Why don't gymnasts have to wear shoes? All other indoor sports wear footwear, why not them?

Question

Why don't gymnasts have to wear shoes? All other indoor sports wear footwear, why not them?

Answer 1

My guess is that they're better able to feel the ground/balance beam.  If they have shoes on, they wouldn't be able to know exactly where their feet are on the beam, which can be devastating.  Also, gymnastics as an artistic element to it, and the pointed feet adds to it just like in ballet, but they don't need hard, leather pointe shoes).  

Answer 2

bulky tennis shoes could make them heavy and awkward.  Can you imagine them trying to perform an uneven bars routine with reeboks?  Also, they cannot grip their toes and feet around the beam.  Additionally, toes being pointed is a must in gymnastics.  That becomes more difficult with shoes and judges would have a more difficult time seeing if gymnasts had done this.

Answer 3

They can connect to the floor/vault/beam better. Same reason that ballet shoes have now been mostly replaced with very thin canvas.

I haven't used leather ballet shoes in almost 18 years, hahahaha. People don't wear those anymore.

Answer 4

Because all parts of the feet, including the toes, are used for balance and grip. Shoes would make them clumsy.