Yesterday marked the first International Yoga Day, launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The day was endorsed by the UN’s 193 member nations, with organized yoga events in New York, Paris and New Delhi, as well as China, Afghanistan and Korea.
For those inspired by the worldwide event to join the yoga movement, what’s the right shoe? While yoga pants have become a wardrobe staple, with women turning them into a street look and wearing them just about everywhere, yoga-specific footwear is more suited to class.
Since yoga is typically done barefoot, for those who prefer to keep their feet protected, the lighter the footwear, the better.
For a sock-like effect, there’s the Toesox Releve Dance Pad, a ballet-inspired, barely-there style for a barefoot experience. The Mary Jane design features an open foot pad, while a leather pad at the ball of the foot provides traction and padded comfort. They’re also made of organic cotton for breathability.
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Lifestyle brand Sanuk also offers a yoga option with its Yoga Sling 2 Sandal. It’s made of a lightweight two-way-stretch nylon with a yoga-mat footbed and a cushioned outosle.
Nike also offers a take on the yoga shoe with its Studio Wrap, a three-part foot system made of a wrap, ribbon and a mesh flat that provides protection and support.
Yoga barefoot purists still need lightweight active looks to comfortably get to and from class. Skechers‘ Go Flex Walk slip-on or Bzees‘ Mary Jane style fit the bill nicely.
