151. Foot Health, Transition Protocol to Minimalist Shoes & Footwear in Athletes | Irene Davis, PhD, PT

Irene Davis, PhD, PT, is a Professor in the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science in the Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida.  Prior to this, she was the founding Director of the Spaulding National Running Center in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School.  Dr. Davis received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Massachusetts, and in Physical Therapy from the University of Florida.  She earned her Masters degree in Biomechanics from the University of Virginia, and her PhD in Biomechanics from Pennsylvania State University. Her research is focused on the relationship between lower extremity structure, mechanics and injury and extends to the development of interventions to alter faulty mechanics through gait retraining. Her interests also include the effect of minimal footwear on mechanics and injury. She has given over 350 lectures both nationally and internationally and authored 160 publications on the topic of lower extremity mechanics during walking and running gait. She has been named one of the 50 Most Influential People in Running.  She is the current President of the American College of Sports Medicine. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Buying a minimalist shoe online or in the store
• Transition protocol into minimalist shoes or barefoot core
• Biomechanics of the Nike Vaporfly (4% show)
• Advantages and disadvantages of a carbon foot plate
• The role of athletic footwear
• Why older people should consider minimalist shoes

Mentioned in the show:

Vivobareboot

Xero Shoes

Merrell Shoes

Nike Vaporfly (4%) Shoes

Carbon Fiber Plate - Bone Stress Injuries

Pickleball

LeBron James Feet