WELCOME!

Stay connected with the latest barefoot and minimal shoe events! Explore expert-led workshops and community gatherings designed to help you move naturally and improve foot health. Whether you're looking to try new footwear, learn from specialists, or connect with like-minded enthusiasts, our upcoming events have something for you.

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FREE STRIDE - MINIMAL RUNNING WORKSHOP | CEM x Shawn Williams

Join Shawn Williams Physiotherapy and Cool East Market for an engaging session on the benefits, challenges, and safe transition to minimalist running shoes.

The event will begin with introductions from Shawn Williams Physiotherapy and Cool East Market, followed by an overview of minimalist footwear—what defines it and the key characteristics that make it unique.

Shawn will explain why runners might benefit from switching to minimalist shoes, including improved biomechanics, stronger feet, reduced load on joints, and better running economy.

You’ll also learn about common risks associated with an improper transition and how to minimize injurythrough proper screening and strengthening exercises. Live demonstrations will cover foot strength, calf strength, and single-leg bridge tests.

The presentation will include step-by-step guidance for transitioning safely—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner—covering pacing, cadence checks, and a shoe transition program.

The session concludes with a Q&A, special offers, and a Cool East Market shoe showcase, where attendees can explore different minimalist shoe options.

LOCATION:

This is an online workshop via Google Meets. Once "purchasing" a free ticket, you'll have access to the link.

DATE & TIME:

Sunday November 16th, 2025

11 AM to 12 PM (Toronto time)

Total Duration: ~50 minutes (35 min presentation + 10 min Q&A + 10 min shoe showcase)

COST: 

FREE!

ABOUT THE TEACHER:

Shawn earned his Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science from the University of Manitoba. During that time, he competed in University Track and Field and played Junior A hockey for the St. James Canadians. Despite these significant extracurricular demands, Shawn still graduated with the program Gold Medal.

Shawn chose McMaster University for graduate work in physiotherapy, based on McMaster’s unique self-directed problem-based approach and focus on evidence-based healthcare and life-long learning. He graduated from McMaster in 2006 with a Master of Science in Physiotherapy. 

Since graduating from Masters of Science in Physiotherapy

Shawn has aggressively pursued lifelong learning and postgraduate physiotherapy education courses. He has a Diploma of Manual and Manipulative therapy from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Orthopedic Division, and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manual and Manipulative therapy (FCAMPT). This internationally-recognized postgraduate training in hands-on therapy meets the standards of the International Federation ofManipulative Physical Therapy (IFOMPT).
Shawn has also achieved  Acupuncture certification through McMaster University Medical

Acupuncture program and Dry needling certification through the Certified Integrated Dry Needling (CIDN).  

Ongoing learning and study

Shawn has pursued many postgraduate training courses in the prevention and treatment of running injuries and provides treatment to runners of all levels.

He continues to take postgraduate education courses; his goal is to assist people with getting back to the activities they love, while avoiding or minimizing pain medication and surgery.

Shawn serves as a mentor for physiotherapy students and physiotherapistspursuing physiotherapy and manual therapy training. He has taught postgraduate training courses to physiotherapists pursuing
ongoing training and clinical skill development.

Just for fun

Shawn is a devoted fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto Blue Jays and the Toronto Raptors. He loves running, walking his dogs, traveling, biking around the city and enjoying a patio on a summer day.  Shawn has completed many marathons, including the iconic Boston. He can be frequently found running the Toronto waterfront with his golden retriever Jaxson.

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More Events Coming Soon... Stay Tuned for Details!