NaPodPoMo 2024 – Day 10 – Walking My Own Path: Rediscovering Strength Through Barefoot Shoes

Welcome back to RadicalRx, the podcast where we explore radical wellness and living life to the fullest. I'm your host, Ellen K. Martin. 

Today, I want to dive into a topic that's close to my heart—and my feet! We're talking about barefoot and zero-drop shoes, and my recent choice to try a pair with a bit more cushion. Why? Because sometimes, finding that right balance is a journey in itself.

I actually started wearing Xero shoes, named for their zero-drop construction, back in January 2019. At the time, my feet were so painful that I was willing to try just about anything. So I took a leap and bought a pair—minimalist, no support, just a thin sole connecting me to the ground.

Everyone around me thought I was crazy! They’d say, ‘You’re wearing shoes with no support? That can’t be good for you!’ But I noticed something interesting: over time, my feet began to get stronger, and my foot pain gradually started to fade. It was such an eye-opener. 

This experience taught me a powerful lesson about trusting our bodies and giving them the chance to adapt and heal in ways we might not expect.

The problem is, the medication I’m on now causes a lot of edema and pain in my legs and feet, and the lack of cushion in the shoes was starting to take a toll. 

When I went on the speaker's cruise in September, I wore my usual barefoot shoes and sandals. Despite adding extra padded insoles, it wasn't quite enough for the hard surfaces of the airport and cruise ship and my feet ached terribly. 

As I was preparing for the Podcasters Cruise in October, I knew I’d need extra support for my legs and feet. My doctor referred me to get fitted for compression socks, As I was preparing for the Podcasters Cruise in October, I knew I’d need extra support for my legs and feet. My doctor referred me to get fitted for compression socks, but first I had to do an ultrasound to make sure I didn’t have any blog clots waiting to break loose and kill me! 

The ultrasound went well, and I headed to the Prosthetics department to get fitted for the socks. When I arrived, the 2 men at the reception desk rudely told me that they couldn’t help me because it was after 11am and I would have to come back in the morning. I understood why they didn’t want to fit me that day, but they didn’t have to be so rude about it!  It’s a 45 minute drive each way to go to the Cleveland VA, and I wasn’t happy about having to go back when I was already stressed out over trying to get packed in time for the cruise.

It turns out that everything worked out for the best, though. The next day at the VA in Canton, I met a compassionate technician who really took her time to ensure the fit was just right. Our conversation even turned to barefoot shoes, and she recommended another type that could work for me. It reminded me that compassionate care can make a world of difference, especially when we take an active role in advocating for what we need.

With just two days to break in a new pair of shoes, I was a bit nervous.

But these shoes, with their moderate cushioning, were a game-changer. 

They provided just the right amount of support for long walks through the airport and on the hard cruise ship decks, and even got me through a 90-minute tour in Costa Maya! 

These new shoes struck a great balance, offering me stability without squishing my toes and making my feet feel like they were bound up!

Especially for those who’ve been wearing minimalist shoes, it's interesting how the right shoe can provide just enough support without feeling like you're losing that natural connection.

In today’s episode, we've explored the nuances of barefoot and zero-drop shoes, the importance of finding balance, and the benefits of self-advocacy in healthcare. It’s about embracing a journey that keeps us connected to ourselves, from the ground up. Finding what works for your body isn’t always straightforward, but sometimes, trying something unconventional can lead to the biggest breakthroughs!

Thanks for joining me on this journey. 

I’m about 1/3 of the way through my 30 days of Podcast posts for NaPodPoMo!  Tomorrow is Veteran’s Day, and I’ll be making an important announcement about a new program for veterans with breast cancer, so be sure to catch the next episode!

Take care, and until next time, don’t forget to breathe!