Podiatrist & Footwear Advisor
Dr. Shylaja Arya is a podiatrist and footwear advisor. She founded FirmFooted to combine her expertise in clinical biomechanics and practical footwear design with her passion for creating functional products.
Her insights are informed by a lifelong love for sports, her experience as a yoga instructor, and a deep understanding of human movement. She focuses on athletic and casual footwear, with a special emphasis on injury prevention and barefoot exercises.
Through FirmFooted, under the umbrella of Arya Wellness, Dr. Arya partners with brands to engineer footwear that enables people to achieve their activity goals and overcome limitations. Her mission is to create shoes that protect, prevent injury, and empower individuals to stay in motion. She also shares her expertise through her blog, "Sole Insights," offering reviews and advice for healthy living.

Operations Lead & Editor
Liza is a key member of Dr. Arya’s team, serving as the Operations Lead and Editor for FirmFooted. For over two and a half years, her role as Dr. Arya’s remote healthcare assistant has given her an understanding of podiatric care and prevention. This unique dual experience allows her to manage the brand’s digital presence with both clinical knowledge and a keen eye for detail.
As Operations Lead, Liza ensures the smooth day-to-day functioning of the website, while her role as Editor guarantees that all content is clear, accurate, and professional. She is passionate about helping Dr. Arya share her expertise with the footwear industry, and she is dedicated to presenting those insights in the most professional and impactful way possible.