Chicago 2024 Barefoot Shoe Expo
Our Barefoot Shoe Expo Chicago 2024 was a success! The first-of-its-kind expo dedicated only to barefoot/minimalist shoes and foot health education had more than 25 vendors and 2,000 people in attendance. The energy in the room was palpable and we came away invigorated and determined to make the 2025 expo bigger and better.
Highlights:
Anya's Recap of the 2024 Expo - IG
Scenes From the Chicago 2024 Barefoot Shoe Expo:
"I'm the person who studies every barefoot brand's website but rarely makes a purchase. I get hung up on the sizing, and mistakes can be expensive. This expo was a dream come true. I tried on nearly every brand represented. Now, I know my favorites in terms of fit, quality, and construction, and I have notes to ease future purchases! Thank you!" -Elisabeth
"The expo was a great opportunity to learn and see first hand about so many different brands of barefoot shoes, products, educational items and learn from experts in some very informative workshops." -George
"As silly as it sounds to most people, barefoot shoes and the lifestyle/movement principles taught by Katy Bowman and others have changed my life. Having the chance to meet Anya, who I have followed for years, as well as many others in the barefoot shoe world was a great experience! And all the shoes! The Chicago Expo was incredible!" -Brenda Rankin
"Anya's first ever Barefoot Shoe Expo will be a highlight of my year, without question. As a consumer of barefoot shoes, I was absolutely delighted to be able to experience so many shoes and foot-first products in person. The expo really created a level of accessibility that is lacking in this market. As a clinician and consumer of foot health education information, the expo granted me an absolute wish come true: getting to meet (in person!) so many of the educators and colleagues I look up to. I am beyond grateful for this event and I'm looking forward to many more in the future." - Katie Lee
"The moment I found out about the Chicago expo, I booked! The atmosphere was vibrant, fun and and the workshops and booths felt very accessible. It was the kind of event that someone who has been in this world for many years could still learn and benefit from the workshops and explore a variety of shoes, and someone who is new to barefoot shoes and foot health could come, ask questions, try on shoes and get a glimpse into why building our foundation is so important for overall body health. I had several friends come with me to this event who are on a wide spectrum in their barefoot journey, and each of them had a wonderful time! Thank you again and I can't wait to see you all again next year!"