Via Stockphoto / @nurseontwos TikTok

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The thing that sets Planet Fitness apart from any other gym is the fact that it’s home to the Judgement Free Zone. However, the exercise hotspot is being accused of not practicing what it preaches.

TikTok user @nurseontwos says he was turned away from Planet Fitness. Why? He says it’s because he was wearing Vibram FiveFingers shoes.

Booted For 5-Finger Shoes

In a viral video, which has amassed 1.7 million views, he began by saying that they kicked him out for wearing “vibrant five fingers” to the gym because, purportedly, they don’t count as sneakers.

However, @nurseontwos pointed out that he had been going to Planet Fitness gyms for 20 years, wearing the same shoes. He notes that it had never been a problem until now.

“I’ve never had a problem,” he reiterates. “But apparently they’re looking at the cameras now for once, and they see my sneakers, and they say that it’s a safety risk, a safety hazard.”

According to the Planet Fitness worker, the reason for this is that the shoes aren’t closed toe. Though the TikToker points out that the shoes have enclosed toes.

“So I’m not sure what the problem is,” he continues. “I’ve been wearing these sneakers for most of my life, most of my adult life—well over 20 years—I’ve never had an injury in them.”

“And in fact, wearing regular sneakers for me is a bit of a problem,” he adds. “So I understand that places have rules, but five fingers are meant to be a fitness sneaker, a running sneaker, and this is meant to be a gym where I should be able to do my fitness and my running.”

What Does Planet Fitness Say?

On its website, the Vibram FiveFinger shoes are branded as a “lightweight and breathable minimalist five toe shoes with a durable Vibram outsole.” The website features a whole gym line. However, Planet Fitness—or at least the specific worker who gave the TikToker the boot—may not deem them as appropriate athletic footwear.

According to the Planet Fitness website, “athletic footwear must be worn at all times.” The site then notes that “open-toed shoes or sandals pose a safety hazard for members working out.”

So, while the gym doesn’t technically ban five-finger sneakers, we can assume that Planet Fitness considers them a safety hazard. More broadly, the site says that “clothing that may present health or safety hazards or damage club equipment is not allowed.”

Viewers Are Split

In the comments, viewers seemed to support both sides. One commenter said, “I’ll never understand why a business would have to tell a grown man how to properly dress when that’s none of their business.” Another quipped, “I thought this was a judgement free zone.” A third opined, “Your feet are covered I don’t see the problem.”

Elsewhere, other viewers seemed to take the gym’s side. “It’s no different than going to a facility that requires steel toed boots,” one wrote. “I don’t whine and post a video because I want to wear my Vans. I wear what they require.”

“Well maybe because it’s more likely of you getting an injury wearing 5 finger shoes as to wearing regular tennis shoes,” another added. A third said this prompted them to look up the shoe. “I haven’t seen anyone wear those type to the gym,” they said. “Imagine if you drop a heavy dumbbell damn. They doing you a favor saving your toes my boy.”

The video has amassed 1.7 million views.

Vibram, @nurseontwos, and Planet Fitness didn’t immediately respond to BroBible’s request for comment.