Coaches Gymnastics Shoes

[blantonnick]

To be honest I never used gym shoes but was wondering if they actually make any difference? I think barefoot on floor and vault is the most effective but was wondering if anyone knows the real reason gym shoes were invented...
My guess, someone in a gym with no heater wanted shoes on their feet with grip...

 

[jasmine196]

My guess is that back in the day the beams were not covered, the floors were harder etc. They just protected the feet. Now a days you hardly see anyone wearing shoes. I know I wore them as a gymnast, I still can't do beam without them.