Dr. Anne Sharkey, DPM Paid partnership with Flux
Board-certified podiatrist · Founder, Solely Podiatry
Bare facts on Barefoot shoes.
Change your footwear, not your feet.
Flux Footwear uses a barefoot-style design which means our shoes have a:
- Zero drop for a natural foot position
- Wide toe box shaped to fit your feet
- Thin & flexible sole so you can feel the ground
- Lightweight construction so feet can move freely
Paid partnership: Dr. Anne Sharkey is compensated by Flux Footwear for this content. Her opinions are her own.
Free your Feet.
Let feet function naturally.
Changing from traditional shoes to barefoot-style shoes should be done gradually over the course of three months. The transition can lead to:
- Stronger intrinsic foot muscles
- Improved proprioception and balance
- Better posture and reduced back pain
- Reduced risk of certain overuse injuries
- Improved toe alignment
Why Dr. Anne picks the Adapt Trail Runner
“These shoes are great for all of my favorite activities like hiking and gardening. I love the deep tread pattern and the wide toe box is perfection.”Dr. Anne Sharkey, DPM

Dr. Anne's Barefoot Shoe Pick
Adapt Trail Runner
Best For: Trail Running, Hiking, Outdoor Adventure
Use your HSA/FSA to save.
Choose Truemed at checkout.
- Free Shipping $80+
- Free Returns
- 1-Year Guarantee
- HSA/FSA-Eligible
Paid partnership: Dr. Anne Sharkey is compensated by Flux Footwear for this content. Her opinions are her own.
Meet Dr. Anne Sharkey
Follow her Foot-First Philosophy
Dr. Anne Sharkey is a board-certified podiatrist (DPM) with over a decade of foot and ankle care experience. She's the founder of Solely Podiatry and Solely Nails in Cedar Park, Texas. Her guidance has appeared in Women's Health, Forbes, TODAY, People, SHAPE, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, and Runner's World.
Board-certified podiatrist · Founder, Solely Podiatry & Solely Nails, Cedar Park, TX
Transition Tips
Small steps to stronger feet.
Barefoot footwear is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it can be a tool for strengthening the muscles of the foot and supporting arch function, shock absorption, and alignment.
Real Flux Fan Reviews
Questions
Before you lace up.
Sizing, switching and the fine print.
How does the Adapt Trail Runner fit?
It runs small, so size up by ½ for the best fit. Most colorways come in men's M5 to M13 (women's W6.5 to W14.5).
Not sure? Exchanges are free, so you can swap sizes at no cost.
I've worn cushioned shoes for years. How do I switch?
Go gradually, over about three months. Start by wearing barefoot footwear 5% of your week. If you're pain free, increase your weekly wear time by 10% at a time, so the muscles, ligaments and tendons in your feet have time to adapt.
If you have pain, an injury or a preexisting foot condition, talk to a qualified clinician about how to progress.
Can I use my HSA or FSA?
Yes. Flux is HSA/FSA eligible through Truemed, which Flux says saves shoppers an average of 30%. Choose Truemed at checkout to see if you qualify.
Shipping, returns and warranty
Shipping is free on domestic orders of $80+. Returns and exchanges are free too (clearance items, apparel and accessories excluded).
The Adapt Guarantee: “If you believe there is a manufacturing defect within 1 year of your original purchase, we'll replace the product free of charge.”
Is Dr. Anne paid to recommend Flux?
Paid partnership: Dr. Anne Sharkey is compensated by Flux Footwear for this content. Her opinions are her own. Nothing on this page is medical advice. Individual results vary.
Why a wide toe box?
If you have bunions, hammer toes, a wide forefoot, prone to ingrown toenails, or blisters between your toes, you'll benefit from a wide toe box.
Paid partnership: Dr. Anne Sharkey is compensated by Flux Footwear for this content. Her opinions are her own.
