In this episode, we step into the world of foot health and minimalist footwear with Andy Bryant, a seasoned podiatrist from Melbourne, Australia. Meri shares her personal journey of overcoming crippling foot pain through discovering the benefits of minimalist shoes, and Iris shares her experience with debilitating knee and hip pain in walks and hikes, and how minimalist footwear played a role in moving better.

Throughout the conversation, Andy explains why modern shoes are detrimental to our foot health and how minimalist footwear can help restore natural function and strength, addressing common foot problems and sharing practical advice for transitioning to barefoot-style shoes, and the role of the foot as a natural shock absorber and how modern footwear hinders that, leading to weaker feet and more imbalance. We also discuss running in minimalist shoes: who and why and how?

This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in improving their foot health, posture, and overall well-being.

“The biggest issue with conventional shoes is that they squish our toes, stopping our feet from moving the way they’re designed to. It’s like putting a blindfold on your feet.”

- Andy Bryant, Podiatrist

“Our feet are designed to be the primary shock absorbers. When we cushion them excessively, the load shifts to our knees and hips, leading to more significant problems.”

- Andy Bryant, Podiatrist

This week on Here’s the Deal:

• Meri’s experience with crippling foot pain to discovering minimalist footwear
• Iris’s experience with debilitating knee and hip pain and how minimalist footwear helped
• Strengthening vs supporting the foot
• The role of the foot as a natural shock absorber
• The detrimental impact of conventional shows on foot health and overall body alignment
• Practical advice for transitioning to minimalist footwear safely
• The importance of natural foot movement and proprioception in maintaining balance and strength

Connect with Andy Bryant, Podiatrist:

• Andy Bryant Podiatrist on Instagram
• The Foot Collective
• Altra Footwear
• Topo Athletic
• Bahé Shoes
• Older Yet Faster: The Secret to Running Fast and Injury Free
• Paul MacKinnon, The Balanced Runner

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

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Join Iris Deadlifts on Instagram, Meri on Instagram, and Amy Rudolph on Instagram.