Because my Tasman UGG slippers DO have heels. 

As someone who avidly despises the cramped and awful odor-filled Dodge, I find the new LeFrak Fitness Center to be a game changer in terms of making my lifts enjoyable. Since I’ve been working out for a few years and love routine, I’ve gotten accustomed to the outfits I wear for specific days of my split. Unless I’m also doing cardio, my go-to fit for upper body days is the sweats and slippers combo. While this outfit isn’t totally universal, I argue that it is pretty standard for long-time lifters who understand the need to prioritize comfort. 

With this said, my comfort has been recently thrown out the window. I am no longer able to wear my dear UGG Tasmans to LeFrak—a policy that ignites a deep rage inside me every time I lace up my sneakers on push or pull days. Why is this restriction in place? The no open-toed shoe policy. I, along with my other slipper-loving friends, have been told to leave the gym mid-workout because we “violated” this rule. 

But, Sophie, Tasmans are closed-toed shoes! Why can’t you still wear them?

GREAT point. In fact, I asked this very question when I was kicked out the first time. The response I got was that there was no backing or heel to my shoe. I turned around, pointed at my heel fully covered by the Tasman, and argued, “Look! They do have a heel!” This did not fly. 

I understand that the policy is in place for safety reasons and whatnot, but actually enforcing it? Seriously? Over at sweaty Dodge, I see UGGs, slides, Crocs, you name it! All the open-toed and backless shoes you could imagine, and no penalty for them. I can definitely handle myself and won’t be dropping any weights on my toes. If I do, then okay, it’s on me. I take full responsibility! No liability waiver needed! My friend was wearing her Onitsuka Tigers that day and pointed out that her shoes had LESS padding than mine, yet she got to continue her workout in peace while I wasn’t even able to finish up my set. Preposterous. 

In addition to wearing UGGs on upper body days, I like to take off my shoes for specific exercises like Bulgarian split squats on leg days. This method allows for maximum comfort and flexibility, and is also used by many regular lifters. If I’m outing myself, I still take my shoes off for these exercises if I think I can get away with it. I have seen other Barnard students do the same—our subtle protest of the outrageous policy. (If the LeFrak Fitness Center supervisor is reading this, I am just kidding! This is all satire). 

It seems as though we are trapped in a bizarre parallel universe where my plush, heel-possessing Tasmans are deemed hazardous while paper-thin sneakers get the green light. The next time you are ejected mid-rep from the gym for your footwear crimes, take solace in knowing you’re not alone. Maybe this hate letter is the first step of a cozy-footed revolution against the absurd crusade against comfort.