Most of the shoes you wear every day squash your toes together and force your feet into unnatural positions. Yoga sandals are designed to separate your toes and train your feet into a more natural shape. These flip flop-like shoes feature a divider for each toe and are made from EVA microfiber and rubber containing recycled LDPE.
Uppers
Yoga sandal uppers are made from EVA microfiber. EVA or Ethyl Vinyl Acetate Microfiber is highly elastic yet tough and strong, at the same time. Synthetic microfibers were first developed in Japan in the 1970s and come in strands that are half the thickness of silk. Microfibers are suitable for your yoga sandals as they produce lightweight fabrics that are comfortable, breathable, wrinkle and stain-resistant and easy to wash.
Soles
The soles are made from nonskid rubber and contain 32 percent recycled LDPE. Rubber is a flexible and highly elastic material that will return to its original shape if stretched or bent, making it an ideal base for your yoga sandals. Natural rubber is tapped from rubber trees while synthetic rubbers can be produced chemical products. Low Density Polyethylene, or LDPE, is a soft and flexible material. Adding it to the rubber enhances the resistance of acids, alcohols and oils and creates a hard,wearing, more durable sole.
Sandals
Gaiam's Yoga Sandals are highly flexible and keep your feet comfortable as you walk. Although you can't wear them during your yoga practice, they are suitable to wear around the house and while you are out and about. The sandals feature removable elastic toe separators for maximum comfort. You can wear them with all four for maximum benefits or remove all but one to resemble flip flops. They also come with interchangeable beads so you can mix and match to suit your mood. As of March 2011, the sandals cost $32 and are available in unisex sizes small, medium, large and extra large.
Benefits
Yoga sandals are recommended by osteopaths as they help improve blood and energy flow to the feet. They encourage foot mobility and can help relieve the symptoms of arthritis and other painful foot conditions. Spreading the toes can encourage the realignment of the legs and ankle bones as well as the hip and knee joints and reduce any back pain that may occur as a result.
Member Comments