This story was kindly shared by our community member, Candice Madley. You can follow their inspiring journey on Facebook.

Several years ago, my life took an unexpected turn when I began experiencing severe mobility issues and joint pain, particularly while walking. To make matters worse, I was also suffering from intense sciatic pain on my right side, extending from the hip down to the foot. This led to sciatic neuropathy and foot drop due to the compression of the sciatic nerve. Concerned about my declining mobility, I initially visited a neurologist who suspected multiple sclerosis (MS) because of the foot drop. After nearly two years of extensive tests and imaging, I transitioned to a rheumatologist, who is currently leaning towards a diagnosis of either fibromyalgia or lupus. The long diagnostic journey has been incredibly taxing on both my family and me.

Struggling with Everyday Life

My lower body often felt heavy and stiff, especially when walking, even for short distances. The neuropathy in my feet ranged from mild to severe, depending on the day. Sitting for extended periods exacerbated my sciatic nerve pain, and walking could stiffen my foot to the point where it wouldn't lift properly, leading to frequent trips and falls. This made even the simplest tasks incredibly challenging and painful.

Discovering Saguaro

It was during this challenging time that I came across Saguaro shoes through a Facebook ad. I had been interested in trying barefoot shoes for a while, so when I saw the special offer of $64.99 reduced to $39.99, I was intrigued. The attractive colors—grey, pink, with accents of blue and green—coupled with the added incentive of free shipping, made it a deal too good to pass up.

A New Lease on Life

Up until that point, all the shoes I had tried felt cumbersome and awkward, making walking, even short distances, an arduous and time-consuming task. I had noticed that walking barefoot or with flat slippers around the house was significantly easier. However, this wasn’t a practical solution for going out. My walking difficulties led me to avoid errands, social activities, and traveling, which in turn contributed to depression and anxiety.

When I finally put on the Saguaro shoes, I felt like I had rediscovered a part of myself. The difference was almost miraculous—I could walk about 90% better. This improvement has opened up numerous opportunities for me. I feel rejuvenated and excited about walking my dogs, running quick errands, and even traveling again. The shoes are incredibly light and comfortable, allowing me to lift my feet effortlessly and avoid tripping over cracks in the sidewalk. Remarkably, my sciatic pain and lower back pain, which usually flared up with other shoes, have not troubled me while wearing Saguaro shoes.

A New Beginning

Thanks to these wonderful shoes, I have regained my mobility and returned to a semblance of the life I once knew. Saguaro shoes have truly made a difference, and I am profoundly grateful for the newfound freedom and comfort they have provided.