need a model which offers the most foot support possible.

If you’re lacking it, this can make holding or achieving poses more difficult, and even cause injury if you’re not careful! We’ll take a look at a few different aspects that will affect the comfort level you’re experiencing.

Drop

You may have seen while reading through the various reviews above, that some shoes come with “zero drop construction”.

What does that mean? It’s essentially when the heel of the shoe is the same height as the toe/front. This works to emulate the feeling of standing barefoot, which offers a natural and intuitive experience along with a great level of support.

In addition, it reduces your chance of injury, and can aid those who are suffering from back, hip, knee, and/or foot pain.

Cushioning

The level of cushioning you’ll need to look for will depend on your situation and preferences. If you are just going to be hanging out on your yoga mat, you’re probably not going to need or want as much cushioning. On the other side of things, if you’re going to be standing on a cold/hard studio floor then you’ll want to look for something more cushy.

Traction

Another one of the most important factors when selecting a good pair of yoga shoes is traction. You don’t want to be slipping and sliding around, do you? You need a solid grip, especially when you’re trying to do poses that require more effort and strength.

Rubber soles usually provide the best traction, keeping you well-supported and safe on your feet. The XS TREK outsole found on the Vibrams are quite possibly the best in this regard. They offer an excellent amount of traction, even on wet and slippery surfaces!

Breathability

When you’re doing yoga, you definitely need your feet to be dry so you’re not sliding around or becoming unstable. However, if you’re doing hot yoga, this becomes 10 times more important as you’re obviously going to be sweating a lot.

So, what’s the solution?

Getting a pair of yoga shoes that offers a great amount of breathability. Shoes that come with wide openings for the toes or sandals already offer this.

However, if you’re going for a closed design like the bootie models, you should look for polyester/polyamide. As they’re moisture-resistant and transport moisture away from the skin, your feet will always be nice and dry.

Mesh is also a good alternative, creating a great amount of airflow to always keep your feet feeling cool and fresh. Alternatively, knit and canvas are also great selections.

Flexibility

Obviously, in yoga, flexibility is crucial. However, this applies to every part of the body, including the ankles, feet, and toes. If you have shoes that are restricting the movement of any of the above, then it can not only make it impossible to do certain poses, but also cause injury.

Your shoes should be flexible enough so that you can fully stretch your feet in them. You’ll not only need to look for certain types of materials, but certain types of designs. For example, polyamide is incredibly stretchy, along with most mesh.

Booties probably offer the least amount of flexibility though they’re still good performers. The Vibrams and other minimal designs are going to offer the most.

Weight

Just like with other sports that require flexibility and strength, you aren’t going to want your shoes to weigh you down. When you add in the fact that a ton of yoga poses require you to lift your feet up in the air, your shoes shouldn’t be a hindrance with added weight.

While the shoes on our guide do vary in terms of weight, they’re all relatively light with some options weighing as little as a single ounce! That’s pretty impressive and will only add to the feeling of being barefoot while providing you with the benefits that yoga shoes offer.

Price

How much are you willing to pay for one of the best pairs of yoga shoes? The great news about these products is that the vast majority of them are incredibly affordable. In fact, you can get a good pair for well under 10 bucks!

However, if you’re really looking for a pair that you can use for more than just yoga and want something incredibly durable, you’ll have to push your budget up a bit. The Vibrams are by far going to be the most expensive, but they also offer benefits others don’t.

You can expect the materials used to be softer in the upper and more lightweight and durable in the soles. This isn’t 100% the case, but we can assure you that no matter what your budget is, we have at least one great selection that will suit your circumstances.

FAQs About Yoga Shoes

Q: Can you wear shoes while doing yoga?

A: We can’t guarantee that your instructor won’t say anything to you, as there are some that prefer their students to be barefoot. However, ultimately it is your decision and shouldn’t be an issue. Any good instructor will place their student’s health and comfort over their preferences, and recognize the benefits these shoes offer.

Q: Can these shoes get wet or will they become damaged?

A: 99% of them can get wet without any problems! In fact, as you may have noticed, there are a few different selections from the aforementioned models that are actually made to be in the water. These are going to help keep your feet dry while offering an excellent amount of protection and versatility, along with flexibility. If you have any doubts, you can always check on the manufacturer’s website.

Q: What kind of shoes do you wear for yoga?

A: You’ll need a shoe that’s not only lightweight, but flexible, offers protection, and will keep your feet dry and stable. The sole should offer a great amount of traction so you can hold difficult poses without worrying about slipping or losing your grip on the floor or mat.

Q: Do you wear shoes or socks for yoga?

A: You should wear shoes instead of socks. Socks aren’t going to offer the same amount of traction and support as yoga shoes would. In fact, socks can actually increase your risk of injury as you may just be slipping and sliding around due to the lack of grip on the bottoms!

Q: Are Yoga Sandals good for your feet?

A: Generally speaking, yes, they are! They are going to give you a great amount of breathability while looking good, offering cushion and support. However, if you suffer from bunions, you may want to steer clear of the sandals that have a band between your big and second toe as this can make them worse and increase your risk of injury.

Tips For Choosing Yoga Sandals

#1: Make sure to wash your yoga shoes regularly.

This is to help keep them around and in good shape as long as possible, along with preventing the growth of bacteria and consequently, foul odors. While this may not be the case 100% of the time, the vast majority of yoga shoes can simply be tossed into the washing machine and either left out to dry or thrown in the dryer. Just remember that the dryer may shorten the lifespan of your shoes.

#2: If you’re doing yoga on the beach, make sure your shoes are heat-resistant.

Once again, the vast majority of models are going to be able to protect your feet from hot sand and relatively warm pavement, etc. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check with the manufacturer.

#3: You can use these to run in the sand, but not anywhere else.

Whether it’s on the treadmill or on the road, these aren’t going to provide you with enough protection and support to be running on such hard surfaces.

Summary

Now that you know just about everything you could ever want to about good yoga shoes, which pair is the one for you and your yoga dreams? No matter which model you select, know that you’re getting one of the top selections currently available.

However, what’s most important is that you select the perfect pair for your individual requirements and your body. Yoga is a journey best done slowly, not forced. We hope that our guide has helped you to choose the ideal shoe for you and that you boost your strength, mind, and body. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you again soon.

How We Researched

To come up with the top yoga shoes, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Best Buy, Walmart, Target and Sears along with our own personal experience.

The authors consulted sources such as online magazines for research and reviews unbiased information.

By using Fakespot.com we tried to eliminate fake reviews and use only genuine ones.

With so many options available, the authors narrowed down the selections by using products they felt were the best value for the money.

The staff authors have a wide and varied background as fitness trainers, yoga instructors and runners. The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

In order to narrow down the options, we used personal experiences plus recommendations from other trainers and instructors.

Sources