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Should You Wear Shoes on a Vibration Plate?
You’re standing in front of your brand-new vibration plate, ready to start your workout, when suddenly, a thought crosses your mind: Should you kick off your shoes or keep them on?
It’s not an uncommon question. In fact, a quick Google search will pull up countless people asking the exact same thing. And while you might notice different approaches in workout videos or at the gym, the truth is that there’s no straightforward answer.
So, should you wear shoes on a vibration plate? It ultimately depends on your preferences, comfort level, and goals. Fortunately, in this guide, we’re breaking it all down. Keep reading to learn when you may want to go barefoot, when you may want to wear shoes, and the potential benefits and risks of each approach.
Why Work Out Barefoot?
Many people associate working out with wearing a quality pair of sneakers—and this makes sense. After all, sneakers are often marketed toward athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Not to mention, many ads for vibration plates show people training with shoes on. So, going barefoot may not seem like the intuitive answer to this question.
However, barefoot training does offer some distinct advantages.
In general, working out barefoot can help1:
- Increase stability and coordination
- Strengthen your feet
- Improve foot mobility
- Enhance sensory awareness
As it turns out, without the barrier of shoes, your body receives the full impact of the workout. This makes going barefoot during your workout an ideal option if you’re performing low-impact exercises or stability-improving exercises, like those you might perform on a vibration plate.2
The Benefits of Barefoot Vibration Training
The most notable benefits of barefoot vibration training include1:
- Enhanced feedback from the plate's surface which allows you to adjust your position and intensity better.
- Improved activation of small foot muscles that support balance and stability.
- Better circulation throughout the feet and lower legs due to direct contact with the vibrating surface.
Put simply, going shoeless on a vibration plate activates more muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the feet. These muscles affect balance, stability, and overall foot health. So, by using your vibration plate barefoot, you essentially give your feet their own little workout.
Waver Mini Vibration Plate
Turbo 3D Vibration Plate
Rhythm Vibration Plate
Hovert 3D Vibration Plate
Potential Risks of Going Barefoot
While barefoot training has its perks, it’s important to consider some potential drawbacks:
- At higher frequencies, slipping is possible, especially if your feet get sweaty during your workout.
- In shared or public gym settings, going barefoot might not be the most hygienic choice (i.e. not everyone wants to go barefoot where others have been training).
- You may not be used to barefoot workouts or struggle with balance or neuropathy. In this case, you may want to start with shoes and slowly transition to bare feet once you’re more used to the vibration plate. Learn more about vibration therapy for neuropathy in our blog.
Safety should always be your top priority during any workout session, so consider these potential concerns before you start your vibration plate training routine.
Considerations for Vibration Training with Shoes
Before you hop on your vibration plate with your favorite trainers, understand that shoes can dampen the vibrations of your plate, potentially reducing the effectiveness of your workout.
Different types of shoes may also affect your experience. For instance, running shoes with shock-absorbing soles may absorb the most beneficial vibrations, while thin-soled shoes may allow you to experience the full benefits.
Arch supports and orthotics that help you in your daily life may also work against you here, interfering with the vibration’s corrective benefits and limiting the natural strengthening of your foot muscles.
Recommended Approach
Ultimately, whether to wear shoes on your vibration plate depends on your workout environment and personal preference.
Here are our suggestions tailored to your unique workout experience:
- When using your personal vibration plate at home, try going barefoot to maximize the benefits of your training session. This way, you can fully experience the vibrations’ effect and guide your workout more intuitively.
- If you’re working out in a public space, opt for light, thin-soled athletic shoes that provide basic protection while minimizing interference with the vibrations.
- If you’re concerned about slipping, consider using an exercise mat for added grip and safety during your vibration training sessions.
Your footwear doesn’t solely determine the effectiveness of your vibration plate workout. If you practice consistency, learn proper form, and gradually challenge yourself as you progress, the results will show regardless of what’s on your feet.
Barefoot or With Shoes, Choose Lifepro Vibration Plates
Whether you go barefoot or wear sneakers during your training sessions, you should always take the time to assess your personal needs, comfort level, and workout goals. And remember, finding a quality vibration plate to support your fitness journey is the most important factor of all.
Lifepro vibration plates come equipped with all the settings and features you need to accommodate different training styles, budgets, and even space preferences. For more, check out our Lifepro vibration plate comparison guide.
If you want to maximize the benefits of your workouts with whole body vibration training, shop our collection of vibration plates today.
Sources:
- Very Well Fit. Working Out Barefoot: Pros and Conshttps://www.verywellfit.com/working-out-barefoot-6834637/
- Byrdie. Do You Need to Wear Shoes When You Workout? We Asked Experts.https://www.byrdie.com/do-you-need-to-wear-shoes-for-home-workouts-5116038
