Three Winners, 100+ #MyKURUStory Journeys
We’re thrilled to announce the winners of our #MyKURUStory contest!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who shared their incredible journey with us. Your 186 stories were both inspiring and a powerful reminder of the difference happy, healthy feet can make in our lives.
Let’s celebrate our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners! Dive into their inspiring stories below:
Congratulations to our 1st place winner, Deanna R.!
Deanna is the winner of our Grand Prize: $350 KURU Footwear Gift Card.
In their own words, Deanna shared:
“There’s nothing quite like the energy of a cheerleading practice. The music blasting, the team’s laughter, and the sheer joy of perfecting that new routine—it’s what I live for as a cheer coach. But, let me tell you, the job isn’t always as effortless as our athletes make their stunts look. Running from one end of the gym to the other, demonstrating jumps, and guiding the team through each move can be exhausting, especially when your feet are sore. For the longest time, that was my reality—until I found my perfect pair of KURU shoes.
I’ve tried countless brands over the years, hoping to find something that could keep up with my busy days. I remember trying brand after brand, each promising comfort and support, but none seemed to hold up. Either my feet would be aching by the end of practice, or the shoes would wear out too quickly, leaving me right back where I started: sore and frustrated.
Then, one day, I stumbled upon a pair from a brand I hadn’t considered before. KURU Footwear. The ATOMs were sleek, lightweight, and felt like they had been made just for me. The first time I wore them to practice, it was like magic. I didn’t realize how much of a difference a good pair of shoes could make. Suddenly, I had this spring in my step. I could run from one end of the mat to the other without feeling like I was dragging my feet. Demonstrating jumps and stunts no longer felt like a chore—I felt light, supported, and free.
Since then, those shoes have been with me through it all—early morning practices, long days at competitions, and even those spontaneous dance-offs with the team after a successful run. I feel like I can truly keep up with the energy and enthusiasm of my cheerleaders, and that’s priceless.
It’s funny how something as simple as the right pair of shoes can change everything. I’m no longer counting down the minutes until I can sit down and rest. Instead, I’m focused on what really matters—helping my team shine and cheering them on, every step of the way.”
- Deanna R., Florida
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Deanna!
Congratulations to our 2nd place winner, Joy!
Joy is the winner of our 1st Runner-Up Prize: $275 KURU Footwear Gift Card.
In their own words, Joy shared:
“KURUs saved my feet and all my hiking trips. Over the winter of 2023/2024, I started the long journey of trying to heal plantar fasciitis. Still suffering with the pain, I came out to Moab, Utah for a scheduled 6 week hiking trip. I wasn't going to let the pain stop me, I was determined to hike! My friend in Moab recommended and gave me a pair of KURU QUANTUMs. Ahhh, they felt good. Within two weeks I had my second pair of KURUs - the CHICANE. Wowza, they felt great. I was concerned how well they would hold up and grip on the slick rock. I was pleasantly surprised! I traveled back home with two pairs of KURUs and happy feet.
All summer I wore the QUANTUMs while walking, working out, and playing pickleball. I really like the support for pickleball. I did try other shoes for one day but came right back to the KURUs! My feet were not tired after an active day. I had a bike camp trip in June and my QUANTUMs were a comfort at the end of a long day in cycling shoes. In September I hiked all over Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks in my CHICANEs. No pain at all, just tired from the long hikes. I was very glad I had these shoes!
I wore out my QUANTUMs and ordered the new version in late summer. I am now back for a long hiking trip in Moab again along with my QUANTUMs and CHICANEs! My feet are happy! Happy feet equals a happy hiker!!
I am over the painful plantar fasciitis now, but occasionally suffer from my arch cramping up or hurting. So I continue to wear the KURUs for support and relief. I have spread the word to all my friends how wonderful they are! Next I will be looking into the hiking boots, hoping you will make them waterproof.
I am attaching pictures of all the fun adventures my KURUs have had! KURUs have had such a tremendous effect on my lifestyle. Being a highly active person struck with plantar fasciitis was extremely aggravating! KURUs helped me heal and get back to the life I loved!”
- Joy, Wisconsin
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Joy!
Congratulations to our 3rd place winner, Charlee E.!
Charlee is the winner of our 2nd Runner-Up Prize: $200 KURU Footwear Gift Card.
In their own words, Charlee shared:
“I had the worst plantar fasciitis several years ago. I could barely walk sometimes and I was in pain daily. I listened to others who had been through physical therapy, so I tried the stretches and rolling my feet with a frozen water bottle, etc. Nothing. I went to a podiatrist where we tried painful (and expensive!) shockwave therapy. Not much help. Next we tried steroid injections. They helped for a couple of weeks, but soon the pain was back. I even tried expensive inserts the doctor gave me, and same story—helped for a little while, but pain kept coming back. Next I got an MRI where I learned I had calcifications on my plantar fascia in one foot and heel spurs in the other—ouch! Next step was surgery where the outcome wasn't entirely certain and the recovery included time non-weight-bearing. I'm a mom with little kids—that wasn't going to fly!
A friend of mine heard about my plight and recommended KURUs, stating that KURUs had relieved their pain. With surgery on the horizon, what did I have to lose by giving them a try?
Well, when I put on my first pair, it was instant relief! Oh my goodness! I wore a pair of ankle boots and a pair of the ATOMs faithfully. In the beginning I still experienced some pain when I walked around without my KURUs, but within a few months of wearing them, my pain went away altogether!! Gone!! Wow!! So glad I tried them!
Fast forward to now—if I go a number of days without wearing them I may experience some soreness, but as long as I return to wearing my KURUs, the pain evaporates immediately! I love my KURUs so much I don't usually go long without wearing them anyway! I have also had several friends who have ordered KURUs after I told them my story, including my husband!
My all time favorites are the ATOMs. I have also enjoyed TEMPO boots for winter and CURRENT, SUOMI, and BREEZE sandals for summer. Next I'm hoping to try the ROAM and ROAM Atla models!
Thank you KURU for literally saving me from surgery and keeping me pain free the past several years!”
- Charlee E., Virginia
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Charlee!
To our winners and every participant, thank you for sharing your stories, and please join us in celebrating their achievement! Share your KURU story with us here—we can’t wait to hear more stories of how KURU Footwear has made a difference in your lives.
Stay tuned for more exciting contests and opportunities to share your KURU experiences. Your stories inspire us, and we’re grateful to be a part of your journey.
About Us
At KURU, we're on a mission to help you Heel Better™ with footwear technology designed to relieve foot pain, so you can live a life you love. Since launching our innovative technology in 2008, we’ve received more than 36,000 five-star reviews from thousands of customers who tell us their KURU shoes helped them get back to doing what they love.
For all media inquiries, please contact us at pr@kurufootwear.com.
