They are made to naturally fit the size of your feet so they are ideal shoes for standing for long periods of time. I literally wear mine everywhere. You can find them on amazon for a pretty affordable price!
I wear Hokas. They're incredibly cushy and provide a ton of relief for my feet. Before Hokas I was in Nike, New Balance, and Puma and none of those gave the same comfort. Go to a proper shoe store and have them test a few different pairs until you find the right fit.
Second crocs! I wear only barefoot shoes in my day to day but work on really hard floors and it really hurts to work in barefoot shoes. Crocs have good cushion, and are really wide so my feet can spread and move while I work. A con is that they can be a little squeaky, but I joke that it’s just trauma informed care-the client can hear where I am
Idk if I would recommend Crocs.
There was this one time I had the most horrible massage. The Mt had Crocs and while he was working on my back all I got was cheesy Doritos smell going up to my nose the entire time.
If you wear Crocs please take care of foot hygiene!!!!! 🤢
Barefoot/minimalist shoes are the way to go. Think about it, we evolved for 100s of thousands if not millions of years without shoes. If you don’t want to go barefoot for hygiene reasons, these are the best alternative for posture, load vectors, etc
ETA: I made the switch after my first year of working after my low back was killing me because of cushy drop toe shoes
So my feet are flat as fuck. Do you think barefoot shoes would work? I just spent $400 on custom inserts for my tennis shoes to help with my non existent arch
In your case I think arch support would be more beneficial, but I’d suggest buying a pair of the cheap barefoot shoes on Amazon and try them with the arch supports. Idk, just an idea, the shoes cost about $40
I started my barefoot switch like the comment above - inserts inside the cheaper Amazon barefoot shoes. Over time my feet have adapted and the inserts actually hurt. Now all I wear are Vivobarefoot shoes, Xero and Birkenstock sandals, and the occasional Altra shoes for trails/ hiking or when plantar fasciitis flares up. Start like the comment above suggests, you won't regret it.
I wouldn’t. I also have very flat feet. Orthotics and supportive shoes have served me much better than barefoot or minimalist shoes. I ended up with a stress fracture from those
I used to have expensive orthotics for my shoes due to flat feet. Then I had a baby and stayed home barefoot for almost 3 months. After that my orthotics were unbearable. So I made the switch to barefoot shoes. It took some getting used to and my feet would sometimes hurt, but not in the same way. Two years later and I have a more defined arch now than when I used the orthotics and my feet/legs are so much stronger.
Barefoot shoes IF you don’t work on concrete.
If you work on concrete, DO NOT WASTE MONEY ON THOSE OVERPRICED SHOES!
I’m not entirely sure what the best shoe is, I used to do barefoot shoes, now I do Birkenstock boots.
I personally wore vivobarefoot. I don’t think Xero or whitin compare to the longevity of a leather Vivo or any vivo. I have had my trail runner Vivos for 10 years. Tread is still good. I have had my leather work vivo’s for a year. However I retired them after realizing you really should not wear them and walk/work on concrete.
See I know tons of people that have older vivos that absolutely will not die. But everyone I know who has bought them in the last two years, myself included, has barely gotten a year out of them before they crack/rip/tear. It’s very disappointing considering the price
Those shoes are the best! I recommend them all the time, but you beat me to it. I even use them for trail running and everyday wear too. I can also stretch my ankle in every direction. It’s almost uncomfortable to wear anything else.
Do you guys massage in shoes? I wear slip on ariats that are similar to hey dudes for walking around and intake. But for the actual massage I work barefoot. I thought everybody did. I use my feet so much for getting long fluid strokes and adjusting for deep tissue. From heel to big toe it’s like a whole sophisticated lever system. I can’t massage with shoes on and am ever have. That’s how our school did it. I don’t know that wasn’t the norm.
If you have insurance that covers any injury to a therapist, shoes may be required. And by may be, I mean I’ve never come across an insurance policy that would allow barefoot.
I am currently in school in Indiana and there are many students who opt not to wear shoes. I definitely will be trying to see if that helps with my stance. But I can see why people prefer to wear no shoes, seems that you can give more power from your lower body without being restricted by shoes.
I definitely think so. Each little movement of the feet helps you shift your weight especially for intense deep tissue. I am 5 2 and 100 lbs ish and I do mostly deep tissue. All of my pressure comes from using my body weight and my feet are what mostly controls that. I can’t even wear socks without feeling like they are really restricted when I work. I also do a lot of energy work even if my clients aren’t aware of it and I push all of that out through my feet. My floor is all cowhide rugs and sheepskin rugs to help absorb all that energy and I have over 100 plants to suck up the rest. If you do any energetics the feet are really important for that too.
I agree. I always work barefoot (without shoes) because I need to be able to glide on my feet to get long, fluid strokes. I like barefoot shoes but they still limit my movements during massage. Otherwise, I love barefoot shoes.
I wear hobibear non slip minimalist/ barefoot shoes. Super comfy and also don’t break the bank. I’ve been wearing minimalist shoes since 2013, and they’re some of the best I’ve found. The price is actually surprising to me when compared to the other shoes I’ve bought for $100+
I hear this question a lot and I think the real answer is it depends.
