From Broken Ankle to Barefoot Runner: I Didn’t See That Coming

On October 17, 2023, I broke and dislocated my ankle.Yep. Really went for it. It was one of those injuries that sidelines your body — and kind of your confidence — for a while.

At the time, running again felt like a distant maybe. But fast forward one and a half years, and I’m now running 2 to 3 km every other day — in barefoot sandals, sometimes in jean shorts and a t-shirt, and honestly? I’m loving it.

Rebuilding From the Ground Up

After the injury, I didn’t just want to heal — I wanted to rebuild smarter. I started focusing on foot strength and stability, which led me to explore barefoot shoes.

I wanted something that would help me move naturally and feel safe — especially on slippery rocks at the lake when I’m out with my kids. I wanted grip, freedom, and something that didn’t feel like my foot was trapped in a foam cage.

The Earthrunners Era

I’ve had my Earthrunners for two years now, slowly transitioning into barefoot-style footwear. After the injury, I began wearing them more intentionally — for walks, errands, everyday movement.

And eventually, I tried running in them.And it just... worked.

I Tried the Trendy Shoes First

Like a lot of people, I started with the “good” running shoes. I picked up a pair of OnClouds — all the cushion, all the hype. But they never felt right. My hips hurt. My stride felt off. And honestly, I didn’t feel like myself.

So I took a break. And when I came back, I did it my way — quietly, slowly, barefoot.

Me, My Sandals, and the Sunset

These days, my runs are simple. I don’t overthink. I don’t obsess over hydration schedules or step counts. I just go — me and my sandals — and I run how it feels good.

Sometimes it’s on the treadmill, sometimes it’s in jean shorts and a t-shirt, but my favorite runs are at sunset. That’s when everything feels a little softer. A little more like freedom.

I’m running 2 to 3km every other day, and in between, I bike ride daily with my kids and keep up with a gentle yoga practice that helps with mobility and calm.

This Is What Running Looks Like for Me

No personal bests. No racing. No pressure.Just a healed ankle, a pair of sandals, and the kind of joy that only comes from moving your body in a way that feels truly right.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to follow someone else’s path to be valid — whether it’s in fitness, healing, or life — here’s your reminder:

Your way is enough.

Your pace is enough.

Your comfort matters.

And whether you're in shoes, sandals, or bare feet — if you're out there showing up for yourself, you're doing something amazing.

Have you ever tried barefoot or minimalist running? I honestly didn’t expect to love it as much as I do — but it’s made such a difference in how my body feels. I’d love to hear how others have navigated returning to movement after an injury (or doing it in an unconventional way). What’s worked for you?