Is it necessary to use the Feiyue shoes for wushu?

Question

I always wear the Feiyue Lo shoes (http://www.feiyue-shoes.com/images/produits/G/2.jpg) for wushu practice, and my mom tells me they're not good because the rubbery part on the bottom is too round and causes her to lose balance. Instead, she wears these flat bottom shoes from Wal Mart. My concern is that her flat bottom shoes may cause her to twist her ankle.

Then when someone commented on my YouTube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN1LH82Ps_A) about the Feiyue shoes, she came across this question: "I don't have the feiyue shoes. Does it really make any differences? I've tried the feiyue shoes before, and I had a hard time balancing with that shoes."

So actually, this is really her question, not mine. But I think the Feiyue shoes are just fine. Aren't they supposed to be round on the bottom to prevent injury?

Answer 1

I used to practice in flattops, Its how most shoes are made, thus we are used to them. Upon using the feiyue shoes, a sense of balance can sometimes be disturbed because we are simply not used to the shoes design. But, from my experience, Feiyues have pros and cons. The pros being, they are light, flexible, and cheap, But,since they are so thin, your feet can get tired in them. And the traction on them is sometimes to heavy, and can cause knee problems.Feiyues also arent very "supporting" . But, I still like feiyue and use them

YOur mom might need a more supporting shoe like "tiger claw" company makes. Ive used them ,and thought they were great along side feiyue. Check out www.martialartsmart.net and search for footwear. THe company is based in TN and california. So shipping should be convienent.

  

Answer 2

It's pretty dangerous to use flat bottoms for the reason you mentioned, I haven't noticed any significant differences between Wushu shoes for me, other than comfort, the balance doesn't matter much in Wushu because you're in the air or running most of the time during a taolu, the round shoes make sure that your landings aren't painful, when you have flat bottom shoes, it causes more shock... I have a pretty bad sense of balance but I haven't had that much trouble keeping my balance with rounded wushu shoes before.... anyways, back to the point, I think you're not going to find any difference in shoes balance wise because most of the time, the soles are the same, just make sure your mom gets some Wushu shoes before she kills her ankles.