Customer Stories

This story was submitted by Vicki Lovell.

My Background: From Nurse to Full-Time Dog Walker

I’m a 72-year-old Aussie woman and a retired nurse. During my nursing career, I saw so many elderly people suffer from falls—and many of them never recovered. It’s sadly common in aged care that someone passes away within six months of a serious fall. I’m determined not to be one of those people.

In 2020, I had a brain tumour removed—thankfully with no ongoing issues. I also have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic heart condition caused by a thickened septum pressing against the artery that carries oxygenated blood to the body. I have a small defibrillator implanted in my chest—it’s never gone off, thank goodness.

Now that I’m retired, I do a lot of dog sitting and walking for others. I can’t have one where I live, so I care for other people’s dogs and take them on daily walks.

A Life of Tripping, Slipping, and Fear of Falling

Being pigeon-toed meant I was always tripping over my own feet. Two years ago, I broke my ankle falling down some stairs. But even before that, I was already stumbling regularly. Getting older hasn’t helped.

I used to trip over things constantly—broke my nose, injured my knee, my arm—you name it. Simple things like walking, gardening, or even just moving around filled me with fear of falling again.

A Friend’s Recommendation That Changed Everything

One day, a friend and her naturopath son told me about SAGUARO shoes and how they wore them all the time. I trusted their advice and decided to try a pair. That was the start of something special.

I bought my first pair—the Free I Barefoot Shoes in purple. I remember paying 67 Australian dollars, which was much cheaper than any other shoes I used to buy, like Nikes and other expensive brands.

The First Steps: Comfort and Immediate Relief

As soon as I put them on, I felt the difference. My toes had room to move naturally—no pressure, no restriction. Just comfort. No blisters either, which I often got from new shoes.

SAGUARO became my all-time favourite shoes. Since wearing them, I haven’t had a single fall—even though I walk every day, often through deep sand at the beach and in shallow water.

Regaining Confidence and Joy in Everyday Life

Now that I wear only SAGUARO, I feel so much more confident in my balance. That makes walking the dogs, gardening, and other everyday activities far more enjoyable.

I’ve also started resistance weight training, which is helping me build strength and balance. Combined with the shoes, it’s made a huge difference in how steady and safe I feel moving through the world.

Goodbye to Traditional Shoes—For Good

Last weekend, I decluttered my wardrobe and gave away all my Nikes and other well-made, expensive shoes. I’ll never go back to regular shoes again. SAGUARO is all I wear now.

People often ask me about my shoes—especially at the beach or out walking. I happily tell them all about SAGUARO and why I’ll never wear anything else. I love the colour combinations too—others always compliment them!

As a Nurse, I Wish I’d Found Them Sooner

If SAGUARO had existed back when I was nursing—or if I’d known about them—I would’ve worn them every day to work. They’re supportive, safe, lightweight, and genuinely life-changing.

These shoes didn’t just make me feel safer—they gave me back my confidence, my freedom, and a life without fear of falling. That’s priceless.

P.S. I plan to buy a few more pairs soon—especially the water-friendly ones so I can take my friend’s dog for paddles at the beach. SAGUARO shoes are the best decision I’ve ever made. I recommend them to everyone—and of course, to myself!