Gulf Soles

Frolicking the white sandy beaches and spending time outdoors is a way of life in Sarasota County and Florida’s Gulf Coast. But nothing can hinder this experience more than painful, uncomfortable feet. At Gulf Soles, we believe health and wellness begin with our feet. As the premier orthotic shoe store in Venice and Englewood, FL, we’re committed to providing high-quality orthotic sandals and footwear that help residents and visitors live their best and healthiest lives.

Many Florida homes have hard, unforgiving tile surfaces, which can wreak havoc on not only your feet but your knees, hip, and back. If you spend a lot of time on your feet or struggle with foot pain, numbness, nerve damage, or plantar fasciitis, Gulf Soles is here to help you find a pair of orthotic shoes for your unique arch and footwear needs.

ABOUT US
Michael and Susan McFarland are the proud owners of Gulf Soles, the premier source for orthotic sandals, shoes, and products on the Gulf Coasts. We are committed to bringing healthy and acute recovery for those suffering from foot pain and conditions. We look forward to meeting you!

Susan is a registered nurse with over 15 years of experience working in hospitals and clinics. Michael is a Navy veteran with six years of service in the military and 23 years managing a 20 lane bowling center.

In 2011, we decided to sell the bowling center and travel the country while Susan travel-nursed. After three years of visiting many locations around the country, we decided to settle in the Venice area, where Susan took a Job at Venice Regional Bayfront Hospital. Michael had discovered OOFOS® brand sandals while working in Naples as he scouted the area before we moved to Florida.

With 20 plus years at the bowling center, Michael’s feet were in terrible condition with plantar fasciitis and continued fatigue when standing. He bought a pair of OOFOS at a seafood festival, and within two weeks his feet were much better. As we settled into the area and Michael started looking for a job, we walked by the Englewood Farmers Market and saw all the people.

Since his feet were better, and we had already signed up to possibly sell the sandals in Minnesota, we contacted the manager of the market and requested to sell them there. Due to the recovery component of OOFOS, we were granted permission to sell. Two weeks later, we were selling OOFOS! Michael sold 16 pairs his first day! A business was born. For three years, we both enjoyed selling OOFOS at several markets. We also moved our son Nathan down here from Minnesota, and he started selling, as well.