Any shoe recommendations for the gym?

my gym has updated their policy and i can’t exercise barefoot anymore. i typically had slip on shoes i would walk around in, kick them off and do whatever workout i was doing standing on a towel or something, then put my shoes back on. they no longer allow that, and it’s understandable.

so, anyone have any recommendations on a really flexible shoe made for gym type workout?

i really just need something that is pretty flexible and bendy in the toe area, so i can curl my toes upwards for balance while performing some moves, if that makes sense.

i’m guessing there may be some crossfit type shoe out there that is flexy and very minimal?

Not sure about balance exercises, but low top converse would be my recc
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Would ballet shoes work for you?

There are some “specific” shoes (Reebok of course, but there are plenty of others - just google crossfit shoes)

As above poster mentioned, Chucks have always been popular, and that’s a fine choice for primarily lifting. (obviously starts to be an issue for most people when you add running/some xtraining stuff)

Personally, I just use my old racing flats for the majority of my gym time. Fits the balance between lightweight/flexy shoe, able to do any running/whatever, and lets me re-purpose old beat up racers.

I just got a pair of Xero shoes which I have been enjoying. Pretty minimal without looking like the heinous toe shoes

Would ballet shoes work for you?

as odd as i would look, that actually doesnt sound like a bad idea.

Ballet slipons would work, they most likely sell black ones also.

Vibram Five Finger Shoes rock. I wear some for yoga. I hate feet. And I get extra grip.

For the gym I like Reebok Nanos.

Ballet slipons would work, they most likely sell black ones also.

Vibram Five Finger Shoes rock. I wear some for yoga. I hate feet. And I get extra grip.

For the gym I like Reebok Nanos.

mind if i ask which ones you wear for yoga? that sounds more in line with what i would need, regarding movement, pliability, etc.

Would ballet shoes work for you?

as odd as i would look, that actually doesn’t sound like a bad idea.

Worked for Jack LaLanne

https://www.stormlakepilottribune.com/photos/27/86/29/2786296-B.jpg
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Not sure about balance exercises, but low top converse would be my recc

Other than shoes specifically for lifting Chucks seem to to be the standard around my gym
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Ballet slipons would work, they most likely sell black ones also.

Vibram Five Finger Shoes rock. I wear some for yoga. I hate feet. And I get extra grip.

For the gym I like Reebok Nanos.

mind if i ask which ones you wear for yoga? that sounds more in line with what i would need, regarding movement, pliability, etc.

The KSO ones. Tiny subtle grip texture that doesn’t show well in the pictures. Great ground feel.

https://us.vibram.com/shop/shop-all-products/mens-fivefingers/training-fitness/kso-mens-M14.html?dwvar_M14_color=Black%20%2F%20Black#start=1

Nike Metcons, they last forever too. I still have my NikeID Metcon ones that I bought in 2015.

If you’re looking for the minimum under your feet, it’s the Merrell Vapor Glove for me.

Saw a girl using some Ascis wrestling shoes yesterday. Haven’t seen that in a while.

Merrell Vapor Glove 4.
About as bare foot as you can get with shoes on.
Or five fingers but they are a little weird looking.

A couple others have mentioned them already, but I wear a pair of vibram fivefingers for lifting/yoga/group exercise classes. Basically most gym-related things that aren’t running. I don’t like running in them, but they’re great for the other stuff.

Nike Metcons also work well for me. I can lift pretty heavy since it is stable towards the back of the shoe but still have alot of flexibility in the front. I can probably run in it as well but it doesn’t have enough cushioning.

There are the super-minimalist shoes that some of the “born to run” folks use:

https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Water-Barefoot-Quick-Dry-Sports/dp/B08HC5NDNF/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=slip+on+minimalist+water&qid=1617746115&sr=8-8
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81ad1V5LRML._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg

Cheap, and super flexy.
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Why not an old pair of running shoes? If you have some minimalist racing flats from the pre-super shoe era they would be great.