Helen Halkias Podiatrist

Helen Halkias Podiatrist Functional Podiatry Health Centre for complete Lower Limb Health

01/06/2026

Europe 2026 ✨🇬🇷🇲🇪🇷🇸

Around 250,000 steps. Countless memories. A heart full of gratitude.

Athens. Montenegro. Perast. The Bay of Kotor. Cetinje. Belgrade. Rhodes. Symi.

This photo dump is more than just beautiful places. It’s the smell of memories. Of people. Of places. Of feelings. Of experiences. Nostalgia for the past, gratitude for the present, and hope for the future. That’s what travel has become for me.

It’s the moments in between that stay with me most. The conversations. The laughter. The swims. The meals. The long walks. The unexpected detours. The people I met and the memories I brought home.

The memory of trying to drink Ouzo on my name day. Swimming in the waters of Lindos on the Aegean Sea. Sitting on a tiny cannon outside Our Lady of the Rocks.

Simple moments, perhaps. But they remind me how incredibly grateful I am to have reached this point in my life.

The opportunity to travel is something I’ve worked very hard for. It has taken years of sacrifice, resilience, raising children as a solo parent, building a business, and learning that it’s okay to take time for myself too.

None of this is something I take for granted.

Last year, on my name day, I was swimming in Lake Kournas in Crete. This year, I found myself swimming in the Aegean Sea at Lindos. Two years in a row, I’ve been lucky enough to spend my name day in Greece, in the water, creating memories I’ll treasure forever.

A little piece of my heart now belongs to each of these places.

Until next time. ❤️👣🇬🇷





01/06/2026

I deliberately sougnt
this one out while in Athens.
Visited inside the beautiful and had the best time trying on what felt like half the store
As a functional podiatrist, my criteria was pretty clear:
• flat / zero drop (or as close to)
• flexible
• fixed at the heel
•foot-shaped enough to let my toes move
freely
After a LOT of trying on, I left with two pairs
— a beautiful gold zero-drop pair and a black pair that still ticked most of my functional footwear boxes.
The space itself is stunning, the staff were incredibly lovely, and after all the shoe trying... a sparkling water with lime at the in-store bar absolutely hit the spot
This brand offer worldwide shipping.
I’II do proper reviews of both pairs soon as I have given them a good test run/walk.

My last 24 hours in Athens 🇬🇷✨There’s something about Greece that always pulls at my heart in a way I can’t fully explai...
26/05/2026

My last 24 hours in Athens 🇬🇷✨

There’s something about Greece that always pulls at my heart in a way I can’t fully explain. Maybe it’s my heritage, maybe it’s the familiarity of the language, the music, the church bells, the late-night conversations, or the way strangers still treat you like family. But every time I come here, a piece of me feels deeply connected to this place.

One word that keeps coming up when people talk about Greek culture is philotimo (φιλότιμο). There’s no perfect English translation for it. It’s a way of living. A sense of honour, kindness, generosity, pride, integrity, hospitality and doing the right thing — not because you have to, but because it’s part of who you are. You feel it everywhere here. In the warmth of the people, the way locals help each other, the food shared around a table, the conversations with complete strangers.

I’m incredibly grateful for my experiences here this year, and last year too. Greece continues to leave a mark on me every single time. ❤️

At the same time, it also saddens me hearing the reality many locals are facing. So many Greek people are deeply proud of their country and culture, yet frustrated with the pressures of modern life here — low wages, rising living costs, expensive rents, and the impact tourism and short-term rentals are having on local communities. These conversations came up often during my travels, and they stayed with me.

Greece is beautiful, but it’s also real. And maybe that’s part of why it feels so special to me. 🇬🇷

24/05/2026

Trying new shoes on holidays was genuinely part of the adventure for me this trip 👣🇬🇷🇷🇸

I bought three pairs while travelling — two pairs of sandals from Ancient Greek Sandals in Athens, and another closed-in pair from the airport on the way to Belgrade. My goal wasn’t just style (although I do love that they feel a little more “dressy” and elevated). I specifically wanted to test how they handled real travel surfaces — cobblestones, polished stone, uneven laneways, gravelly beaches and all the random terrain you encounter when you’re exploring properly.

And honestly… they’ve impressed me.

