8 Years in Barefoot Shoes - What REALLY Happens

Unknown to most, wearing the wrong shoes can shut down certain regions of your brain, potentially leading to foot, knee, or back pain. In this article, we'll explore the impact of barefoot shoes on the brain-body connection and how they can alleviate pain and discomfort.
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The Importance of Healthy Feet

Our feet serve as the foundation of our body, connecting us to the earth. Despite their significance and essentiality in maintaining balance, stability, and overall well-being, we often neglect their health.
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My Journey to Foot Health

After many years of strange muscle imbalances, all tracing back to my left ankle, I became more motivated than ever to investigate further and understand where these issues were coming from. It was during this journey that I met Graham Tuttle, a strength and performance coach and foot health specialist, whose insights into barefoot movement revolutionized my understanding.

After experiencing chronic injuries himself, Graham has dedicated his life to mastering barefoot movement, spending the last 8 years in barefoot shoes. His expertise has helped thousands reclaim their foot health and athletic abilities, and together, we'll help answer the misconceptions surrounding footwear choices.
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Q: What's wrong with traditional shoes?

Conventional shoes, while offering protection, often compromise foot health. They compress the feet into unnatural shapes, leading to weakened muscles and restricted movement. This restricted movement affects us all and has even caused professional athletes like LeBron James to fall victim to foot injuries.

Q: What do you mean by the phrase 'brain-body connection'?

Our brain sends signals to our muscles through the central nervous system, facilitating movement and sensory perception. However, wearing restrictive shoes can disrupt this connection, leading to decreased awareness and an increased risk of injury.

Q: What shoes should I be wearing?

Barefoot shoes are a great alternative to traditional shoes as they allow the feet to move naturally, promoting strength and flexibility. They provide a wide toe box and minimal support, mimicking the barefoot sensation while offering some protection. Transitioning to barefoot shoes has shown, in some cases, to alleviate foot pain and improve overall mobility.

Q: What brand would you recommend?

I personally wear Origo's, a great company based out of Austin. Origo designs their shoes so that they are comfortable, sustainable, and look like normal everyday shoes. A lot of barefoot shoes or toe shoes unfortunately bring unwanted attention; Origo's are great for those who want to live their day-to-day lives away from the spotlight.

Q: Is it as simple as changing my shoes?

Changing your shoes will certainly help revitalize the brain-body connection and aid your foot health, but unfortunately this isn't the quick fix many people hope for. To restore foot health, it's essential to reconnect with our feet through sensory input and movement. By mobilizing and strengthening the toes and arches, we can improve proprioception and enhance overall foot function. For the potential downsides of barefoot shoes and all you need to know before buying them, read the article here.
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Work hard, play harder

After 8 years in barefoot shoes, here are the 3 crucial steps that Graham recommends for optimal foot health:

1. Texture - Texture on your bare feet is essential for creating your mind-body connection and increased awareness. From grass to sand, use a range of surfaces to increase your level of proprioception.
2. Touch - It's essential to connect with your feet directly and reawake them through touch. Use your hands to mobilize your foot muscles and increase the sensory input.
   
3. Train - Strength training is vital to see long-lasting change, especially exercises that challenge your podiatry movement and create more stimulus for adaption.

While barefoot shoes offer numerous benefits, it's essential to recognize their role as a tool in our journey to better foot health. Incorporating barefoot principles into your daily lives can lead to long-lasting improvements in mobility and comfort.

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For a complete guide on all things foot health-related and a tutorial on foot strengthening exercises, watch the video here.‍