The MOVEMENT Movement Episode 261: Nike Mind — the "Un-Barefoot" Barefoot Shoe?
Jan 7, 2026
Jay Dicharry, a physical therapist specializing in gait analysis, and Dr. Irene Davis, a leading researcher in running biomechanics, dive into Nike's new sensory-focused shoe. They explore the shoe's claims, critiquing its design for ignoring crucial toe sensations. The conversation unpacks whether thick cushioning genuinely enhances foot sensitivity or merely mutes it. They warn about the risks of relying on novelty for performance gains and discuss the importance of proper foot strength. Ultimately, it's a call for better public awareness of foot health amidst clever marketing.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Prioritize Contact For Motor Learning
- When teaching movement, create an environment that maximizes surface contact and discrimination to help learning.
- Give patients progressive, discriminative sensory challenges rather than muting feedback with thick foam.
Novelty Raises Attention, Not Necessarily Benefit
- New or unstable stimuli increase brain activation, but novelty alone doesn't equal better performance or safer adaptation.
- Panelists caution that initial sensory surprise may fade as users acclimate and could mask real benefits.
Build Capacity Before Switching Shoes
- Transition gradually into minimal or radically different shoes; build capacity before increasing load or distance.
- Avoid jumping immediately into running in unfamiliar minimalist or powered footwear without training.
