Walking with Tracy Byrne, the barefoot podiatrist
The owner of Holistic Health Hackney on walking barefoot, how to do it safely and the common mistakes people make with their feet
“Walking allows me to spend time in nature, rolling with the ever-changing seasons.”
I met Tracy Byrne in 2020 when I went to her for help with severe foot pain that had left me limping instead of walking. My doctor told me that podiatry – the branch of medicine concerned with the lower limb, particularly the foot and ankle – might help. I searched for podiatrists in London and found that they mostly talked about foot-scanning machines and customised orthotic insoles.
Tracy’s take on podiatry is different. She challenges the traditional medical model by looking at the entire structure, not just the foot, offering her patients a fuller, and more lasting method of treatment.
She has over 25 years' clinical experience and an impressive postgraduate training log – specialising in the study of infant foot development, biomechanics and human movement. She’s also committed to the early prevention of foot issues, having seen first hand the damage and suffering caused by poor footwear choices.
But what really stood out for me is that Tracy’s a keen barefoot walker, and promotes this practice.
She’s worked as the key research and development podiatrist for brands like Vivobarefoot, Skeanie and Bobux, and London startup Zig & Star. And she regularly consults with design teams to create the healthiest shoes possible for children.
She’s also the reason why I switched to minimalist, barefoot shoes and why my feet now feel stronger and healthier than ever before, and are able to carry me on long hikes without any pain. Needless to say, I’m a big fan, so I felt really honoured when she agreed to chat with me for The Writer’s Walk.
Hi Tracy, thanks for taking time out of your busy day to chat with me. Please can you give our readers a quick intro?
I’m Tracy Byrne, London-born to Irish parents. I’m a podiatrist, married to Raymond, mother of two teenage girls, an adorable sausage dog, and a very grumpy cat. I live in, and love, the countryside. My passions are many and varied, so in no particular order (I hope) my children and husband, spinning on the Peloton, working in my garden, and lifting heavy weights to clear my mind, keep me strong and protect my bone health as I hurtle towards menopause and middle age. Walking, cycling, reading, cooking from scratch, and pretty pens and stationery are also big features of my life!
In 2008 I took over Holistic Health – a health clinic in Hackney – where we offer 30 types of treatments, from acupuncture, massage and reflexology to hypnotherapy, nutritional advice and, of course, podiatry.
How did you get into podiatry – what attracted you to it?
After suffering a fractured pelvis whilst serving in the armed forces, I became fascinated/obsessed with rehabilitation and the power of the body to heal and adapt. This led me to podiatry which allows me to guide my patients to better understanding of the body and its ability to carry us.
You take a fairly radical approach to foot health, which goes against what many other podiatrists do. Can you tell me a bit more about that – your approach, why it’s different from the more traditional approaches to podiatry, and how it helps people?
My philosophy has always been to look at the obvious first, treat the person and not just the injury or pathology. Instead of fixing the presenting problem, I try to unpick the cause, which can be as simple as crossing your legs all day long, or maybe working from home sitting on a couch rather than a good desk/chair set up. My aim is to educate my patients so that they have the tools they need to ensure they live pain free and move more.
Why is paying attention to our foot health so important?
Our feet have so many important functions such as shock absorption, balance, proprioception and carrying us around, so they need to be looked after and understood. Keeping our feet supple and constantly stretched will help to prevent bony abnormalities, such as bunions, from developing and/or worsening.
What’s the most common mistake people make with their feet, and how can they prevent/stop it?
Not understanding how important the shape of the shoe is to the overall health and comfort of our feet.
Not drying feet properly or at all, leading to fungal infections.
Cutting down the side of the nails to treat ingrowing nails – STOP!
Not stretching the feet daily.
You’re a keen barefoot walker – does that mean stripping off your socks and shoes and going literally barefoot, or do you mean you prefer barefoot footwear over regular footwear?
Where safe I go barefoot, and when not safe or hygienic to do so I wear shoes with minimal materials between my foot and the ground. At home I’m always barefoot for comfort and hygiene.
What’s the difference between regular footwear and barefoot footwear?
Most regular footwear has an element of padding, particularly at the heel. Barefoot or minimalist shoes tend to have a very low profile with minimal materials at the sole of the shoe. They’re flat, flexible and have a wide toe box to match the natural shape of your feet and to give your toes more room to move.
There are many types of barefoot shoe. This does not make one shoe better than another and not everyone suits all shoe types. So it’s important to note that minimalist type shoes do not suit everyone and there are lots of things to consider before transitioning from a cushioned shoe to something flatter.
Making that transition from ‘traditional’ shoes to minimalist footwear needs to be taken slowly. How can people approach a barefoot walk in terms of foot health, strength, safety and enjoyment?
Before you start out, make sure to get advice about your general foot health, previous injuries, weight, and so on. Start slowly to allow your body to get used to this new way of moving – and listen to your body as you go. Check that there are no hazards in the area you intend to walk in – your own garden, a park or beach are great places to start!
How did you get into walking?
My Dad was a keen walker and as a child we walked everywhere. Then I completed The National Three Peaks challenge in September 2017 and that really propelled my love of walking.
How would you describe your walking style?
Happy Hiker
Reluctant Rambler
Sunday Stroller
Wild Weekender
I’d say I’m both a Happy Hiker and a Wild Weekender.
Tell me about the best, weirdest or funniest walk you’ve ever done.
Three Peaks no question – the hardest but most rewarding challenge.
What role does walking play in your life and work?
Walking allows me breathing space away from the day-to-day of running several businesses and managing a busy family and household. It also allows me to spend time in nature, rolling with the ever-changing seasons.
When you’re out walking is it headphones or head in the clouds?
Head in the clouds, listening to the birds.
If you could take a walk with anyone, real or fictional, alive or gone, who would it be? And why?
My Dad who died in 2019 after a short illness – he had an aggressive brain tumour. He was so funny and kind, and great fun to walk with!
One word round
One word to describe your work?
FulfillingOne word to describe how you feel about walking?
ExcitedOne word to describe how you feel about going barefoot?
Happy
Thanks for chatting with me, Tracy. It’s been great hearing about your journey into healing, podiatry and your holistic approach to health.
When she’s not walking in nature, listening to the birds, you’ll find Tracy at Holistic Health, her clinic in Hackney or sharing health tips on Instagram and Facebook.
Happy (barefoot) walking until next time,
Sarah