November 19, 2019

Benefits of Barefoot Movement with Shoe Entrepreneur, Mountain Chang

1 hour 1 minute

This episode is packed with interesting nuggets about the benefits and misconceptions about barefoot movement and barefoot shoes. I chat with Mountain Chang, a CPA turned founder of the barefoot shoe company, Carets. Carets makes classy high end dress shoes - think Allen Edmonds - but with barefoot features like a zero drop design and wider toe box.

(I don't receive a commission for this: you can use the coupon code 2019hippiecritical for $30 off if you shop at Carets.)

In this episode, we talk about...

The interesting origins of barefoot movement

Benefits of barefoot movement and why barefoot shoes exist

Why the "standard" approach to shoe design - cushioning, heels, space - is not designed for the human foot to have full range of motion. (Explains why higher heels are especially bad for the foot - not just for women.)

Common misconceptions of barefoot running, such as blisters and places to run

Other resources mentioned:

Book that started the barefoot running craze: Born to Run

POSE method of running: Youtube video and Pose Method Website

Other barefoot shoe brands mentioned: Vivobarefoot, Lems, Softstar

Ninja shoes ("Jika-tabi") and why they're often used by Japanese construction workers

Upright Health Youtube Channel

Mark's Daily Apple - popular and super informative health blog

Join Carets Mailing List

Check out Carets' interview (blog post) with Dr Emily Splichal, creator of Naboso Insoles.

The Motor Quotient ("MQ")

Carets donates 1% of profits to Heifer International, a nonprofit that provides "livestock and training in sustainable agricultural and business practices to create the most opportunity for...communities.

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Credits:

Intro music: "Good Tone" by Nordgroove from Fugue

Outro music: "Sincerely" by Kevin Macleod

...more