Tai chi shoes

[Anonymous]

I am looking for shoes for Tai chi chuan
I bought those a few months ago and I am not happy with them:
http://www.wushuguan.com/boutique/chaussures-toile/chaussures-kung-fu/
I find them uncomfortable. When I wear them I feel like the soles are not flat, like my feet are not flat.
Do you have any particular brand or model that you would recommend

Thanks

[Anonymous]

I became interested in the barefoot running movement after reading “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall, which translates well into energy practices; your feet feel the earth and are not insulated from it.
I like and have bought minimalist shoes from several vendors (listed below). They may not be traditional-looking gung-fu shoes (which I know nothing about) but may be an alternate choice for your practice.

http://xeroshoes.com/index-nav-mwc.php
http://www.giftsfromfinland.com (feelmax shoes)
http://www.vivobarefoot.com
http://www.vibramfivefingers.com
http://zemgear.com

[Anonymous]

I like moccasins.
They allow for a good feel and connection with the earth;
they’re don’t have synthetic rubber soles which insulate you from the earth’s energy.
They have balanced traction (not too sticky, not too slippery).
They’re form fitting and very pliable (I find the tradition cotton soles inflexible.)
Worn with wool socks they are warm.
Elk or moose leather is more durable than deer.
Cons:
* animal rights advocates would object
* some say that leather mutes energy
* they soak up water, therefore they’re not suitable for outdoors in wet grass–maybe chrome tanning is water resistant.
* I take out the felt or sponge pads.
* Don’t mistake bedroom slippers and composite soled loafers for all leather sewn moccasins.
* not suitable for competition

I pick up a pair at the annual Pow Wow of the Coeur d’Alene Indian Tribe, Idaho.

[Anonymous]

I learn tai chi more than 8 years.
I recommend buy a leather tai chi shoes for some tai chi store such as:
http://www.thai-chi.com/taichi-accessories/Genuine-leather-Tai-chi-shoes

[Anonymous]

I think arcopedico are best. I have seen sr. instructors wear these. If you buy them I suggest using zappos so you can get free return if needed http://www.arcopedicoshoes.com/

More popular is kung fu shoes but I don’t like much myself http://www.valleymartialarts.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10_23&products_id=210

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I have floor tiling at home. most often I just practice barefoot, but sometimes I put on an old pair of thick socks. The foot feels very free, it’s very comfortable and comes very close to the feeling of Taichi shoes.

Erwan

[Anonymous]

Indoor, flat-bottomed soccer shoes are comfortable and give one a close feeling of the earth, while offering support. My first chen master advised to always wear shoes…

[Anonymous]

I use Veja shoes, http://www.veja-shoes.com

there compteley natural, even the rubber, its amazonian tree rubber!

More chi! Thats the way I see it, since traditional clothing is natural fibers, why shouldn’t the shoes be as well.. ?

All the shaolin use is Feiyue, which is nice because there so bendable.

[Anonymous]

Hi Damien,

I usually practice taichi barefoot, whether it be indoors or outdoors. The latter only when weather permits, of course. I believe that’s the most natural way.

For some time I’ve used a plain simple black cotton mocassin with thin rubber sole. They were sold as taichi shoes in a local martial arts store. Lately though I’ve switched to Feiyue when I want to practice in shoes. They have many advantages: they’re built extremely light and flexible (seriously, you can roll them up and nothing happens), they’re built low (reaching about 2/3 of the way up to your anklebone), and they have a curved sole (making balancing REALLY challenging which is extremely beneficial for martial arts).

For indoors, I’d recommend barefoot, for outdoors, the Feiyue.

[Author]

Posts