7 Best Yoga Shoes in 2023

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Protect your toes and focus on your flow.

If you’re looking to start practicing yoga in 2023 or are looking to enhance your sessions, a pair of yoga shoes is key. While you can generally practice yoga at home or in a studio barefoot, practicing yoga outdoors without shoes is a different story. Whether you're on the beach, in the forest, or on your back patio, your tootsies may take a beating, thanks to rocks, sticks, and leaves that can cause you to slip if they are not protected.

Investing in a good pair of yoga shoes can not only help to protect your feet from cuts, bruises, and blisters, but it can also make your practice more enjoyable, and allow you to get the most out of your flow wherever you are. Unlike running shoes or other casual shoes, yoga shoes are designed to be flexible enough to move with your feet, providing some support and grip without inhibiting your movement. Many yoga shoes also double as water shoes, which is beneficial if there happens to be any light rain or wet grass.

We've rounded up some of our favorite yoga shoes on the market to help make the shopping process easier. Look below for in-depth reviews of our favorite pairs to help you choose one that's right for you.

If you decide to invest in a pair of yoga shoes, there are a few things to consider before making your purchase.

The most important part of the shoe will be the sole. Most will be made from some sort of rubber, though some will be thicker than others. The thicker the sole, the better it is for uneven surfaces, but the less flexible it will be.

Also consider the design of the shoe's upper portion. If you tend to get warm or have particularly sweaty feet, you may do better with a more open and breathable design. The material of the upper is also important. While some may be quick-drying, that doesn't mean that they will be breathable—if you are looking to keep your feet cool, look for shoes with cutouts that allow your feet to get some air, or shoes with areas made of mesh.

To find the best options among the many yoga shoes out there, we researched the most popular models available and considered the price, design, fit, and durability, as well as their size and color options. We looked at both expert reviews as well as more than 144,000 customer ratings, written by people who’ve bought these models on Amazon, to settle on the yoga shoes you'll find below.

Looking for more great yoga gear? Check out our guides to the best yoga mats, yoga blocks, and men's yoga pants.

Functioning as both water shoes and yoga shoes, this model is easy to slip on, and conforms to your feet like a second skin. It comes in 44 different color and pattern options and sizes range from women's size 4 up to men's size 12.

They have a grippy but flexible rubber sole, and the upper material dries quickly. They are super lightweight, and can even be rolled up and shoved in small pockets.

These shoes are designed with women in mind, and have a narrower fit at the ankle than many other available yoga shoes. They feature a flexible but supportive sole, and a stretchy knit upper.

They also have an elastic band that runs diagonally across the foot, giving you more arch support, and they have an extra layer of material on the front to protect your toes.

These shoes are great if you prefer a little bit more support underfoot, as the sole is slightly thicker than those found on other yoga shoes. The shoes have adjustable ties, which allow you to tighten them to your liking, and a grippy, flexible rubber sole.

They come in tons of colors, and are available in sizes ranging from women's 4.5 up to a men's 13.5, making them a great fit for the whole family. Since these have a bit more bulk to the sole than many other yoga shoes, they also make a great minimalist hiking shoe.

These sandals are yoga mats for your feet—literally. The soles are made from actual yoga mats, which gives them a super soft, plush, and flexible feel. Unlike typical sandals, these use stretchy cloth for the straps, allowing your foot and ankle to flex and bend comfortably.

They do run about a half-size big, so if you are between whole sizes, it's best to size down.

If you want a yoga shoe that doesn't restrict your movement or add too much bulk to your foot, you may prefer this style, which is similar to a ballet slipper.

It has two bands of elastic on top, which prevent it from slipping around and give it a supportive feel. It also has a more open top, making it a great choice for anyone whose feet tend to get hot during workouts. It has a thin rubber sole that adds some grip, and an extra layer of thick fabric at the front to protect your toes.

These come in sizes small to XL, which correspond to women's 5.5-6.5 and women's 10-11, respectively.

These toe-separating Vibrams are a polarizing pair of yoga shoes, with many loving them for their comfort and support and many others finding their design a bit ridiculous.

And while they may look a little silly, they’re actually great for yoga, because they allow you to enjoy a full range of foot motion, which helps you balance. In addition to yoga, they are great for light hikes, walking, and cross-training.

Not only do they provide great grip, they leave most of the top of your foot uncovered. so your feet won't get too hot while wearing them.

For just under $10, these yoga and water shoes are ultra light and their non-slip soles will protect your feet from sharp surfaces. Some reviewers say they couldn't feel the small shells on the beach when wearing these, so they are perfect for a yoga class on the beach.

These slip-on breathable shoes are easy to take on and off and can be folded for easy transport. Plus, you won't have to worry about there not being a color for you, as these shoes come in more than 60 colors. When wearing these, you may even forget you have shoes on because they are so light and comfortable.

Jenna Clark is a freelance writer who covers commerce, travel, beauty, and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Insider, the Daily Beast, Well+Good, and Taste of Home. When she's not reviewing the latest products or traveling, you can likely find her at a theme park or watching the latest Broadway show.

Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner's World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.

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