foot wear

[amaruq]

I am completely new to this and have the video for beginner by Dr. Lam which I enjoy but get confused by left and right. But I'm confused by that all the time.

What I wanted to ask was about foot wear. I have a pair of walking sneakers which are great for walking. When I used them for Tai Chi the sides of my feet hurt. I have found it easier to just go barefooted...Is that ok? Or is there a specific foot wear I should look for and can you tell me what it is?

[Greyphantom]

I practice in bare feet all the time... mainly when I practice at home with no problems but when I train in class or outside I usually wear shoes... discipline martial art shoes are brilliant...

[carolinew]

I like to practice in barefeet indoors. Deck shoes or trainers are good, but you need to experiment and find what is best for you. I know shoes can work out quite expensive, so if you can't practice in these types of shoe, you can at least use them for other things.

My husband is currently using Tai Chi For back pain, and has been trying it out in different pairs of slippers. he has been training on carpet.

It is a personal thing. You need flexible shoes, and some people like something supportive. I'm told boxing boots and basketball shoes are good alternatives, but not everyone gets on with them.

[Dr. Paul Lam]

you might find my article "what should i wear when practice tai chi" helpful, go to "articles" on your left and click on the title of this article.

[bobo711]

When I worked out at the martial art school doing TC we usually wore martial art(kung fu) shoes. After leaving the school and teaching on my own now, I work out in sneakers, which does give you more support and enhanced balance. At home and at my studio, I work out in my stocking feet, which I feel really comfortable with--less support of course but better to develop our balance. In the near future, I'll be teaching at a martial art school where we will work out on mats--the chief instructor there tells me this will really help me develop good balance. Take care.

Bob

[drlip]

When I work on hardwood floor (my home) I use kung fu shoes, just the right combination of slide and grip. Other places martial arts sneakers or bare feet feel right. There is no right answer for all settings and occasions. I tired working out in stocking feet twice and slid down both times--my foot slid too far out, boom. If I was more solid in root it may not have happened but I have only been practicing two years.

Richard Livingston, MD

[amaruq]

Thank you all so much for the replies. For now I will
go in barefeet.
I will check out on line about the Kung fu shoes.