For Tai Chi class, I usually wear a pair of soft, almost-smooth-soled sneakers, which work out pretty well. Because of a toe problem (doctor's appointment later this month), I need to wear open-toe shoes, at least temporarily, and I'd prefer not scissoring out the fronts of my sneakers. Does anyone have any experience with practicing Tai Chi in sandals, or other open-toe footwear? I need something with halfway-decent arch support, and that will stay on my feet (and not come off during kicks, for example), and something with not too much traction, as I don't want to stick to the floor. Anyone have any recommendations?
Have you considered barefoot? I've never liked open toe footwear, so can't offer anything helpful there.
Cloudhands beat me to it.. Except in the winter, I always do TaiJi barefoot, both indoors and out. Highly recommend it.
Barefoot (or socks only) is definitely my preference for practicing at home, but at the place where we have our classes, the floor is so hard! Ouch!
I'll send you some of my old feiyues - almost all of them have holes in the toe area! Alternatively, toughen up! All hardship is advantage in disguise!!!!!!!!
Sounds like a good idea; think I'll check them out. I will (ouch!) try to (ouch!) keep that in mind (ouch!)
One of my teachers has a DVD out, in which he demonstrates Taiji form and applications whilst wearing sandals.
Either they are too tight or too slithery. I usually wear just socks and never came around too hard a floor. I know too rough floors and too cold floors, though. Really, open-toe shoes mean a less firm grip. That's a fact. You might try sandals with socks, though, that might help to some degree...
Just go to a shop and try some sandals on and see what they are like for taiji movements. You should be able to do this with out looking like a loon! try the leg stances, pivots etc. There should be something out there to suit your needs. Or get a REALLY cheap pair of sneakers and hack away. A bit wasteful but there are plenty of cheap deals out there I'm sure. I personally think socks and sandals are a crime!
{{Looks down at feet. Uh-oh.}} Actually, I'm wearing fake Birkenstocks with socks. These shoes are very comfortable, but I think they would fly off my feet in any of the turns or kicks. I found a pair of sandals at home that I'll try -- very lightweight, rubber-like soles, and they'll stay on. I may get laughed at a little in class, but I don't mind.
If they don't work, I found in karate that flat squared-off sandals that have a criss-crossing strap are more comfortable and have a better hold on your foot than regular parralel-strap sandals.
http://www.fitnessorganica.com/prod...planetshoes.com/itemmatrix.asp?groupcode=1572 http://www.crescentmoonyoga.com/Item.asp?cid=6&scid=8&pid=30&rdir=1 I know what you mean about arch support, I have a hih instep myself and you do ge ttired feet sometimes.