How My 73-Year-Old Dad Transitioned to Barefoot Shoes and Found Comfort
Many people assume that as you get older, comfort and mobility are just things you have to compromise on. However, my dad’s journey with barefoot shoes proves that it’s never too late to make a positive change for your health and well-being. At 73, after years of wearing stiff, restrictive boots, he transitioned to barefoot shoes — and the results were astonishing.
This article contains affiliate links.
From Boots to Barefoot: The Beginning of His Journey
For his entire life, my dad swore by his heavy boots. He thought they were providing the necessary support, but like many, he didn’t realise how much they were restricting his natural foot movement. As a consequence, his toes have become very stiff, he has poor circulation, and often complained of feeling unbalanced. His feet have literally become shoe-shaped.
I have memories of being a child on the beach in the summer, and my dad would be wearing his swimming trunks and Rockports!! I might try and dig out a pic, but here’s a more recent one where you can see he has thick black boots on during a very warm summer’s day!
After listening to me talking about Barefoot Shoes for over 7 years, in May 2024, I presented to him some Freet Tundra barefoot shoes — they were wide, flat, and flexible, exactly what his feet needed. The reason I chose these is because I know Freet to be a great brand for those with wide, square feet, and this specific model visually matches the kind of leather boots he’s always been used to.
At first, he was skeptical. The Tundra’s minimalist design felt so different from the bulky boots he was used to. But after a couple of weeks of wearing them for everyday activities, my dad noticed subtle changes: he felt more grounded, more balanced, and less fatigued.
“I felt like I could walk longer without getting tired. And I could actually feel the ground beneath me for the first time in years.”
It wasn’t an immediate, dramatic shift, but the positive effects were undeniable.
The Summer of 2024: Experimenting with Budget Barefoot Shoes
After his success with the Freet Tundra, my dad wanted to experiment with another, more affordable option. In the summer of 2024, he picked up a pair of budget barefoot shoes from Amazon. Though they weren’t top-of-the-line, they were lightweight, flexible, and a step closer to the barefoot feel.
Despite the price, he found these shoes surprisingly comfortable. They weren’t as stylish as the Freet Tundra, but they worked for everyday use.
“They weren’t as fancy, but I could feel the difference in how my feet were moving. I didn’t feel as stiff, and I felt safer walking.”
These Amazon shoes marked a point of no return for him; he was hooked on barefoot shoes. After wearing them on holiday, he now wears the cheap ones as a type of house shoe or slipper now.
December 2024: Upgrading to Freet Mooch
By December 2024, it was clear my dad was fully embracing the barefoot shoe lifestyle. Since he only had 2 pairs, he did occasionally need to wear his regular shoes, but he wasn’t happy about doing so. So, for Christmas, I gifted him Freet Mooch shoes. These were a step up, with a sleek design, better materials, and more support than the cheaper Amazon shoes.
He instantly liked them. The more premium materials made them feel even more comfortable for longer periods of wear.
“These Mooch shoes are fantastic. I can wear them all day without any discomfort, and they feel even more flexible than the first pair.”
Now, the Freet Mooch became his everyday choice for everything from errands to walks. He was a convert to barefoot shoes — no turning back.
April 2025: His New Barefoot Sandals
Fast forward to April 2025, and my dad’s been asking about barefoot sandals. So, I helped him find a pair of sandals that would keep his feet cool for the warmer months while still allowing for that barefoot feel. I presented to him the Freet Salcombe; their new “Birkenstock” like model for spring/summer 2025.
He’s already talking about the difference they make: less constriction, more freedom. The sandals are now his go-to choice for everything from casual walks to around-the-house wear.
“I can walk around without my feet feeling trapped in shoes.”
These sandals are just the latest addition to his barefoot shoe collection, and he’s thoroughly convinced barefoot shoes are the way forward for people of any age.
Why Barefoot Shoes Work for Older Adults
My dad’s feet, ruined by a lifetime of hard, tapered leather boots have been a root cause of his multiple mobility issues. He was prescribed orthotic insoles when he was 8 years old as he presented with low/flat arches. This is extremely common and in many cases, absolutely unnecessary. Orthotics should only be used as a temporary measure – but podiatrists rarely advise a short term course of such support. When you restrict toes and the arch, the foot stops working correctly, which has a knock-on effect right the way up the mobility system.
He now suffers with many joint issues and a poor walking gait. While barefoot shoes are definitely offering him freedom, the biggest take-away from this story is that prevention is always key. Humans should ALWAYS be wearing shoes that respect the natural shape and function of their feet; otherwise, we exert limitations on ourselves or build a heavy reliance on external support.
My father’s mobility is quite poor, and he also suffers with vertigo. Because of this, doing foot-focussed exercise or applying toe spacers are very, very difficult things for him. If it was within his current ability to do this, I would definitely be encouraging him to apply toe spacers, like these Wild Toes from The Foot Collective.
In addition, TFC sell a range of items that can seriously help foot and ankle mobility, such as the SoleMate.
If you have some foot mobility options and would like to look at an alternative course of action instead of relying on external support that may have been prescribed to you, take ownership of your own foot health and consider taking the Foot Restoration Program from The Foot Collective.
You can get 15% off with my code: BAREFOOTBRIT.
Looking back on my dad’s transition to barefoot shoes, there are several key takeaways:
- Improved Balance and Stability – Wearing barefoot shoes helped my dad feel more connected to the ground, improving his balance and confidence.
- Increased Foot Flexibility – After years of wearing restrictive footwear, he noticed his toes became more mobile, and his feet were no longer stiff and cramped.
- More Comfort – He found barefoot shoes more comfortable than the heavy boots he used to wear. This has made a huge difference in his day-to-day quality of life.
For anyone, especially older adults, considering a switch to barefoot shoes, my dad’s experience proves that it’s never too late to make a change. Whether for better balance, less foot pain, or simply more comfort, barefoot shoes are a viable option at any age.
Conclusion: It’s Never Too Late for Barefoot Shoes
My dad’s journey is proof that it’s never too late to prioritise foot health. While he had his doubts at first, today he’s a true believer in barefoot shoes, and he’s glad he made the switch. Whether you’re in your 30s or 70s, there’s a pair of barefoot shoes out there for you. If my dad can do it, so can you.
If you’re thinking about trying barefoot shoes for yourself or for an older relative, start with a pair that suits your needs, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Check out my barefoot shoe recommendations, including options like the Freet Tundra and Mooch, that helped my dad reclaim comfort and mobility. Feel free to reach out for more help!
Brit 👣