The non-slip sole on this brand has been excellent, especially compared to some similar-looking sandals that don’t feel nearly as secure or well-made. They’re relatively flexible, they’re FIXED to the foot (which is a huge thing for me), and I’ve felt stable walking long distances in them. Even the closed-in slip-on style has a buckle strap across the top, which makes such a difference for security and confidence underfoot.

I love that I’ve been able to wear them out to dinner or lunch, then comfortably head off for a long stroll afterwards without feeling restricted, unstable, or like I’m going to slide around on the surface beneath me.

That said — these are still minimalist shoes. They rely heavily on the strength and capacity of your feet and lower limbs, so they’re definitely better suited to people who already have some experience and tolerance with minimalist footwear.

The final pair I bought was from STOPA Barefoot Store Belgrade — my first pair of MTNG / Mustang Free barefoot shoes from Spain. Proper foot-shaped design, flexible sole, lightweight, secure, non-slip and surprisingly versatile as a slightly dressier walking shoe/travel runner. I’ve been really happy with them too.

Travel always reminds me that good footwear doesn’t have to mean bulky, rigid or overly athletic looking. Sometimes the best shoes are the ones that let you move naturally while still feeling comfortable, capable and like yourself ✨

✨

24/05/2026

What shoes do I travel with? 👣✈️

When I pack for a trip, my shoes need to earn their place in my suitcase. I want footwear that’s lightweight, versatile, functional, comfortable… and most importantly, never holds me back from exploring.

My travel shoe criteria:
✔️ Barefoot-friendly
✔️ Flat & flexible
✔️ Good grip
✔️ Ground feel
✔️ Comfortable for long walks
✔️ Versatile enough to go from beach walks → dinners → wandering old streets
✔️ Takes up minimal luggage space

The 3 pairs that came with me on this trip:

• Earthrunners — probably my ultimate travel sandal. Great grip, water friendly, shower friendly, trekking friendly, lightweight, and they pack down to almost nothing.

• Lono Nomad runners — my go-to for longer walking days when I still want natural movement and comfort without sacrificing versatility.

• Vibram FiveFinger dance version — something new for me this trip. I was curious to see how they’d hold up and honestly… I loved the full barefoot sensory experience they gave me. Feeling every surface beneath your feet changes the whole experience of travel.

One VERY important travel tip though… PLEASE do not take brand new shoes on holidays — even if you think they’re the “same shoe” you’ve had before.

I’ve had patients buy:
“the exact same brand”
“the exact same model”
“the exact same size”

…only to end up calling or emailing me mid-trip from overseas in a panic with blisters, corns, pressure irritation or foot pain because something still felt different.

Every pair needs to be properly worn in and tested BEFORE you travel. Always.

Your travel shoes should match:
✔️ The climate
✔️ The terrain/surfaces you’ll walk on
✔️ Your walking capacity
✔️ And most importantly… your comfort

For me, travel is about freedom. I never want my shoes dictating where I can or can’t go. If I suddenly decide to walk another 5km through cobblestone streets, climb a hill, explore a hidden laneway or head down to the water… I want my feet ready for it all. 🌍

24/05/2026

Ano Symi… where every staircase seems to lead to another tiny church, another crumbling ruin, another breathtaking view over the harbour below.

Today we wandered the famous Kali Strata — the beautiful stone staircase linking Gialos to Ano Symi, built during Symi’s wealthy sponge-diving era in the 19th century. Walking it feels like stepping through living history.

We spent the day climbing endlessly uphill through old stone homes, colourful doors, hidden courtyards, churches tucked into every corner, and ruins quietly telling stories of another time.

One of my favourite parts was simply following tiny handmade signs stuck onto old buildings and crumbling walls that just said “Museum”… trusting they’d lead somewhere interesting. Eventually they did.

We found ourselves inside an incredible old mansion that once belonged to one of Symi’s wealthy families, now transformed into a museum showcasing the island’s history. Inside, we learned about the famous Antikythera Mechanism — recovered from an ancient shipwreck by Symi sponge divers in 1900. Often called the world’s first analogue computer, it could predict lunar cycles, eclipses and calendars with astonishing precision over 2,000 years ago.

We walked all the way across to Pedi Beach for lunch, then made the long journey back again — stairs, hills, goats and all. And honestly… I loved every second of it.

The smell of the fig trees drifting through the warm air instantly transported me back to my childhood in Greece. The church bells, the heat on the stone pathways, rooftop ice cream overlooking the sea… it all felt deeply familiar in a way I can’t fully explain.

23/05/2026

Belgrade surprised me in the best possible way. 🇷🇸✨

A city full of contrasts… grand old buildings standing beside bold modern waterfront developments, quiet Orthodox churches beside buzzing streets, history woven into everyday life. We walked everywhere and soaked up every corner of it.

We stayed at the beautiful Saint Ten Hotel — elegant, welcoming and perfectly located for exploring the city on foot.

One of the highlights was visiting Church of Saint Sava — one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans. Built on the site where the relics of Saint Sava — founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church — were burned by the Ottoman Empire in the 1500s, it stands today as a powerful symbol of Serbian identity, resilience and faith. The scale, mosaics and atmosphere inside were absolutely breathtaking.

We wandered through the historic Belgrade Fortress, explored Pioneers Park, watched the city transform along the modern Belgrade Waterfront, and spent time vintage shopping through the bohemian streets of Skadarlija.

One of my favourite travel moments? Meeting a lovely couple from Melbourne while lining up outside the stunning National Theatre in Belgrade… proof that Australians really are everywhere. 😄

As always, there was LOTS of walking — the best way to truly feel a city. My feet were very happy after visiting STOPA Barefoot Shop where I discovered even more barefoot shoe brands.

We also stopped at the iconic Hotel Moskva for their famous Moskva Šnit cake while piano music played in the background — layers of puff pastry, fruit cream, cherries and whipped cream that has become one of Belgrade’s most famous desserts. And honestly… I also had one of the best iced mochas of my life there. ☕️🍰

Beautiful people, amazing food, kind staff, endless walking, rich history and unexpected connections.
Belgrade… you were an experience I’ll remember fondly. ❤️

23/05/2026

I had a feeling I was going to love this place when I picked it to visit this year… but as soon as the ferry approached the harbour, I knew I would leave a piece of my heart here. 💙

Symi is truly my kind of magic 🇬🇷✨

Colourful neoclassical homes climbing the hillsides, crystal clear water, wandering cats, tiny fishing boats, hidden laneways, and rocky coastal paths that invite you to slow down and simply take it all in.

This tiny Dodecanese island has a rich maritime history and was once one of the wealthiest islands in Greece through shipbuilding and sponge diving. Its beautiful pastel harbour homes still reflect that prosperity today and give Symi its unmistakable charm.

But more than that… for me, it smells and feels like Greece in the deepest sense.
The roosters crowing in the distance, church bells echoing through the village, music spilling from tavernas, the chatter and banter of the locals, cooking smells floating through the laneways, salty sea air, warm stone underfoot… all of it instantly transports me back to childhood memories of visiting my grandparents and reconnects me to my roots in such a special way.

From swimming in the sparkling Aegean to walking across uneven natural surfaces, this little island feeds the soul and challenges the body in the best possible way.

Simple moments. Sunshine. Salt water. Movement. Connection. ☀️🌊🐾🐈

Symi… 💙

Feeling incredibly grateful to be spending my name day in the land of my roots 🇬🇷☀️Today’s adventure took me up to the a...
21/05/2026

Feeling incredibly grateful to be spending my name day in the land of my roots 🇬🇷☀️

Today’s adventure took me up to the ancient Acropolis of Acropolis of Lindos — one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, sitting high above the whitewashed village of Lindos with breathtaking views over the Aegean Sea.

Dating back thousands of years, Lindos was once a powerful ancient maritime city, and the acropolis became home to the Temple of Athena Lindia, built around 300 BC. Through the centuries, the site was shaped by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and the Knights of St John — layers of history all in one incredible place.

Climbing those uneven, polished and sometimes slippery ancient rocks in my Lono barefoot shoes was such a reminder of how much our feet and ankles are designed to adapt, feel and respond to the terrain beneath us 👣

The sun shining over Rhodes, the sea breeze, the history, the movement, the challenge… one of those moments that makes you feel truly alive.

Sometimes the best things for our feet — and for our lives — are actually the simplest.Simple shoes.Simple movement.Simp...
20/05/2026

Sometimes the best things for our feet — and for our lives — are actually the simplest.

Simple shoes.
Simple movement.
Simple moments.

Sitting on a pebble beach in Rhodes with my beside me, listening to the waves and feeling the ground beneath my feet… it’s a reminder that we don’t always need more support, more structure or more complexity.

Sometimes we just need space to move naturally again. ✨




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