They’ve been designed for you by physiotherapists, and we’ve made them by hand from indestructible vegan leather.

But over time something shifted within me, a voice beckoning me to take off my shoes. It wasn’t until I started learning about how incredible the foot was that I found myself wanting to be barefoot more and more, even kicking off my hiking boots to hike, and eventually starting to run, barefoot on trails of all terrain.

So I say, free the foot! I wrote this book to share all that I have come to learn about the wonderful world of feet. Whether you want to learn about going barefoot full time, are interested in barefoot running, or simply want to develop a better relationship with your feet, this book was written to speak directly to your sole.

Biomechanist and author of Simple Steps to Foot Pain Relief, Katy Bowman offers walkers, runners, and health professionals alike clear, accessible lessons on how the shape of shoes can play a role in painful feet, knees, and hips―and what to do about it.

When we have painful feet and weak ankles it seems like stiff, supportive shoes are the answer, but this solution can be temporary, especially if our issues stem from foot and leg weakness. In short, humans come with great “foot technology,” we just need to learn how to use it.