While I’m often showing you what I create or how I remodel, cook, sew, etc. I also share with you my health/learning journey in my Inspire project gallery. Without a doubt, my revelation on how to better my overall health as I near the 50-year-old marker, is one of the best investments I have ever made. Starting from the ground up, our feet carry us all day and deserve this attention. When’s the last time you sat and assessed those wonderful feet of yours? I have a FeelGrounds shoes review to inspire you to consider making some changes.

*post sponsored by FeelGrounds with all opinions my own (see disclosure here)

Why in the world am I talking about feet? Well, back a little over a year ago I set out to make huge changes for the better in my physical and mental health. You can read more in my Fit Over 40 blog post HERE. That then was the catalyst to learning about how my marriage affects my mental health. Then, followed by my barefoot journey beginning HERE. What a couple of years it has been!

NEXT CHAPTER

That brings me to today. I cannot say enough positive words about how switching from conventional shoes to barefoot/minimalist shoes has made a gigantic difference in my life. Not only the footwear but strengthening and allowing my feet to function and be the shape they are created to be. With a quick focus on you older folk… one of my goals was to avoid having hip or knee surgery as I age. I’ve noticed a scary enormous trend that people are having replacements far too often. That they need orthopedic inserts, etc. I did NOT want to follow that path.

With that being said, I invite you to go back to my original post for links to all sorts of resources to aid you in taking charge of your own health too. The absolute fun part of all of this is all the wonderful choices that are now available for foot function and fashion. eep! I will be blunt in saying that I love shoes. I’m sorta a fashion nut as you can tell by Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION projects.

So, you can imagine my elation I get to try FeelGrounds shoes for the first time. Not only do they have endless styles available, but they’re cute! Take a peek these Courtside Classic in Retro Beige.

First, as I mention in my video below, I was very hesitant to give vegan leather shoes a try. I typically prefer natural materials as I tend to sweat in the faux leather. However, I am greatly pleased to say that is not the case with these shoes. Not only are they comfortable, but after wearing them many days in summer weather, my feet did not suffocate.

Also, I’ve received compliments on them as I’ve paired them with many styles of outfits.

STRENGTH

As a sidenote, part of my strengthening in my weightlifting is doing wall sits… barefoot. I’ve never had such healthy feet and legs for balance and strength!

Take a gander at my foot change from my beginning point to current day. I have increased shoe size from 9 to 11. My toes are straightening and spacing out, my arches are strong, my metatarsals are freed up, and overall strength is huge now.

MOVIN’ UP

Now, what kind of mother would I be if I didn’t share this experience with my kids? Of course, I want my children to be their healthiest selves as well. While they are 90% in bare feet all year round since birth, I want their shoes to reflect good health. When shopping for shoes that enhance our foot function, I look for these features:

• wide toe box that allows for splay and suits the foot shape
• zero drop – no drop from heel to toe and no toe spring in the front
• thin outsole that allows for optimal ground-feel and foot function (the shoes featured here have 5mm stack height, which is fantastic)
• flexible to allow metatarsals, arch and toes to do their job correctly

Mr. O is my youngest son and gave the Courtside Mid in Retro Black a try. While he is not a baller in the basketball sense for high school like his mama, he is fantastic at tennis. For the record, I tried to start a tennis team at my old school – found a coach, had courts – but the school said football was their focus. ahem.

Take a peek at these smooth shoes! The low style I wear comes in 8 colors, while this mid style offers 4 color choices.

When off the court, Mr. O is stylin’ and has also had many questions from his teammates as they’ve seen him sporting toe socks and these shoes. So many are intrigued to learn that it’s exciting!

Can you believe I had a red and white pair like this when I played basketball back in the day?

PINK, I THINK

Next, you have to love these Highrise Luxe in Metallic Rose. When my youngest daughter picked these out, I had a hard time not getting a pair in my size. I actually had a pair of pink leather high-tops back in the 6th grade!

They’re soft, super flexible and yet have grip so she can keep her little active self moving.

TEEN LOVE

Last, but not least, you have to see these adorable Chelsea boots for our FeelGrounds shoes review. Like the previous shoes, these are also vegan leather, water-resistant, and also check all the barefoot shoes boxes. Although, keep in mind FeelGrounds offers sandals, sneakers, boots, and more.

This particular color is Sienna and goes with so many outfits like dresses, jean, slacks and more. Aren’t they sweet?

 

The tread on these is different than the sneakers giving it even more versatility. I mean, who doesn’t love the ease of a slip-on shoe?

I think I’ll be borrowing these in the near future. tee hee.

SHARE

Are you inspired yet? After this FeelGrounds shoes review my hope is that you have a renewed interest in how to better care for your body, including your foundation, your feet. Yes, you can increase strength, stability, movement for any age. There’s no need to allow ourselves to fall prey to certain nuances within the medical world. I’m here to say I feel and see the difference in my entire body. FeelGrounds shoes are a brand that allows me to be the best me and look good too.

FeelGrounds also have knit, canvas, leather and more. Check them all out HERE.

I invite you to share your own barefoot journey and tell me favorite FeelGrounds shoes. In addition, pin and share to inspire others too.

Before you go, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter because you don’t want to miss this month’s Trashy Treasures time with this headboard below.

Until next time!

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While you’re at it, here are inspiring posts for you like my FeelGrounds shoes review: