Barefoot Training Shoes for Women: How to Choose for Yoga and Pilates

Choosing barefoot training shoes for women starts with how you want your shoes to fit and where you plan to wear them. For yoga, Pilates and indoor workouts, details such as the upper, fastening and toe fit can matter more than a long list of technical features.

Two options from EastLyst take different approaches: the FiveFingers VSOUL has an open upper with an adjustable strap, while the lace-up FiveFingers training shoe uses a mesh upper and laces. Both have individual toe pockets and a flexible construction, but the way they wrap around the foot is different.

Here’s what to compare before choosing your pair.

What Are Five-Toe Barefoot Training Shoes?

Five-toe shoes give each toe its own compartment instead of placing all five toes inside a single toe box. Combined with a thin, flexible sole, this creates a close-fitting alternative to conventional workout sneakers.

That construction also changes how you shop for them. Overall length is only part of the fit: each toe needs to sit comfortably in its pocket, and the upper should hold your foot without feeling restrictive.

If you are looking for women’s barefoot shoes for yoga or Pilates, start with three questions:

1. Does your studio allow shoes during class?
2. Do you prefer an open upper or more coverage?

3. Does the shoe fit your individual toe shape comfortably?

These questions help narrow the choice more effectively than choosing by color alone.

FiveFingers VSOUL: An Open Upper with an Adjustable Strap

The FiveFingers VSOUL Women’s Barefoot Yoga & Training Shoes feature an open upper and a hook-and-loop strap. This design is worth considering if you prefer less coverage across the top of your foot and a fastening you can adjust without tying laces.

EastLyst’s listing specifies a polyester upper, a 2 mm EVA insole and a 3.5 mm rubber outsole with a herringbone tread. The model is listed for indoor activities including yoga, Pilates, dance and functional training.

For choosing between these two pairs, the open construction is the most useful distinction. If you like a minimal upper and a simple strap closure, start with the VSOUL.

Its color options also offer different styling directions. Silver / Light Gray can sit easily alongside neutral activewear, while Fig Purple or Rose Pink can add color to a simple leggings-and-tank combination.

Lace-Up FiveFingers: Mesh Coverage and Adjustable Lacing

The Vibram FiveFingers Women’s Barefoot Non-Slip Training Shoes offer a mesh upper and a lace-up closure.

Compared with the VSOUL’s open design, this pair provides more coverage across the top of the foot. The laces let you adjust the upper’s fit to your preference.

The product listing specifies an approximately 3 mm rubber outsole, a 2 mm EVA footbed and a Drilex insole. Listed uses include yoga, Pilates, gym sessions and functional training.

Consider this option if you prefer the feel and appearance of a more enclosed training shoe. Black creates a simple match with dark activewear, while the brighter color options make the footwear a more visible part of the outfit.

VSOUL or Lace-Up: Which Should You Choose?

What you prefer	Option to consider
An open upper with less coverage	VSOUL
A hook-and-loop strap	VSOUL
A mesh upper with more coverage	Lace-up FiveFingers
Adjusting the fit with laces	Lace-up FiveFingers
Individual toe pockets	Both
Choosing by foot length rather than sneaker size alone	Both

Neither fastening automatically makes one shoe better for every workout. Your foot shape, preferred coverage and class requirements should guide the decision.

For yoga or Pilates, check your studio’s footwear policy before buying. A shoe listed for studio training does not replace a class requirement for bare feet or grip socks.

How to Choose Your Size

Five-toe shoes deserve a closer fit check than ordinary sneakers because the toe compartments need to work with your feet.

Measure both feet from heel to the end of the longest toe, then compare the longer measurement with the size chart on the exact product page. Use foot length as your starting point rather than relying only on a US size conversion.

When trying them on, check that:

• Each toe settles into its pocket without being forced.

• Your toes are not curled or compressed.

• The heel stays in place during gentle movement.

• The strap or laces feel secure without excessive pressure.

The VSOUL listing recommends choosing the larger size if you fall between sizes. Check the guidance for the specific pair you order rather than applying that rule to every barefoot shoe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wear these shoes for yoga and Pilates?

Both EastLyst listings include yoga and Pilates among their intended activities. Whether you can wear them in a particular class depends on the studio’s rules and the equipment being used.

Are barefoot training shoes the same as running shoes?

The two pairs featured here are presented as training options. Do not assume that a thin sole or five-toe design makes a shoe suitable for every running distance, surface or workout.

Are “non-slip” shoes guaranteed not to slip?

No. Grip still depends on the surface and conditions. A rubber outsole should not be treated as a guarantee against slipping, particularly on wet or contaminated floors.

How do you clean these two pairs?

Both listings specify a gentle cold machine wash and air drying. Follow the care label supplied with your pair.

Find Your Preferred Fit

Start with the upper and closure: choose the FiveFingers VSOUL if you prefer an open design with a strap, or explore the lace-up FiveFingers training shoes if you want mesh coverage and adjustable lacing.

Then compare the size chart, check your studio’s requirements and choose the color that fits your activewear wardrobe.