The Power of Practicing Yoga Barefoot

I get this question all the time: Do you really have to take your shoes off to practice? Well, no—you don’t have to. But, as with many things in life, you might be missing out on something good if you don’t.

Yoga is about more than just “performing” a pose so it looks like something out of a magazine. It’s about connecting to your body, and—spoiler alert—your feet are a big part of that connection. Sure, shoes provide stability, and if you’re like me, maybe you appreciate the extra support while pretending you’ve mastered the Warrior III pose. But here’s the thing: when you practice chair yoga or gentle yoga barefoot, you give your feet a rare moment of freedom. No more being trapped in shoes all day like they're prisoners in a foot-sized cell.

Most of us keep our feet confined in shoes from morning until night, and let’s be honest, they’re probably not happy about it. Letting them breathe and stretch during yoga can help release all that pent-up tension that, yes, gets stored in your feet. Who knew foot muscles could carry so much stress? Practicing chair yoga and gentle yoga barefoot not only enhances your range of motion, but it also gives you a deeper connection to the ground beneath you—literally grounding you in the moment.

And hey, you might notice that your balance improves. Without shoes, your feet get to engage in ways they rarely do. Suddenly, that tricky Tree Pose feels a little less like you’re going to topple over like a lumberjack just felled you. You may even find yourself moving more naturally, almost as if you’re meant to be barefoot (which, surprise, you are).

That said, if going barefoot feels more like a footloose disaster than a freeing experience, there’s no shame in keeping your shoes on. Sometimes we need the stability, and no one’s judging you for choosing support over slipping around on the mat like Bambi on ice. Yoga is about tuning in to what your body needs—whether that’s bare feet, shoes, or just an excuse to take a break.

So, next time you're on the mat, give both options a try. See what feels better: the liberating connection of bare feet or the cozy security of your favorite sneakers. There’s no right or wrong answer—except maybe skipping yoga altogether (but hey, no judgment, we’ve all been there).

Whatever you choose, remember that the beauty of yoga lies in the journey. Whether your feet are sinking into the mat or nestled in your well-worn shoes, what matters most is that you’re showing up for yourself—even if half of your practice involves mentally questioning your life choices.

Namaste, and may your feet—bare or not—thank you for the effort.

For more foot fun, check out this video I made back in 2018 about taking care of your feet, specifically Plantar Fasciitis, that still holds true to today

Come practice yoga in bare feet at a Gentle Yoga or Chair Yoga class. Yoga classes in Port Orange and the Daytona Beach area available in person and online via zoom.