This question gets asked a lot, and we understand where the frustration is coming from. Why should you not wear shoes on a trampoline?
If you’re just going on it for a few minutes, it shouldn’t be such a big deal, right? Well, no. It is a big deal, especially when a simple mistake could land you in the surgery room. There’s this thing called safety which seems to be absent in a lot of the youngsters’ minds.
Wearing shoes on trampolines is a BIG NO. It can ultimately cause severe injuries that may as well send you under the knife. But how can a seemingly fun activity such as this cause you pain just for wearing shoes? Let’s discuss this.
How Can Shoes Cause Injuries on Trampolines?
A few things come to my mind when I think of shoes on trampoline mats.
1. With Shoes, the Feet Are Not Always Flat
One of the issues I have with wearing shoes on trampoline mats is that when you land, you may not find your feet to be always flat. And trust me, if you don’t land flat on your feet, you’re waiting for a world of hurt.
When you’re wearing shoes, you lose the natural balance of your bare feet. You can use your toes to control your landing and grip the surface. So, any bad landing technique can easily result in a twisted ankle.
Most of the injuries that occurred on trampolines are minor, but that doesn’t rule out the possibility of major injuries such as dislocations or even broken limbs.
2. Shoelaces Are a Danger
How many times have you tripped over while walking because of the damn shoelaces? I bet you were pretty annoyed with yourself and your shoes. Luckily, tripping over when walking doesn’t cause a lot of trouble, however, what if you were running? Or jumping?
Yes, if the shoe laces are sticking out when you’re jumping on the trampoline, there’s a good chance that you’ll trip over during one of your landings.
And any experienced trampoline user will tell you how bad a bad landing can get!
Even the enclosure nets can’t help you. They will protect you from going over and falling from the mat. But there is no protection against injuries.
3. Damage to the Mat
Although this doesn’t relate to your health, it is something you should keep in mind. Your shoes can damage the mat, especially if it has metal studs underneath.
What Should You Wear on Your Feet on a Trampoline?
1. Barefoot Gives More Control
Have you seen the man who walks barefoot all the time? If you look at his feet, you’ll notice how wide and grippy it is. It’s because he is utilizing all of his vestibular capabilities.
While it’s not advisable to walk barefoot all the time, during activities such as running and trampoline bouncing, it gives a great level of natural balance.
2. Socks Are a Great Alternative
If you’re not ready to go barefoot yet, don’t worry. You can still take advantage of your vestibular functions by wearing socks. There are special socks made for this specific purpose sold as trampoline socks. They come with sticky grips that give you more balance.
Final Words
Why should you not wear shoes on a trampoline? If you value your health and want an injury-free life, safety comes first. It should be pretty clear to you now that shoes can prove to be detrimental to your ankles and knee joints when bouncing on a trampoline. And trust me, bouncing barefoot is more fun.
Last Updated on May 3, 2023
