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

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.Helpful Links: TOOLS | Movement tools built for foot training. TRAINING | Programs and courses to help you build a strong foundation.APP MEMBERSHIPS | Live and on-demand classes for everyday movers.PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION | Join our collective of health and movement professionals. DIRECTORY | Work with an aligned practitioner near you. FOOTWEAR | Find the right shoe for you and save with special discounts. Follow The Foot Collective: INSTAGRAMTIKTOKYOUTUBEFACEBOOK---Content in this video is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have an existing injury or health concern, consult a qualified health professional before starting any new movement program.