From Ballet Toe Shoes to Rocky Skates to Wrestling Shoes to Barefoot Freedom
When I ordered my Adidas HVC Wrestling Shoes, I was excited. They arrived in just two days (thanks, Amazon!) and I was ready to lace them up, break them in, and step confidently onto the mats in January 2025. But as soon as I slipped them on, the excitement turned to disappointment. They were incredibly narrow—like Bronx-tenement-hallway narrow. My arthritic feet practically screamed, “Are you kidding us?” The toe box (the front part of the shoe) was so tight it felt like my toes were being held hostage. Cue the flashbacks.
The “Rocky” Skate Boot Flashback
This shoe debacle took me straight back to my Starlight Express days. For those who don’t know, I spent years performing in this show—on skates. Our costume designer, along with the skate coach, decided we’d use Lonsdale boxing boots with Snyder skate plates bolted to the soles. They looked cool, sure, but they were TIGHT. My feet were squeezed into those boots every single night, performing high-energy stunts and leaps. When you’re in your 20s, you push through the discomfort. The show must go on, right?
And let’s not forget my ballet days. My teacher, determined to strengthen my “point,” put me in toe shoes. While the effort paid off, it also took a toll on my feet. Between the tight boxing boots, the punishing toe shoes, and a lifetime of intense physical performance, it’s no wonder my feet are now a bit… particular.
Goodbye Adidas, Hello Barefoot
Back to the Adidas shoes. They were returned faster than you can say “toe box.” No hard feelings—they’re great shoes if you have narrow feet, but for my wide-toed, Bronx-ballet-skating-hip-replaced feet? Absolutely not.
Enter my physical therapists, Troy and Brooke from Restore. After hearing about my shoe saga, they suggested I look into barefoot shoes. Intrigued, I went searching and found the Men’s Wide Toe Box Barefoot & Minimalist Shoes | Zero Drop Sole. These shoes are designed to let your toes spread naturally and move freely. No pinching, no cramming—just pure, unrestricted freedom.
I ordered them immediately. (Amazon, don’t let me down!) You can check them out for yourself here: Men’s Wide Toe Box Barefoot & Minimalist Shoes | Zero Drop Sole.
Lessons Learned
This experience reminded me of a simple truth: you have to listen to your body. For years, I’ve pushed through discomfort, but as I approach 64 years old, it’s all about resilience and adaptation. My feet have been through enough—combat boots, toe shoes, skate boots, and now arthritis. It’s time to give them the respect and care they deserve.
For those of you joining me on the mats in January (remember, 30 days of free martial arts training!), take this advice to heart. Whether you choose barefoot training, minimalist shoes, or wrestling shoes, make sure your choice works for you. Your feet are the foundation of everything we do, and taking care of them is essential to staying active and strong.
Stay Tuned
I’ll be sharing updates on how these barefoot shoes work out for me, so stay tuned. And if you’ve found your own perfect training shoe, I’d love to hear about it. Drop a comment or shoot me a message—let’s talk feet, resilience, and living strong.
See you on the mats soon, my friends. And remember, if the shoe doesn’t fit… send it back. 😊
