Most people who walk into Claire Roberts' clinic in Putney start apologising before their shoes are even off. They are embarrassed, or worried about what she might see, and Claire has heard it so many times that she has a reply ready. "It sounds like you're exactly where you need to be."
Claire is the founder of Claire Roberts Foot Health, an independent clinic in Putney that supports runners and the wider community with foot care, injury recovery and biomechanical concerns. Alongside personalised treatment and practical advice, the clinic offers skin and nail care, wound care and nail surgery.
Going behind the curtain
Claire's route into foot health began on the other side of the reception desk. She spent years in administration and coordination within health clinics, including managing a physiotherapy practice, and while she loved working in healthcare, she wanted a more hands-on role in patient care.
"I considered nursing and several allied health professions, but podiatry and foot care felt like the right fit for my interests and experience," she says. What appealed to her was the range of people she could help, from those wanting to stay active to more vulnerable members of the community, for whom looking after their feet can make a real difference to comfort, mobility and independence.
She trained as a Foot Health Practitioner and is now studying towards a degree in podiatry. She also tutors students on the SMAE Institute's Level 4 credit-rated Diploma in Foot Health, the same course she originally trained on. "Many patients don't realise I wear a teaching hat as well!"
A team of six in Putney
After a few years working within podiatry companies, Claire opened her own clinic in February 2026, and it has already grown to a team of six. Fellow Foot Health Practitioners Yaisa and Kim cover the early and late parts of the week respectively, Michael visits as the clinic's podiatrist to provide nail surgery by referral, and Tracey-Anne offers reflexology for the more holistic side of care. Niall keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes, while Claire works in the clinic and also provides home visits.
Putney was a natural choice. Claire has lived there for 11 years and in South West London for more than 25, and she enjoys getting to know her community from a different angle through the people who come through the door. She has also noticed a local shift, with more people becoming proactive about their feet and recognising how much they matter to their wider health.
From five to 104
Asked for her best story, Claire finds it hard to pick just one, because the variety is what stays with her. She has treated patients aged from five to 104, from international athletes representing Great Britain to bedbound former servicemen and women with extraordinary stories to share.
There are surprises too. "A sore spot in the foot can turn out to be something unexpected. I've even found an earring back! You never quite know what the next appointment will bring."
The most rewarding part of the job is seeing people relax. Many leave saying they wish they had booked sooner, and some describe walking out "on air". The hardest part is that not every condition has a quick fix. Some treatments take time, and Claire believes in being honest about that while making sure people feel supported, understand the plan and can see the progress being made.
What runners should know
For runners, Claire's message is that small foot problems can quickly become a big distraction. A troublesome nail, sore skin or discomfort that keeps coming back are all worth getting checked, so you can understand what might be contributing and make a plan.
If you only book one thing, she recommends an initial assessment, which gives time to talk through your concerns, assess your feet and work out what suits you and your running goals. The answer is not always a shopping trip, either. "Chances are you already own something that could help. You may just need to use it differently," she says. A different lacing pattern, padding to protect an area that rubs or a taping technique can all make a difference, and while you don't necessarily need the next super shoe, the team will help you make an informed choice if that is what you want.
Her wider advice is about balance. "There's a time to push yourself and a time to give your body space to recover. Rest can be part of progressing towards your goals, and sometimes the 'tincture of time' really is your friend." If discomfort keeps returning, she encourages runners to get advice, so they can adapt their training while supporting their recovery.
Claire's running
Claire's favourite distance is the half marathon, and her favourite local loop runs along the Thames from Putney Bridge up to Hammersmith Bridge and back down the other side of the river. "It's perfection," she says.
No judgement, no apologies
Claire's final message is one she clearly says often. "Please don't feel worried or embarrassed about seeking support. We see a lot of feet, and I help train other people who see a lot of feet too! You don't need to apologise for yours or get them 'ready' for an appointment."
Whatever your concern or running goal, you will find a warm welcome, no judgement and a team that is there to support you.
Your RLS Reward
RLS members get an exclusive discount at Claire Roberts Foot Health:
- 20% off an initial assessment
- 10% off follow-up appointments
To claim your reward, open the Run Love Sprint app and find Claire Roberts Foot Health in the RLS Rewards partner directory.
Claire Roberts Foot Health Independent foot health clinic in Putney, with home visits available. Email: info@clairerobertsfoothealth.co.uk
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