Customer Stories

"I am free of orthotics, have no pain, and just completed a 27km hike."

For years, I squeezed my feet into tight shoes and relied on orthotics. It seemed normal, until 2023 when I developed plantar fasciitis in my left foot.

I'd had bunions for some time, but they weren't painful. The searing pain of plantar fasciitis, however, forced me to change how I walked. This new gait, in turn, made my previously harmless bunions start to ache.

My podiatrist's solution was a new orthotic to "stabilise my big toes."

But to me, that felt like the exact opposite of what I needed. More stabilization meant less natural movement. I felt I had to try a different path.

The Leap of Faith

My biggest initial challenge wasn't physical—it was psychological. I had to find the confidence to trust my own research over the advice of professionals. Friends questioned my decision, warning me, "You need more support and cushioning as you get older, not less!"

But as an active person who loves walking, cycling, and table tennis, the prospect of a life limited by foot pain was unthinkable. I began my own research, which led me to Katy Bowman's book, Whole Body Barefoot, and later to the invaluable resources on Anya's Reviews. This marked the beginning of my two-year transition to barefoot footwear.

The Journey of Relearning to Walk

I learned quickly that patience is key. At first, I went too fast, experiencing pain in my feet, calves, and nearly developing shin splints. I had to slow down.

The most profound challenge was relearning how to walk. We do it every day without thought, but now I had to consciously concentrate on each step, following the guidance and foot exercises from Katy Bowman's book. It was a humbling and challenging process.

The Remarkable Reward

Today, I can't stand shoes that constrict my toes. The positive changes have been incredible:

• Strength & Freedom: I love the feeling of movement and new-found strength in my toes.

• Natural Arch Support: My feet sit flatter on the ground, and by walking correctly, I've effectively built my own, strong arch.

• Better Balance & Grip: I feel more grounded and stable. I can rock scramble with better grip and flexibility.

• A Life Without Pain: I no longer wear orthotics—they actually hurt my feet now. The plantar fasciitis and bunion pain are gone.

The culmination of this journey was a recent, triumphant 27km, two-day hike in my Saguaro barefoot shoes. At 67, I feel stronger and more connected to my body than I have in years.

I am so proud that I listened to my intuition and gave my feet the freedom they deserved. I will never doubt myself again.

Start your own journey. You won't be disappointed.