Barefoot Revolution: A Day with Freet Footwear & The Foot Collective

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending an event co-hosted by Freet Footwear, a British barefoot shoe manufacturer, and The Walking Hub, an outdoor supplies shop located in Kington. The event brought together enthusiasts and experts in the barefoot movement, making it an ideal gathering for someone like me who is passionate about foot health and natural movement.

One of the highlights of the day was attending a foot health class led by Mishelle, a representative from The Foot Collective (TFC). TFC is an international network of accredited foot experts dedicated to promoting foot health and mobility. The session I joined in the afternoon was incredibly valuable and provided insights that will stay with me for a long time. As an advocate for barefoot shoes, it was both inspiring and affirming to connect with others who share my views on the current state of the fashion shoe industry.

During the class, we performed balance exercises using a piece of equipment designed by TFC called The Sole Mate. This simple yet sleek cork cylinder, which can be split into two parts, is designed to enhance foot and balance exercises. I found myself surprisingly adept at balancing, managing to stand on The Sole Mate for over a minute. However, when I closed my eyes, it became a whole new challenge. It was fascinating to realise how interconnected our sensory systems are and how much they rely on each other for full function. This experience vividly illustrated how footwear can impact everything from balance and toe function to arch motion and overall comfort—not to mention the effect on other joints such as the ankles, hips, and knees. The session was a game changer, and I’m eagerly looking forward to attending another TFC class. If you’re interested, you can learn more about TFC, book a local class, or purchase your own TFC Sole Mate on their website.

After the session, I had the opportunity to meet Sarah and Andy, the founders of Freet Footwear, at The Walking Hub shop. I tried on various models of their walking boots, with the Esk being my favourite due to its simplicity. I also tried the Mudee in the new design. It’s important to note that the footprint of the Freet Mudee hasn’t become any narrower; the toe area has simply been redesigned, without affecting the shape of the boot. I also tried the Impala, which is perfect for winter treks.

It was a delight to meet both Andy and Sarah and see them in their element, showcasing their designs in real life, on real feet! Their passion for their footwear is very evident, and I was thrilled to see how heavily involved they are in every detail of production—they regularly visit all their factories and have a strong relationship with their heads of production. Do check out all of the Freet range on their website here.

I’m looking forward to more collaboration with both The Foot Collective and Freet Footwear, so watch this space! If you’re interested in exploring more about foot health or trying out barefoot footwear, you can visit The Foot Collective and Freet Footwear through the links below. As a bonus, use my codes to get a discount on your purchase:

• The Foot Collective: Visit The Foot Collective and use the code BAREFOOTBRIT for a discount on classes and products.
• Freet Footwear: Check out Freet Footwear and use the code BAREFOOTBRIT10 to save 10% on your order.

These are my go-to resources for keeping my feet healthy and strong—happy exploring!

Brit 👣