The Genius Life 535: The Surprising Link Between Foot Health, Longevity, and Brain Health | Courtney Conley, DC
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Dec 17, 2025 Dr. Courtney Connolly, a foot and gait specialist, discusses the surprising connection between foot health and overall wellness. She highlights how weak feet can lead to various pains and even impact longevity and brain health. Courtney delves into the importance of proper footwear, advocating for wide toe boxes and minimal cushioning. She emphasizes the significance of daily stepping and walking, recommending tailored walking programs to improve health. Plus, she shares practical foot care tips, making a strong case for healthy feet as the foundation of a healthy life.
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Fashion Over Function Harms Feet
- Modern footwear prioritizes fashion over function and often tapers the toes, compromising foot function.
- Courtney Connolly argues this weakening of feet can ripple upstream to knees, hips, spine, cognition, and longevity.
Choose Wide Toe-Box Shoes
- Buy shoes with a wide toe box so the toes are the widest part of the foot and can splay naturally.
- Choose the wide toe-box option rather than a standard "wide" shoe that still tapers at the toes.
Toe Splay Is A Built-In Shock Absorber
- The foot uses pronation and toe splay as a built-in shock-absorbing and push-off mechanism via the plantar fascia.
- Blocking that splay reduces sensory input and intrinsic muscle engagement essential for gait.