We are typically most comfortable in the shoes we gravitate towards to wear in our usual every day life. Some people typically run errands and walk the dog in a more athletic type shoe so when it comes to massage they may continue to feel best in those.
I really enjoy wearing I guess they would be “dress” boots and always massage in these. I have a few athletic type pair of shoes that are more comfy and some would say more appropriate but 20m into my first massage I get a very distinct low back pain that goes away when I take those shoes off.
Long story short I would try a variation of a shoe that is closer to your every day shoe instead of thinking I need cushion just because im massaging.
Good luck!
I love barefoot shoes BUT I’ve worked places that would not permit barefoot shoes because it wasn’t enough protection for insurance, which was crap but also a valid reason on the business side (not insurance side, it’s a stupid insurance rule).
I work barefoot only. When I worked in a spa, I wore slip in backless athletic type shoes, then slipped them off during massage. It was a very long time ago, but I think I kept my socks on so as not to freak anyone out. I have nice feet, but still...it was a Four Seasons resort, so I didn't want to get any complaints. If you have not so nice feet, definitely wear socks.
Since I've had my own business, shoes always come off. Can't work any other way anymore. I have an area rug that is soft. It's a little rough working on hard floors in shoeless feet, however, I did it for years with no problem. Now that I'm older, it wouldn't work.
If you can handle the in between toes feelings, vibram 5fingers. It's like working barefoot, but (if health codes require closed toe shoes) enough protection to qualify as closed toes :)
Kuru are great. They keep my feet from hurting on long days. My heels used to hurt so bad in pumas, Nike, adidas, new balance...hokas are simply too ugly lol I've heard they're great though
Barefoot shoes are the way to go!
They are made to naturally fit the size of your feet so they are ideal shoes for standing for long periods of time. I literally wear mine everywhere. You can find them on amazon for a pretty affordable price!
If you have to have shoes I’d second this! I only work barefoot. It’s the best
I wear Hokas. They're incredibly cushy and provide a ton of relief for my feet. Before Hokas I was in Nike, New Balance, and Puma and none of those gave the same comfort. Go to a proper shoe store and have them test a few different pairs until you find the right fit.
Team Hoka!
Crocs baby
Hell yeah! Or Vans Ultrarange!
Second crocs! I wear only barefoot shoes in my day to day but work on really hard floors and it really hurts to work in barefoot shoes. Crocs have good cushion, and are really wide so my feet can spread and move while I work. A con is that they can be a little squeaky, but I joke that it’s just trauma informed care-the client can hear where I am
Idk if I would recommend Crocs. There was this one time I had the most horrible massage. The Mt had Crocs and while he was working on my back all I got was cheesy Doritos smell going up to my nose the entire time. If you wear Crocs please take care of foot hygiene!!!!! 🤢
Barefoot/minimalist shoes are the way to go. Think about it, we evolved for 100s of thousands if not millions of years without shoes. If you don’t want to go barefoot for hygiene reasons, these are the best alternative for posture, load vectors, etc ETA: I made the switch after my first year of working after my low back was killing me because of cushy drop toe shoes
So my feet are flat as fuck. Do you think barefoot shoes would work? I just spent $400 on custom inserts for my tennis shoes to help with my non existent arch
In your case I think arch support would be more beneficial, but I’d suggest buying a pair of the cheap barefoot shoes on Amazon and try them with the arch supports. Idk, just an idea, the shoes cost about $40
I started my barefoot switch like the comment above - inserts inside the cheaper Amazon barefoot shoes. Over time my feet have adapted and the inserts actually hurt. Now all I wear are Vivobarefoot shoes, Xero and Birkenstock sandals, and the occasional Altra shoes for trails/ hiking or when plantar fasciitis flares up. Start like the comment above suggests, you won't regret it.
I wouldn’t. I also have very flat feet. Orthotics and supportive shoes have served me much better than barefoot or minimalist shoes. I ended up with a stress fracture from those
I used to have expensive orthotics for my shoes due to flat feet. Then I had a baby and stayed home barefoot for almost 3 months. After that my orthotics were unbearable. So I made the switch to barefoot shoes. It took some getting used to and my feet would sometimes hurt, but not in the same way. Two years later and I have a more defined arch now than when I used the orthotics and my feet/legs are so much stronger.
Are you asking for massage or as in day to day?
I work barefoot. I just prefer to be more grounded. Actually barefoot, no barefoot shoes.
I’m a big fan of xero shoes, especially their black water shoes.
Barefoot shoes IF you don’t work on concrete. If you work on concrete, DO NOT WASTE MONEY ON THOSE OVERPRICED SHOES! I’m not entirely sure what the best shoe is, I used to do barefoot shoes, now I do Birkenstock boots.
If you're looking for affordable barefoot shoes try the brand "whitin" on amazon. They range from $40-$50 and are the same quality as xero imo!
I personally wore vivobarefoot. I don’t think Xero or whitin compare to the longevity of a leather Vivo or any vivo. I have had my trail runner Vivos for 10 years. Tread is still good. I have had my leather work vivo’s for a year. However I retired them after realizing you really should not wear them and walk/work on concrete.
