From Work Boots to Barefoot: Embracing Change at 70 with Freet

At over 70 years old and with a career spent on his feet as a contractor, Mr Bishop wasn’t exactly looking to revolutionise his footwear. But thanks to a gentle nudge from his daughter – Barefoot Brit – he stepped into a new chapter of comfort, balance, and freedom with Freet Barefoot Shoes.

Before Freet, he wore sturdy Rockport boots – the kind of heavy-duty footwear you’d expect from someone used to hard work. But years of tightly structured shoes had taken a toll.

"I’ve always had issues with my feet,” he admits. “And my daughter suggested that barefoot shoes might offer some relief from my toes being cooped up inside my regular boots.”

 With that, Mr Bishop tried the Freet Tundra – a model that looked familiar but felt completely different. Its unstructured design and natural foot shape allowed him to
transition seamlessly – without fuss, soreness, or the adjustment period some new barefoot users report.

"I found that I did have to be more careful on rough ground, which I wasn’t used to. They’re easier to manage on smooth surfaces,” he shares.

 Yet over time, barefoot shoes became part of his daily routine – from gardening to housework. Even though he still slips on his old boots for safety when chopping wood, Mr Bishop now prefers the simplicity of barefoot shoes for most of the day.

"I suffer with vertigo, so the less time I need to bend down to apply my shoes or adjust them, the better,” he says. “I leave them on all day, and I wear my Freet Mooch as house shoes. They’re just much more comfortable.”

The benefits were both subtle and surprising. That persistent corn? Gone. And while Mr Bishop himself doesn’t focus much on posture or gait, his family has noticed a change.

 "I don’t personally notice anything, but my wife and daughters feel like I move better,” he notes.

 More recently, Mr Bishop grew curious about barefoot sandals, so Brit gifted him a pair of our Salcombe sandals to help keep his feet cool during warmer months.

These are already proving a favourite for casual walks. "I can walk around without my feet feeling trapped in shoes.”

 His favourite model of the three? Still the Tundra – rugged, reliable, and practical. "The Tundra are the most practical for me,” he confirms. “And I guess I don’t see myself purchasing regular shoes ever again.”

 For someone who values function over fashion, Mr Bishop is hopeful about the future of barefoot footwear – especially with a few tweaks.

"I’d love to see some with reinforced toes,” he suggests. “When I was working, function and longevity were important. Freet are excellent for longevity, but I’d love a barefoot version of a safety boot for gardening or chopping wood.”

And his advice to anyone considering barefoot shoes? "Buy some!” he says without hesitation.

At 70, Mr Bishop’s story is a testament to the idea that it's never too late to prioritise comfort, mobility, and well-being. His transition to barefoot shoes isn’t just about footwear – it’s about rediscovering ease, freedom, and feeling grounded in every step. 

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