We recently got down to the bare(foot) essentials of running with Mark Sisson on our SMM Podcast. (Listen here on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.) While much of that conversation centered on the physical benefits of more walking to prepare for running races, we also discussed the benefits of going barefoot to boost the health and propulsive power of your arches. Mark Sisson is the founder of Peluva, who produce some of the most comfortable and functional minimalist footwear on the market. If you participated in the first wave of the barefoot shoe craze, fear not – Peluva delivers the foot strengthening properties of going barefoot with some padding to avoid foot pain and injury. Mark suggests a moderate approach with plenty of adjustment time built in. You’ve got to develop the muscles in your feet before upping your walking mileage. What benefits can you expect to see? Well, new research suggests it could even be key for improving balance and reducing Alzheimer’s risk. For more on that, check out: “How Going Barefoot Affects Your Brain.” Dr. Sam Oltman says that the nerves connecting our feet and brains are just like muscles – you’ve got to use them or lose them. As you increase their stimulation by walking barefoot or in a less cushioned shoe, you lay the foundation for better balance and motor control. It also activates parts of the brain which are often dormant without stimulation, and experts believe that can reduce neurodegeneration. For more on that, check out this clip with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, who participated in a study that explored barefoot walking, rucking, and other dementia-preventative measures.

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