Mark Sisson: The Rationale And Benefits of Barefoot/Minimalist Shoe Lifestyle, And How To Do It Right

I’m catching up with Mark Sisson today about one very important facet of ancestral living—minimalist footwear. This episode will give you all the information you need to know about the barefoot lifestyle and how it helps us become more integrated into proprioception (how we orient ourselves in the world relative to everything around us). You’ll also learn all about Mark’s latest passion project and how his search for the perfect (but still stylish) minimalist footwear led him to Peluva. Once you learn how most modern shoes make it possible for us to bypass the sensory input at the bottoms of our feet that informs our brains and the benefits of wearing minimalist footwear, you won’t ever go back to conventional shoes again.   TIMESTAMPS: Our feet have 10,000 nerves there to sense the ground under our feet to help orient ourselves in the world. When we wear padded shoes, we lose that sensitivity. [02:36] The invention of the high-tech running shoe did not reduce the number of injuries. [04:45] Peluva shoes are minimalist shoes with five toes but with more cushion and circulation in the foot. [10:38] We need the feedback from those 10,000 nerves to keep our balance and it is nullified when you put on those protective padded shoes.  The foot impact lessens but the injuries then go to hip and knees.  [12:00] When we walk, we are supposed to walk heel to toe but when we run it is different with the lead on the midfoot. [13:17] The Peluvas are not designed to be a running shoe. [16:25] These shoes have cushioning you don’t see in other five-toed shoes. [20:03] One of the key tenets of any minimalist shoes is they have zero drop which means there is little difference between the heel height and the forefoot. [26:34] Why can Brad jump high in the Peluva shoes than in regular basketball shoes? [32:14] Why should a regular person, not an athlete, wear these shoes? Because they are the most comfortable shoes you’ll ever wear.  You have to acclimate your feet to begin wearing these shoes. It’s hard to get the toes in the first time! [39:58] Mark thinks it would be ideal for everyone to go barefoot, but in the absence of that, wear Peluvas. [48:18] There are still people who advocate for a maximal shoe with maximal support and cushioning. [52:03]   LINKS: Brad Kearns.com Brad’s Shopping page PrimalEndrance.fit Peluva.com Move Your DNA Abebe Bikila The Primal Blueprint   Join Brad for more fun on: Instagram: @bradkearns1 Facebook: @bradkearnsjumphigh Twitter: @bradleykearns YouTube: @brad.kearns TikTok: @bradkearns   We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, Brad won’t promote anything he doesn’t absolutely love and use in daily life. Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount! NutriSense: Continuous glucose monitor and 1:1 expert support to help optimize diet choices and lifestyle behaviors. $30 B.rad discount! Marek Health: Comprehensive lab testing and expert tele-health support for peak performance. Use code “BRAD” for 10% discount! Plunge: Sensational custom-designed home cold plunge with filtered, circulating water, custom temperature setting, and sleek design. Save $150 with code BRAD LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix: Tasty, sugar-free, scientifically formulated electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don’t. Free sample pack, just click the link! B.rad Whey + Creatine Superfuel: Premium quality, all-natural supplement for peak performance, recovery, and longevity Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grassfed animal organ supplement Brad’s Macadamia Masterpiece: Mind-blowing, life-changing nut butter blend Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience Check out the my Favorites page for discounts on other great products! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.