A Podiatrist Explains How Shoes Impact Your Foot Health

  Massachusetts-based podiatrist Dr. Alissa Kuizinas (and Xero Shoes Partner) has more than a medical perspective on footwear. She struggled with foot discomfort for years. With each step she took, her big toe would jam against the inside of her shoes – “even with my ‘good shoes’ on,” she recalls. The $133 billion shoe industry […]

Are Barefoot Shoes Beneficial for Active Recovery?

In the past few years, “recovery” has become a buzzword, as the need to take care of our well-being is paramount, whether you’re an athlete, a parent, an executive, or simply someone who appreciates comfort. Any product or service that helps us cope with daily stressors is now considered a form of “recovery.” We often […]

Unlock Your Foot Core – Test Your Balance and Strength

You’ve probably heard of (or tried) doing planks for time as a way to test your core strength and stability.  But did you know that your feet have a “core”? You can actually train your foot core to help prevent running-related injuries according to a study by Dr. Sacco. In the new book Born to Run 2: The Ultimate Training […]

A Podiatrist Explains Why “Every Shoe Is A Walking Shoe”

It’s tempting to treat your shoe rack like a toolbox. For each situation, there’s a product in the $133 billion shoe industry to fit it, from workout shoes to hiking, running, and yes, even walking shoes!  But do we need to have a specialized shoe for something as fundamental and human as walking? Massachusetts-based podiatrist Dr. […]

BOSU Ball creator’s favorite Xero Shoe?

David Weck, developed the BOSU ball and is all about helping people maximize their health and performance. What shoe does David, and his team at weckmethod.com wear? Check out the video, below, for the answer to that question plus his great (and FAST) advice on how to make the transition from a “normal” shoe to […]

New Research – Minimalist Shoes Improves Balance and Strength in Kids

I’ve said this before, and I’m going to say it again. It seems silly that in the natural movement and minimalist footwear world we need to prove something as obvious as “use it or lose it.” Using your feet means letting them bend, flex, move and feel. “Losing” them means not letting them do those […]

Run and Walk Better with “Instant Biofeedback”

Why do experts say that if you want to learn to run naturally, or barefoot, you should start on a smooth, hard surface? (Hear Harvard’s Dr. Irene Davis talk about this on the podcast she did with Dr. Peter Attia here) The answer: Because that’s how you get the most feedback about your form… and […]

NEW research – Shoes can make you weak and injured

It’s time for another episode of “stupid research.” Not that the research itself is stupid. But that those of us who understand the value and benefits of natural movement, and how most “normal” shoes get in the way of letting your feet do what’s natural, are stunned that people need research to prove something obvious: […]

The Science and Research of Minimalist Footwear and Natural Running

“Where’s the proof?” I’m asked this question often when I explain the benefits (and FUN) of natural movement, truly minimalist shoes and, whenever possible, barefoot living. Ironically, I never hear people asking that about footwear from “Big Shoe” even though the “modern” athletic shoe is the new kid on the block. It’s only been about […]

Do You Need Arch Support? You Don’t. Here’s Why.

This post was recently updated September 26, 2023 I know that when I say “There is no support for arch support,” some people respond, “Yeah, but you sell  minimalist shoes with no support, so of course you would say that.” To those people I say, “You have the order backwards. I discovered the lack of […]