#412 Resolving Back Pain with Barefoot: Why I switched from “normal shoes” and my favorite brands with Christa Biegler, RD

Send us Fan MailWatch this week's episode! Click here! This week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I’m talking about how switching from traditional “normal” shoes to barefoot and transitional footwear helped me resolve my own back pain—and how you can safely make the change, too.If you’ve ever dealt with nagging back, knee, hip, or foot pain, this episode is for you! I share what “barefoot shoes” really are (and what they’re not), how heel drop and shoe shape can impact your body mechanics, and the brands I love most—from budget-friendly finds to long-lasting options.In this episode, I cover:Why traditional shoes can contribute to back and knee painWhat makes barefoot and “foot-shaped” shoes differentHow to safely transition without injuring yourselfMy personal favorite barefoot and transitional shoes (some under $30!)Options for adults and kids, including those with flat feet, bunions, or foot painKEY TAKEAWAYS:Strong feet = a strong foundation for your entire bodyYou don’t have to go all-in on barefoot shoes right away—start with transitional optionsMany great shoes now cost $20–$30 instead of $120+A wide toe box and zero-drop sole make a world of differenceStrengthening your feet can improve posture, agility, and reduce painChrista’s favorite barefoot & transitional shoe brands:Budget-friendly:Whitin (Amazon) – under $40, multiple stylesZYEN (Amazon) – slip-on sneaker, ~$20JBU water shoes – great for rivers, summer wearEveryday & transitional:Merrell Trail Glove (more cushion, good starter)Merrell Vapor Glove (thinner sole, more barefoot feel)Flux – attractive everyday styles, thick sole (good for concrete)Storehouse Flats – ballet flats for dressier wearLong-lasting investment brands:Groundies (Christa’s personal favorite overall)Lems – casual & mountaineering looksXero – sandals, boots, casual shoesWildlings – ultra-flexible, thin sole (best for mild conditions)Kids & wide feet:Merrell Trail Glove kidsWhittens boots & tennis shoesXero Chelsea boots (great for flat feet)Other brands to consider:VivoBarefoot – very popular for flat feetBed Stu sandals – zero-drop and cute but slippery on stone❓Questions for Christa? Submit it here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questionsWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeLeave a review, submit a questions for the podcast or take one of my quizzes here: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksSPONSOR:Thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Looking for a clean, tasty way to stay hydrated this summer? Their Electrolyte Supreme is a go-to for energy, minerals, and daily hydration support. Use code LESSSTRESSED10 at JigsawHealth.com for 10% off—unlimited use!