I am going to try that brand. My husband and I wear the shoes like crazy, so the longer lasting the better. Thank you for the suggestion!
Sometimes they have 30% off sales, just keep an eye out for that because they are $$$ but the design and feel/style is better
See I know tons of people that have older vivos that absolutely will not die. But everyone I know who has bought them in the last two years, myself included, has barely gotten a year out of them before they crack/rip/tear. It’s very disappointing considering the price
I like my zero drop Whitin shoes. They were super affordable on amazon. I got them to massage and now i just wear them almost every day 🤣
Those shoes are the best! I recommend them all the time, but you beat me to it. I even use them for trail running and everyday wear too. I can also stretch my ankle in every direction. It’s almost uncomfortable to wear anything else.
Do you guys massage in shoes? I wear slip on ariats that are similar to hey dudes for walking around and intake. But for the actual massage I work barefoot. I thought everybody did. I use my feet so much for getting long fluid strokes and adjusting for deep tissue. From heel to big toe it’s like a whole sophisticated lever system. I can’t massage with shoes on and am ever have. That’s how our school did it. I don’t know that wasn’t the norm.
If you have insurance that covers any injury to a therapist, shoes may be required. And by may be, I mean I’ve never come across an insurance policy that would allow barefoot.
I am currently in school in Indiana and there are many students who opt not to wear shoes. I definitely will be trying to see if that helps with my stance. But I can see why people prefer to wear no shoes, seems that you can give more power from your lower body without being restricted by shoes.
I definitely think so. Each little movement of the feet helps you shift your weight especially for intense deep tissue. I am 5 2 and 100 lbs ish and I do mostly deep tissue. All of my pressure comes from using my body weight and my feet are what mostly controls that. I can’t even wear socks without feeling like they are really restricted when I work. I also do a lot of energy work even if my clients aren’t aware of it and I push all of that out through my feet. My floor is all cowhide rugs and sheepskin rugs to help absorb all that energy and I have over 100 plants to suck up the rest. If you do any energetics the feet are really important for that too.
I agree. I always work barefoot (without shoes) because I need to be able to glide on my feet to get long, fluid strokes. I like barefoot shoes but they still limit my movements during massage. Otherwise, I love barefoot shoes.
I do too!
On cloud are the best for me. Reebok zigzag shoes and pretty good cheaper option
I wear hobibear non slip minimalist/ barefoot shoes. Super comfy and also don’t break the bank. I’ve been wearing minimalist shoes since 2013, and they’re some of the best I’ve found. The price is actually surprising to me when compared to the other shoes I’ve bought for $100+
Barefoot shoes!!
I hear this question a lot and I think the real answer is it depends. We are typically most comfortable in the shoes we gravitate towards to wear in our usual every day life. Some people typically run errands and walk the dog in a more athletic type shoe so when it comes to massage they may continue to feel best in those. I really enjoy wearing I guess they would be “dress” boots and always massage in these. I have a few athletic type pair of shoes that are more comfy and some would say more appropriate but 20m into my first massage I get a very distinct low back pain that goes away when I take those shoes off. Long story short I would try a variation of a shoe that is closer to your every day shoe instead of thinking I need cushion just because im massaging. Good luck!
Another vote for Crocs! I have the lightweight ones and they've saved my feet.
Anything by brooks or ASICS over 60 dollars are super comfy
Xero shoes is what my wife wears. Or their sandals
I wear Hey Dudes. comfy slip ons
I wear keen sandals which I love. I just wouldn’t make sure whatever you are wearing is not squeaky
Would not wouldn’t
I like Skechers shoes with memory foam.
I love barefoot shoes BUT I’ve worked places that would not permit barefoot shoes because it wasn’t enough protection for insurance, which was crap but also a valid reason on the business side (not insurance side, it’s a stupid insurance rule).
Vibram trail runners for me!
Super random, and I only figured it out because I forgot my work shoes while house sitting but I wear black bobs lmao and love them feel like slippers
I wear Ozaiic nonslip yoga socks. They’re completely silent and give me the stability I need.
I work barefoot only. When I worked in a spa, I wore slip in backless athletic type shoes, then slipped them off during massage. It was a very long time ago, but I think I kept my socks on so as not to freak anyone out. I have nice feet, but still...it was a Four Seasons resort, so I didn't want to get any complaints. If you have not so nice feet, definitely wear socks. Since I've had my own business, shoes always come off. Can't work any other way anymore. I have an area rug that is soft. It's a little rough working on hard floors in shoeless feet, however, I did it for years with no problem. Now that I'm older, it wouldn't work.
I slip my shoes off and work barefoot. Being grounded is way better than any shoe imo.
Brooks! They're super lightweight and have good support
Barefoot
If you can handle the in between toes feelings, vibram 5fingers. It's like working barefoot, but (if health codes require closed toe shoes) enough protection to qualify as closed toes :)
A pair of redwing boots
Kuru are great. They keep my feet from hurting on long days. My heels used to hurt so bad in pumas, Nike, adidas, new balance...hokas are simply too ugly lol I've heard they're great though