In this episode, we are joined by two leading experts in the world of health and minimalist footwear: Neus Moya, a podiatrist from Tarragona, who began raising awareness about the importance of children's footwear three years ago. Her impact has been so significant that whenever she recommends a shoe, it sells out immediately. Jesús Serrano, a physiotherapist and author of the book "La salud a tus pies" (Health at Your Feet), explains how the foot influences our entire posture, movement, and general health. Together, they help us understand why taking care of our feet from a young age can make a difference in our physical development and our adult lives. We cover everything from the role of minimalist footwear for children and whether it is possible to run barefoot, to the creation of the Koops brand and the value of educating on health from the ground up. Topics we explore 00:00 - Intro 3:35 - When you realize this, you start worrying about your feet4:33 - I was sending patients home with shoes that deformed their feet8:23 - Flat feet and children12:40 - Minimalist shoes are for every child28:48 - Can you run barefoot? 35:15 - What are barefoot shoes like? 37:18 - Should we use toe spacers? 48:37 - How was Koops born? Key highlights The importance of feet and footwear The foot as a structural and sensory foundation: Neus Moya, nurse and pediatric podiatrist, emphasizes that the foot is a structural base and a vital sensory pathway that connects with the nervous system, engaging proprioception and balance [03:12]. Jesús Serrano, founder of Improv Clínica, adds that in injury rehabilitation, traditional footwear deformed the feet, rendering physical therapy ineffective [04:17]. The "Barefoot" method: Chus explains his approach: seeking the root cause of the problem, working on the foot, and using foot-shaped shoes, which has been highly successful due to its common-sense approach [04:52]. Child development: The importance of the foot in child development is highlighted. Babies are born with flat feet, and the arch forms through development and foot stimulation up to the age of 9-10 [07:02]. Narrow shoes hinder the proper development of the foot's arch [07:18]. Play and exercises: For children, it is recommended to enrich their playtime with activities that stimulate the barefoot on different textures, rather than using structured exercises [10:55]. The "minimalist footwear" myth: It is clarified that minimalist shoes are for every child; while some may need additional work, the shoes themselves will not cause harm [01:23]. Transitioning to "barefoot" footwear: For adults, the transition to "barefoot" footwear should be gradual, as the foot may be weakened from years of wearing conventional shoes [30:41]. Common problems and solutions Flat feet: This is physiological until the age of 6 [08:06]. Intervention depends on a general assessment of the child and may include exercises or, in some cases, elastic support insoles that stimulate the arch, always worn within a minimalist shoe [09:16]. Bunions: Bunions are associated with narrow footwear [18:42]. Studies of barefoot populations show an absence of bunions, suggesting they are a "disease of the West" related to footwear [19:09]. Insoles: Insoles are not a permanent crutch; their goal should be temporary and meant to help the foot function better, stimulating the muscles rather than substituting them [21:52]. However, in cases of severe structural problems, they may be necessary for life [21:33]. Using rigid insoles in narrow shoes is criticized, as it worsens the problem [23:39]. Toe spacers: These are a tool to help restore the shape of the toes in adults who have worn deforming footwear [37:08]. No pathologies caused by toe spacers have been proven, and the backlash against them on social media is considered disproportionate compared to the impact of narrow footwear [38:08]. The foot's connection to the rest of the body Bite and posture: There is a significant relationship between the feet, the bite, and posture, as fascia connects the entire body [41:18]. A foot-strike issue can influence the bite and vice versa, suggesting the need for a comprehensive approach [42:25]. Attention and learning disorders: The sensory information a child receives through their feet is crucial. Difficulties in processing this information can be linked to issues with concentration or self-regulation [44:49]. Stimulating the foot while barefoot or wearing minimalist shoes can improve academic performance and emotional well-being [46:01]. Characteristics of "barefoot" footwear Shape and function: Good "barefoot" footwear should respect the function and shape of the foot [35:11]. Anatomical toe box: It must allow the big toe to remain straight [35:17]. Thin and flexible sole: This allows for sensory input and natural foot movement, favoring muscle development [35:29]. Zero drop: The sole should have the same thickness from front to back [35:51]. No cushioning: Cushioning is not recommended for children because impact with the ground is necessary for the density of the calcaneus (heel bone) [36:02]. All of this is possible thanks to www.belevels.com.
