Barefoot at the Gym? Don’t Be That Person

TL;DR — Wear Your Damn Shoes (Yes, Still)

• Bacteria? Bad.

• Flat shoes? Good.

• Respecting others? Always.

• Trying to squat barefoot because you saw a TikTok about “natural grounding”? Not today, Chad.

Let’s just rip the band-aid off: the gym is not your living room. You’re not at home with scented candles and fuzzy socks. You’re in a public space filled with heavy objects, sweaty people, and bacteria that could probably apply for citizenship by now. So why are we still having this conversation? Put. Your. Shoes. On.

The Hygiene Factor (Aka: Ew)

Look, unless your immune system was forged in Chernobyl, you probably want to avoid the petri dish that is a gym floor. Walking around barefoot—or worse, in socks—is basically giving your feet a big ol’ hug from bacteria, fungi, and who knows what else is hanging out near the squat rack.

Wearing shoes isn’t just about manners—it’s about avoiding fungus among us.

Shoes = barrier. Barrier = happy feet. Happy feet = fewer dermatology bills. Everyone wins.

The Stability & Safety Angle (AKA: Don’t Be the Guy Who Slipped Mid-Deadlift)

From a performance standpoint, wearing proper footwear is a no-brainer. Lifting barefoot might look “hardcore” on Instagram, but unless you’re prepping for a powerlifting meet or live in a forest, you’re better off with flat, stable shoes. Think Vans, Converse, or anything with a zero-drop sole.

And if you don’t have lifting shoes? Slide a couple of 2.5 lb or 5 lb plates under your heels. Boom—instant DIY hack. But honestly, if you're not chasing world records, stop overthinking it.

Just wear shoes. Good ones.

Comfort and Support Matter (Even If You’re Not Competing in the Olympics)

Most of us aren't elite athletes. And unless your name is on a protein powder label, you don’t need fancy gear—but you do need comfort and support. The right gym shoes can make a massive difference in how you feel during your workout. They provide cushioning, protect your joints, and reduce the chance of slipping or rolling your ankle while doing box jumps you probably shouldn’t be doing anyway.

In short: shoes won’t turn you into Superman, but they might stop you from becoming a cautionary tale.

Your Gym Is Not Your Zen Den

Would you walk barefoot into a restaurant bathroom? No? Then why are you doing it at the gym? It’s a shared space. Respect the people, the equipment, and the vibe.

Shoes keep machines cleaner, protect gym flooring, and signal that you’re not that person. You know, the one staff quietly glares at when they think no one’s watching.

Whether you're deadlifting, walking on the treadmill, or doing curls you’ll pretend are for “functional strength,” shoes belong on your feet. Not in your locker. Not in your bag. On. Your. Feet

Now go lace up and do the work—your gains (and everyone around you) will thank you.