What’s On (or Off) Your Feet When You’re at the Spinning Wheel?

When it comes to spinning on the wheel, there are several options of footwear and each has its pros and cons. We asked a few spinners we know about their preferences.

Bare Feet

Most spinners I asked were grossed out by the idea of spinning barefoot. There seems to be an “ick” factor involved. In the summer I do spin barefoot. (It’s my wheel and my “ick.”) I also spin barefoot on my kick spindle, regardless of the season. Some prefer to wear shoes for added grip, but my kick spindle responds better to my uncovered feet.

Left: Elizabeth spins barefoot on her kick spindle. Right: Some prefer to wear shoes while they spin. Photos by George Boe

Shoes

Many handspinners don’t wear shoes when they spin. Shoes that have been walked in all day carry dirt and grit, which can make your treadles grimy and even scratch the wood. But when showing a new spinner how to spin yarn on your treasured spinning wheel, you face a conundrum: should you ask the student to wear shoes or no shoes? Most of the time, I ask them to remove their shoes. But when you’re demonstrating at a fiber event, that’s not always practical.

Many spinners prefer spinning with socks on their feet. Photo by Joe Coca

Socks

Wearing socks is the most popular choice for the spinners we polled. When wearing socks, I feel the energy from the wheel and I can make fine adjustments to help the wheel respond. Socks are reasonably clean and dry. Plus, feet often get cold. Handspun, handknitted socks are best, of course.

Treadle Covers

An optional spinning-wheel accessory that ranks high on many spinners’ most-wanted list, treadle covers offer protection from the dirt carried by shoes and prevent the barefoot “ick” factor. Plus, those made of sheeps’ fleece feel divine between your toes.

Of course, if you’re using a spindle or an electric spinning wheel, with or without a foot pedal, what’s on your feet may not matter so much unless you’re going for a stroll.

Elizabeth Prose is a former associate editor of Spin Off.

Originally published March 28, 2018; updated July 18, 2019; updated July 15, 2024.