Restore To Explore

Changing The Way You See Shoes w/ Dr. Irene Davis

Feb 20, 2024

Dr. Irene Davis discusses the importance of natural foot movement and challenges in changing footwear perceptions. She emphasizes the role of foot muscles in overall foot health and the need for education on ideal footwear. Davis also shares her research on minimal shoes and bone health, advocating for functional and natural footwear. The podcast explores the impact of running shoe design on injuries and promotes informed decision-making in physical activities.

55:48

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Episode guests

Irene Davis

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Understanding the importance of natural foot movement in footwear design.

Highlighting the challenges in changing perceptions of traditional footwear paradigms.

Emphasizing the role of foot muscles and integrated lower body system for optimal foot health.

Deep dives

Footwear Evolution and Running Injuries

The podcast episode delves into the historical changes in footwear and their potential link to running injuries. It discusses how the transition from minimal shoes to cushioned, motion control shoes coincided with an increase in running injuries. The prevalence of running injuries from the early 1970s till today is examined, highlighting concerns that modern footwear designs may contribute to injury rates.

Introduction

2min

Evolution of Foot Biomechanics and Running Shoes

25min

Comprehensive Runner Rehabilitation Program

5min

Promoting Long-term Health and Informed Decision-Making in Physical Activities

3min

Unlocking the Lower Body System

16min

Exploring the Significance of Minimal Footwear and Foot Health

5min

In this episode on the Restore To Explore podcast, Nick welcomes Dr. Irene Davis on the show. Irene discusses her background in biomechanics and physical therapy, as well as her interest in feet and the shift in focus towards understanding the importance of natural foot movement. She shares her epiphany moment and the change in perspective that led her to question traditional footwear paradigms. Irene highlights the challenges in changing the perception of footwear and the need for education and empowerment among runners. She emphasizes the importance of viewing the lower body as an integrated system and the role of foot muscles in overall foot health. Finally, she provides a simplified explanation of the ideal footwear, which allows the foot to function naturally. She explains that while there are now more options for natural footwear on the market, it is essential to educate individuals on what to look for in a shoe. Davis also shares her current research focus on the impact of minimal shoes on bone health, particularly the metatarsals. She encourages health professionals to explore the topic of minimal footwear and references a paper on the subject as a valuable resource. Finally, Davis and Nick discuss the future of foot health and the potential for a shift towards functional and natural footwear.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background
03:01
Interest in Feet and Shift in Focus
10:04
Epiphany Moment and Change in Perspective
18:38
Challenges in Changing Footwear Paradigm
25:27
Educating and Empowering Runners
32:09
Viewing the Lower Body as an Integrated System
36:03
Importance of Foot Muscles and Lack of Awareness
41:37
Changing the Perception of Feet
42:53
Simplified Explanation of Ideal Footwear
43:36
The Importance of Natural Movement and Footwear
47:10
Current Research and Future Directions
49:48
Advice for Health Professionals
50:45
The Future of Foot Health