Inside a Podiatrist’s Closet—Discover Dr. Young’s Footwear Favorites
I love supporting the foot health and wellness needs of active Chicagoans, and I’m always thinking about how to do that—both in the clinic and beyond it.
As a runner, podiatrist, mom, and business owner, I wear a lot of hats—and a LOT of shoes.
That’s why I thought it might be fun to create a spinoff to my Footwear Focus series, in which I share the footwear that shapes my life.
In my new Inside a Podiatrist’s Closet series, you’ll get to peek behind the curtain and into my real-life footwear choices and preferences.
I’ll also share helpful info and insights, like:
Why I like a certain style
How it supports my foot health needs
How it aligns with my lifestyle
When I’d recommend them to my patients
And how and when I wear them
I’ll even tell you if there’s anything I would modify or change about them—because I’m all about full disclosure, and even our footwear faves can still have room for improvement.
Are you ready to take a look inside my closet and discover one of the styles I keep in my personal rotation? Let’s get moving!
Meet the KEEN Bern Baby Bern Boot
Finding the perfect pair of boots can be a long-term hunt for women and men alike.
But, when you finally discover the right pair—it’s a moment of triumph and joy.
Even podiatrists aren’t immune to going on a mission to find the treasure that is a great pair of boots.
For us Midwesterners, in particular, securing your ideal pair can take you through the many different micro seasons, temperatures, and conditions this dynamic area offers those who live here year-round.
A good boot is not only a thing of beauty, but also an investment that can support your foot health and wellness throughout the year.
When I think about the boots I’ve worn consistently over the past two decades, one pair stands out: my KEEN Bern Baby Bern Boots.
I first found these boots more than 15 years ago—and I've been wearing them regularly ever since.
At this point, I’ve owned more than one pair. They come in versatile brown and classic black—so they go with almost anything.
I keep returning to them for the same reason I recommend footwear to my patients: I trust how they function in real life.
These boots strike a balance that’s surprisingly hard to find: they’re practical without feeling clunky, supportive without being rigid, and versatile enough to move with me through the different parts of my day.
They’re the kind of boots that don’t ask much of you, but quietly do a lot for your feet.
For busy, active professionals, this dynamic combo of ease, support, and versatility means everything.
Let’s dig a little deeper into why these boots are my go-to.
What I Look for in Everyday Footwear—and Why These Check the Boxes
As a podiatrist, I can’t turn off the part of my brain that notices how shoes are built. But as a busy mom and business owner, I also need footwear that works without overthinking it.
Here’s what matters most to me in a daily boot—and why this style continues to hold up.
Structure without stiffness
The Bern Baby Bern Boot offers enough structure through the midfoot and heel to provide stability, without feeling overly rigid or restrictive. That’s important for long days when I’m moving between the clinic, errands, and home.
Too much stiffness can be just as problematic as too little support, especially if you’re on your feet a lot. These hit a comfortable middle ground.
A stable, supportive base
One of the things I appreciate most about these boots is the solid platform underfoot. A stable sole helps reduce unnecessary strain, especially on hard surfaces like sidewalks, clinic floors, or city streets.
For people dealing with foot fatigue, plantar fasciitis, or general soreness, this kind of stability can make a noticeable difference over the course of the day.
Room to move freely
Toe box space matters—especially if you walk a lot or deal with swelling by the end of the day. These boots offer enough room to move naturally without feeling loose or unsupportive.
That balance is harder to achieve than most people realize.
And that’s why these have stayed in my closet and on my feet: they’re dependable.
They move with real life, hold up to long, active days, and don’t require a lot of mental energy— which is exactly what I want from an everyday boot.
Next, let’s explore what other customers and professionals think about them.
What Customers and Podiatrists Have to Say
When I review footwear—whether for myself or for patients—I always look for patterns across both professional recommendations and real-world wear.
Online reviews don’t replace proper fit or clinical guidance, but they do tend to highlight what a shoe reliably does well—and where people may need to pause and assess compatibility.
Across podiatry commentary and customer feedback, a few themes show up with this style:
Versatility: commonly worn for commuting, travel, errands, and long walking days
Stability: frequently described as feeling “grounded” compared to flimsier fashion boots
Durability: many note that the materials hold up well with regular, everyday wear
Practical comfort: supportive enough for long days without feeling overly soft or unstable
One potential issue mentioned by both podiatrists and customers is fit—particularly when factoring in foot width, sock thickness, and orthotic use. As with most structured footwear, taking the time to assess fit matters.
For reference, I wear these in an 8.5, which is a half size smaller than my current typical shoe size of 9. Depending on your foot shape and how you plan to wear them, sizing down slightly—or trying them on in person—may be worth considering.
Are These Boots the Right Choice for You?
You’ve heard me say it before: footwear is personal. Everyone’s foot anatomy, activity level, and support needs are different.
That said, in my experience, this style tends to work best for people looking for a supportive, everyday boot—something built for long days without looking overly athletic or medical.
They’re often a strong fit if you:
Spend long hours standing or walking
Want a boot that works across settings (work, errands, travel)
Prefer a more structured, grounded feel underfoot
Deal with general end-of-day foot fatigue
They may be less ideal if you:
Prefer a very soft, flexible, minimalist feel (like Altra running shoes tend to favor)
Need significant motion control or highly specialized medical footwear (like these from Orthofeet)
Require depth or fit features typically found only in orthopedic styles
If you rely on custom orthotics, your key consideration is whether the boot has enough room and the right internal shape to accommodate them comfortably.
Learn more about custom orthotics and how we create them for you here at City Step Podiatry.
Dr. Young’s Personal Take on the KEEN Bern Baby Bern Boot
After wearing multiple pairs of these boots over the past 15+ years, I can confidently say they’ve earned their place in my regular rotation.
A few more reasons I personally love them:
They’re extremely comfortable, even on long days, and I can walk significant distances in them without issues.
The thick sole and quality leather provide noticeable support, and the taller boot design offers extra protection from cold, slush, and all the varied Midwestern winter conditions.
They’re versatile. I’ve worn these boots with jeans, skirts, and dresses, and they transition easily between all aspects of my daily life. I opt for the brown, which adds to their versatility.
They last. My current pair is more than five years old and still holding up well.
One other fit aspect of these I’d like to note is that, while they fit comfortably around my calves, I can’t speak definitively to how they’d feel for someone with larger calves, so that’s something to keep in mind. For me, they fit like a glove.
From My Closet to Yours
These boots are a great example of what my Inside a Podiatrist’s Closet series is all about—real-life footwear that can keep up with my busy Chicago lifestyle.
I started this series because I’m all about transparency—sharing what I actually wear, why I reach for it, and what’s worth knowing before you invest in a similar style.
If you’re unsure whether a shoe in your own closet is supporting your feet as they need, or if a new style might be right for you—my team and I are happy to help you explore your options.
And if you’re curious what else has earned a spot in my footwear hall of fame, stay tuned. There’s plenty more in this podiatrist’s closet.
Ready to step strong all year long in Chicago? Book an appointment easily online anytime or stop by our downtown Chicago office in person!
City Step Podiatry is here for you! Reach out today to schedule your visit and treat your feet to the care they deserve.
