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The Kitchen Table

Cheap comfy shoe alert

8 years ago

Yeah,yeah I know, you get what you pay for. But I am going to an introductory tai chi class next week and the instructor specified flat shoes with a rubber sole but not sneakers because they 'grip the ground'. (There is a whole list of what I think are decent rules including no perfume, and if one smokes one must change clothes prior to attending class, and he locks the doors after 15 minutes because he does not permit lateness).

I went to Walmart and found Earth Spirit Ballerina flats for about $16. Nice and comfy. Will they last? I don't know. And they don't have the support of my Nike's but Tai Chi does not sound like a high impact sport. They have more structure than slippers, I've been wearing them during the day because they are comfortable.

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Comments (4)

bleusblue2
8 years ago
Do you have a Chinatown there? They have these black canvas flats with a strap across, kind of like MaryJanes. But I think the ones you bought will be fine since they are comfortable. Tai Chi is not high impact.
lucillle thanked bleusblue2
eld6161
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I tried a Tai Chi class and everyone was wearing regular sneakers. It wasn't for me, I hope you enjoy it.

I like how your instructor closes the door. Although my yoga instructor shuts the door, basically for the quiet, a few times people have sprinkled in late.

Lucille, I have a small wide foot with a high arch. So difficult to find comfortable shoes. I have different levels of comfort in my shoes. Very few are good for keeping on all day to walk the dog, go to the store etc. So, I have lots of shoes, but each has its own purpose.
lucillle thanked eld6161
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lucillle
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I have actually found an online Tai Chi class on you tube and I am following it. So I may practice by myself for awhile before joining a group.

Eld that sounds wise, shoes like people can't please all the time for everything. These shoes I just bought would not work at all for any kind of higher impact sport or for miles of 'fast walking' but they are utterly comfortable in the house and going to the grocery store.
bleusblue2
8 years ago
Lucille -- I think the online class is a good idea. I took Tai Chi on advice of a naturopath but had no clue about it whatsoever. The class was confusing because several people clearly had experience with Tai Chi so rank beginners and clued in students together. Then we were encouraged to join the regulars on another night. That was negative too because there is a joint zen feeling in these sessions and real beginners were an interruption. Now I do Qi Gong -- I love it. You do it alone and standing in one position. I will probably try Tai Chi again now that I know something about the movements and the aim.
lucillle thanked bleusblue2

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