YOGA SHOES

YOGA SHOES (Don’t leave home without them?)

Maybe you’re on your way to yoga class or practicing at home but worried due to arthritis in feet/ankles, plater fasciitis, neuropathy, diabetes, etc.  Consider that you may feel better practicing in shoes.  There are even shoes made for you (yoga shoes!) and these aren’t yogi toes.  I’m talking about shoes either adapted especially for yoga, or another supportive shoe.  In either case, I recommend having a separate pair of shoes to wear indoors/keep clean for yoga studio practice.  This should be acceptable to any yoga studio & is an easy accommodation.  Further, those offering yoga classes should offer a seated option where possible.  This is something a student should feel comfortable discussing in any gym or studio space.

Personally, I wear shoes due to an LLD (leg length discrepancy) + severe ankle arthritis.  I also wear a leg brace inserted into my right shoe.  Unless the yoga class is seated/mat, I generally wear my yoga shoes as described above.  At studios, you’ll find some folks aren’t sure what to make of “yoga shoes,” but I find advising the teacher of them is a good practice.  I sometimes need to patiently educate other students on yoga shoes & therefore adaptive yoga practices.  It’s also a good reminder that someone may look typical (physically, neurologically, emotionally, etc.) but there may be “invisible,” diversity with that person.  As yogis & humans, a pause to consider before speaking is often wise.  This is where the THINK principle comes into play.  Before commenting on something, maybe THINK first (T – is it true, H – is it helpful, I – is it inspiring N – is it necessary, K – is it kind). 

Remember, yoga is not the postures (asanas), it’s an ethical & spiritual path that teaches acceptance & non-judgement towards ourselves and others.  By compassionately connecting with others, we can begin to embody the yogic principles we practice together on our mats.