Dominique Shane Tull is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, an Orthopaedic Certified Specialist, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Manual Physical Therapists—but his path has always been more than just medicine. It’s about movement, history, and design.

Born in Nashville, TN, Dominique’s early academic career began at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology. His passion for rehabilitation deepened while interning in the Constraint-Induced Therapy Lab under Dr. Edward Taub and Dr. David Morris, PT, DPT, which led him to pursue his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, graduating in 2018.

During PT school, Dominique took an orthotics course in 2017—a moment that planted the first seed for Old Sole. He realized how expensive, bulky, and unfashionable orthopedic footwear was, and he believed there had to be a way to merge biomechanics with artistry to create something better. At first, it was just a thought: Could footwear be functional and stylish at the same time?

In 2019, that thought evolved into purpose. While taking "Thinking on Your Feet," a continuing education course taught by Dr. Tony Bare, PT, DPT, Dominique discovered how footwear could truly optimize foot function in ways no shoe had before. This realization sent him deeper into research, exploring how gait mechanics, pain reduction, and design innovation could come together to create a shoe that doesn’t just support movement—but improves it.

He refined his expertise at Brooks Rehabilitation, completing a one-year Orthopaedic Residency followed by a two-year Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship. Afterward, he partnered with his residency and fellowship mentor to co-found Physionexus LLC, a cohort-based learning platform for orthopaedic physical therapists focused on community and professional growth.

In 2023, Dominique joined UF Health Jacksonville as an Outpatient Physical Therapist and Clinical Specialist, where he plays a dual role in both clinical care and research. But his work with Old Sole LLC represents the true intersection of his passion for biomechanics, Black history, and creative design.

Old Sole LLC isn’t just about making sneakers—it’s about storytelling through footwear. Inspired by Durkeeville and the legacy of Black innovation in Jacksonville, Dominique saw an opportunity to redefine the role of sneakers in both culture and healthcare.

• Biomechanical Research: Old Sole’s designs are rooted in scientific testing to enhance foot function, improve gait mechanics, and reduce pain without compromising style.
• Cultural Legacy: The brand draws inspiration from historical Black communities, particularly Durkeeville and James P. Small Park, where the spirit of resilience and craftsmanship runs deep.
• Revolutionizing Footwear: Traditional sneaker brands prioritize aesthetics; orthopedic brands prioritize function. Old Sole does both—fusing advanced physical therapy principles with timeless streetwear appeal.

Dominique’s vision for Old Sole extends beyond sneakers. It’s about educating communities, empowering movement, and reshaping how footwear impacts both performance and everyday life. From his early days as a PT student questioning the flaws of orthopedic shoes to leading cutting-edge footwear research today, Dominique Tull is proving that shoes don’t just tell stories—they shape them.