Welcome to another show about the big toe (hopefully you heard the first presentation, What’s the Big Deal About the Big Toe?) because in this episode, we’re taking it further.

You will learn why your big toe is crucial for efficient movement, and how its functionality influences everything from your running stride to balance. I reveal how wearing tight, restrictive shoes can hinder your big toe’s ability to function properly, leading to muscle imbalances, poor glute activation, and even overuse injuries.

You will hear about the myths surrounding “over-pronation” and why it’s not the enemy—and why poor big toe function is. I also dive into the science behind conditions like “runner’s hallux” and the role of the big toe in controlling pronation, explain why two-thirds of endurance runners have a dysfunctional big toe, and why barefoot-inspired footwear like Peluvas may be the best path to restoring foot health and strength.

This is a great episode to listen to if you want to learn how to improve your big toe health and take your movement and fitness to the next level!

TIMESTAMPS:

Big toe functionality helps influence and optimize pronation. [00:58]

Pronation is the natural inward and downward rotation of the foot and the flattening of the arch during the walking or running stride. [02:02]

There has never been any research to reveal that the most high-tech modern running shoes or any running shoe ever invented can actually control pronation. [05:38]

How can we get better at pronation? [08:03]

Walk around barefoot as much as you can. [12:27]

 

LINKS:

• Brad Kearns.com
• B.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!
• Brad Nutrition.com
• Brad’s Shopping Page
• BornToWalkBook.com
• B.rad Podcast – All Episodes
• Peluva Five-Toe Minimalist Shoes
• Eluid Kipchoge
• Joshua Cheptegei
• 4 effective exercises to avoid 'runner's hallux'
• The importance of the big toe
• Runners hallux
• Why we shouldn’t worry about Cheptegei's pronation
• Researchers Suggest Big Toe Was Last Part of Foot to Evolve
• The Big Toe: Key to Proper Movement & Athleticism

 

We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to [email protected]. 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, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life:

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• Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off!

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