Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin
Golden Harper
Wed Apr 24 2024footwearrunningfoot healthshoe design
Description
This episode explores the impact of traditional footwear on foot health, the benefits of variability in running surfaces, the journey of starting a new shoe company, insights on foot health and natural footwear, and running tips and insights. Key topics include the influence of horse riding boots on modern shoe design, the importance of foot strengthening for preventing injuries, the role of variability in running surfaces for muscle engagement, the challenges faced by innovative shoe companies, and tips for proper movement and foot health. Join us as we dive into the world of footwear and running!
Insights
Horse riding boots influenced modern shoe design
Heels were originally meant to keep feet in stirrups
Foot strengthening is crucial for preventing running injuries
Strong feet act as landing gear that stabilizes the body and reduces pressure on joints
Running on natural surfaces with variability is beneficial for foot health
Walking or running on uneven ground engages muscles as designed by the human body
Starting a new shoe company faced resistance from established brands
Major shoe companies were hesitant to adopt innovative approaches due to existing fan bases and reluctance towards change
Transitioning to natural footwear can improve foot health
Jogging barefoot on grass or sand and using bridge soles with Metpads can support the transition
Zero drop shoes promote a more natural foot position
They gained popularity in the running community for their no heel-to-forefoot cushioning design
Ultra-distance running involves managing physical and emotional fatigue
It provides an addictive roller coaster experience
Wearing foot-shaped shoes all day helps maintain a natural foot position
It has benefits beyond just running
The speaker's family has a strong background in running
Parents were elite runners and Olympic trials qualifiers
At the age of nine, the speaker ran 50 miles in two days
It was part of a challenge to prove commitment to running before being allowed to run a marathon
Chapters
- The Influence of Horse Riding Boots on Modern Shoe Design
- The Importance of Variability in Running Surfaces
- The Journey of Starting a New Shoe Company
- Insights on Foot Health and Natural Footwear
- Running Tips and Insights
Summary
Transcript
The Influence of Horse Riding Boots on Modern Shoe Design
00:02 - 12:39
- Horse riding boots from the Middle Ages influenced modern shoe design, with heels originally meant to keep feet in stirrups.
- Modern footwear can have negative effects on foot health, leading to chronic foot conditions like plantar fasciosis and bunions.
- Most footwear deforms and weakens the feet by raising the heel and crowding the toes together.
- Foot strengthening is crucial for preventing running injuries as strong feet act as landing gear that stabilizes the body and reduces pressure on joints.
- People who don't wear shoes have lower incidence of joint issues.
- The speaker's parents were elite athletes despite coming from non-active families.
- The speaker studied with a biomechanics exercise scientist in Hawaii to learn about foot strength.
- The speaker became skeptical of traditional shoe industry practices and started exploring barefoot-style shoes.
- Running on natural surfaces with variability is considered beneficial for foot health.
The Importance of Variability in Running Surfaces
12:18 - 25:47
- Variability in running surfaces is crucial for preventing injuries and maintaining muscle balance.
- Walking or running on uneven ground helps engage muscles as designed by the human body.
- Traditional running shoes may not be suitable for high-impact activities or technical terrains.
- Float running technique simplifies running mechanics and emphasizes the importance of proper technique.
- Running is often overlooked in terms of technique training compared to other sports.
- Float running simplifies the basics of running by focusing on posture and arm positioning.
- Maintaining proper elbow position can significantly improve running technique, including cadence, foot landing, posture, and airway.
- The float run harness provides tactile feedback to help runners correct their form during runs.
- Focusing solely on foot strike in running may not address underlying issues and could lead to different injuries.
The Journey of Starting a New Shoe Company
30:45 - 43:44
- A cobbler started modifying shoes, leading to high demand for customized shoes with improved fit and comfort.
- Extensive research was conducted on the modified shoes' impact on reducing injuries and improving comfort, achieving high success rates in addressing common running issues.
- Despite positive results, major shoe companies were hesitant to adopt the innovative approach due to existing fan bases and reluctance towards change.
- The idea of starting a new shoe company emerged after facing resistance from established brands, with initial skepticism about the feasibility of success in the competitive market.
- The decision to start a new shoe company was solidified after demonstrating the effectiveness of modified shoes to alleviate knee pain during a run.
- The company Ultralight started with a million dollars in debt and is now worth between $500 million and a billion
- Ultralight began in 2008 by hacking shoes and launched their first shoes in 2011, focusing on zero drop and natural wide toe box running shoes
- Their initial shoe line included models like Instinct, Lone Peak, Adam, and Eve, catering to barefoot style running
- Ultralight aimed to create a new category of shoes that combined barefoot style with cushioning, challenging existing trends
- The founder's goal was for the shoes to feel like they disappear when worn, providing an exceptional experience for users
Insights on Foot Health and Natural Footwear
49:07 - 1:07:24
- Teaching people proper movement and foot strengthening is a key focus for PR gear.
- Correct toes are recommended to help realign deformed feet and improve stability.
- Transitioning from traditional footwear to more natural footwear can be supported by bridge soles with Metpads.
- The single best foot exercise recommended is jogging barefoot on grass or sand, followed by single leg heel floats and walking with an elastic band around the big toes.
- Zero drop shoes have a level heel with the front of the foot, promoting a more natural foot position.
- The term 'zero drop shoes' gained popularity quickly in the running community to describe shoes with no heel-to-forefoot cushioning.
- Being close to the ground can have benefits related to impact and activity, such as stability and grounding for health benefits.
- Choosing the right amount of cushioning in shoes depends on the activity, with less cushioning recommended for casual use and more cushioning for longer or challenging runs.
- Approaching a 50-mile race requires a mindset of hiking, managing fuel intake, and enjoying the experience before pushing harder towards the end.
- Some shoes today have grounding plugs and copper interfaces for connecting with the ground, promoting interesting foot health concepts.
Running Tips and Insights
1:13:37 - 1:25:20
- Training your stomach is crucial for long-distance running to ensure proper fueling and performance.
- Ultra-distance running involves managing physical and emotional fatigue, leading to an addictive roller coaster experience.
- Body type does not necessarily determine running ability; taller or heavier individuals can excel in different types of running events.
- Considerations for grounding shoes in ultra-running were explored but faced challenges in development and marketing.
- Wearing foot-shaped shoes all day is more beneficial than just for running, as it helps maintain a natural foot position.
- Distance running allows anyone to excel with effort, unlike sprinting which is more genetic-based.
- Training at a low heart rate can prevent overtraining and running injuries by allowing the body to adapt and improve gradually.
- Running at a slower pace in the aerobic zone provides the same benefits as running faster but with less muscle damage, allowing for more volume and better recovery.
- The speaker's family has a strong background in running, with parents who were elite runners and Olympic trials qualifiers.
- At the age of nine, the speaker ran 50 miles in two days as part of a challenge set by their father to prove their commitment to running before being allowed to run a marathon.