★★★★★

“I am a 68 year old male, diagnosed with Type II diabetes 14 years ago. Throughout my life I have had foot issues, first because of having flat feet, then later because of diabetes. I bought numerous off-the-shelf insoles in an attempt to ease the foot pain Iʼve experienced much of my life due to persistent issues with plantar fasciitis. Finally, I tried podiatrist-prescribed shoe inserts that I wore for approximately two years; however, my foot issues continued. It felt like I was wearing thick braces for my feet. I continued to have plantar muscle issues. I also found it difficult to buy shoes that would work well with the thick inserts. I was at my witʼs end. Then I heard about Barefoot Science.

Roger McBee

Wimberley, Texas

★★★★★

As a 39 year old mother of two boys and with a busy career, I have often wondered and worried about my foot health. The custom orthotics seemed to be a kind of answer when it came to straightening my ankle and reducing some of the pain caused by this misalignment, but the side effects of positioning my feet in the hard orthotics actually increased the numbness, lack of circulation and muscle atrophy that the neuropathy was already causing. (Not to mention the need to purchase expensive, wide-fitting and not necessarily attractive shoes that could accommodate the orthotic.)

The experience of wearing the Barefoot insoles has been not only eye-opening, but foot changing. Within the first hour of having the insoles in my shoes – at level one of course – I began having more feeling in my feet than I’ve had for a very long time. My feet felt good – in fact they were beginning to feel warm.

It really was amazing. The other things that have surprised me now that I’ve worn them for two years, are the fact that they are extremely comfortable – providing cushioning to my feet which can be tender, they have not – as I was afraid they might – caused my ankle to turn or be painful. In fact, my ankles, legs, knees and hips feel great – not unsupported.

I wear my Barefoot Science insoles in my shoes every day, but I can now also spend time barefoot and in shoes – such as summer sandals – without them and not have the painful, swollen ankles and sore feet that I used to get when not wearing shoes with my orthotics. Obviously the “foot strengthening” promise is true.

Lastly, I have gained some mobility back. I could not, for example, curl the toes on my left foot without causing a massive cramp in my foot or calf – and sometimes I couldn’t really move them at all. I can curl my toes any time I want to now.

It’s amazing what you will learn to live with because you’ve been told that it’s the best solution – or only solution. In hindsight, I’m somewhat incredulous that I could accept the side effects of my custom orthotics as okay. As a diabetic you are constantly told not to wear things that are too tight, that cut off circulation or that don’t allow freedom of movement. So why is it acceptable to put our feet into hard, molded orthotics that do all of the things we’re not supposed to?

My feet are integral to carrying me through life and I don’t want to lose them to amputation. Particularly if you are a diabetic – and even if you’re not – I urge you to see the amazing difference the Barefoot Science inserts will make to your mobility.”

Sarah Wilkins