Yoga Beginners Why Is Yoga Done Barefoot? By Ann Pizer, RYT Ann Pizer, RYT LinkedIn Twitter Ann Pizer is a writer and registered yoga instructor who teaches vinyasa/flow and prenatal yoga classes. Learn about our editorial process Updated on February 04, 2020 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Sara Clark Reviewed by Sara Clark Facebook Sara Clark is an EYT 500-hour certified Vinyasa yoga and mindfulness teacher, lululemon Global Yoga Ambassador, model, and writer. Learn about our Review Board Print Arman Zhenikeyev / Getty Images Unless you are a professional lifeguard, freelance writer, or yoga teacher, chances are you spend most of your day wearing shoes. And shoes are great for doing lots of things: mountain climbing, city-sidewalk pounding, disco dancing. But not for yoga. At yoga studios, it is common practice (and good etiquette) to remove your street shoes at the door. (Which brings to mind another etiquette rule concerning shoes: don't walk across the yoga room floor in your shoes before taking them off. In doing so, you're tracking in outside dirt and being disrespectful.) Bare feet are better able to find stable, balanced contact with the floor, which is essential for standing poses. Shoes are clunky and inflexible and socks are slippery. Doing yoga with bare feet provides a rare opportunity to stretch and strengthen all the muscles in your feet, which can help support your arches and prevent foot pain. When to Keep Your Shoes on in Yoga However, taking off your shoes and socks is less of a "must-do" and more of a "strongly recommended." If you have an injury or ailment that prevents you from going barefoot, you can certainly work around that by wearing flexible-soled shoes or grippy socks. There are even some scenarios (hiking yoga comes to mind) where shoes are necessary. Still, while it's possible to do yoga in shoes, it's not ideal. If you are hesitant to go barefoot because you feel self-conscious about your feet, try to get past it. Yoga is all about accepting your body for what it can do, starting from the ground up. Tips Before Your First Yoga Class By Ann Pizer, RYT Ann Pizer is a writer and registered yoga instructor who teaches vinyasa/flow and prenatal yoga classes. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit