The Team

We love feet …

It’s true. We love feet, of all shapes and sizes. We’re a team of healthcare professionals dedicated to sharing with you the truth about natural foot health and function. We offer you an alternative to conventional foot care—a conservative, non-invasive methodology that’s in tune with nature. And we offer you only the most relevant and high-quality natural foot products to support your transition from conventional footwear to footgear that respects nature’s designs.

We've come from two unique health and healing traditions—naturopathy and chiropractic—to unite in a common goal: To improve your immediate and long-term foot health and to help you perform your work and leisure activities pain-free. We’ve benefited greatly from the knowledge and wisdom of enlightened leaders in the field of podiatry, especially Doctors William A. Rossi and Ray McClanahan, as well as various unshod cultures around the globe. We want to share this knowledge and wisdom with you, in the hopes that you too will regain your natural foot health heritage. We want to help you put your best foot forward.

—Drs. Robyn & Marty Hughes & the Natural Footgear Team

Robyn Hughes, ND

Dr. Robyn Hughes is a naturopathic physician, or ND, with a special interest in natural foot health and sports medicine. After completing her undergraduate degree at Indiana University and medical school at the National College of Natural Medicine, now known as the National University of Natural Medicine, Dr. Robyn trained extensively with renowned sports podiatrist and natural foot care specialist, Dr. Ray McClanahan. Dr. Robyn is a co-founder of Natural Footgear, a freelance health writer, and a regular speaker at foot care teaching events. Dr. Robyn lives in Asheville, North Carolina, where she’s an avid road cyclist, trail runner, and yoga student.

Marty Hughes, DC

Dr. Marty Hughes is a chiropractic physician, or DC. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Waterloo and his doctoral degree from Western States Chiropractic College, now known as the University of Western States. Dr. Marty has worked as a freelance writer for LiveStrong.com, for whom he contributed over 2,200 health-and-fitness articles. He is a co-founder of Natural Footgear and an ardent supporter of natural foot care approaches. He is also a novelist. Dr. Marty enjoys road cycling, trail running, hiking, rucking, canoeing, and cross-country skiing, as well as exploring the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Paul Cooper

Paul Cooper is a digital marketing professional who lives and works in Manchester, England. He studied Business Administration at Nottingham Trent University and went on to achieve Chartered Marketer status with the Chartered Institute of Marketing. He has worked in digital marketing and e-commerce for more than 15 years. Paul enjoys running, climbing, and road cycling in his free time. He is also a Formula One fanatic and, alongside his love of travel, has attended Grands Prix in five different countries.

Alyssa Phillips Downey

Alyssa Phillips Downey is a graphic designer and the owner of Amp'd Designs in Asheville, North Carolina. Alyssa grew up in Buffalo, New York, and studied Communications Design at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. She held positions at several NYC design studios, including roles with Atlantic Records and as an Art Director at a print company, before relocating to the mountains. Alyssa is now heavily involved in Asheville's design community and is the founding Vice President of Asheville's AIGA chapter, a network for professional designers. Outside of design, Alyssa enjoys running, hiking, cooking, baking, and discovering new music.