Anya Jensen - HOW to Pick the RIGHT Barefoot Shoe for YOU || MBPP Ep. 774

In this Podcast Episode, Anya Jensen from Anya's Reviews, Mark Bell, Nsima Inyang, and Andrew Zaragoza talk about the unbelievable impact our shoes can have on our bodies. Anya is a writer and entrepreneur whose barefoot shoe websites break down barriers to healthy footwear, making it easier for people to find exactly what they're looking for.
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AnyasReviews.com
BarefootShoeFinder.com
Anyas-Shop.com
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www.vivobarefoot.com/us/power...
shammasandals.com
www.earthrunners.com
us.vibram.com
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Stamps:
0:00 - Episode preview.
2:34 - vivobarefoot.com/powerproject code powerproject20 to get 20% off!
4:03 - anyasreviews.com for more barefoot shoe brands.
5:56 - How did Anya dive into foot stuff?
11:12 - Big toe fusion surgery.
12:20 - Anya's feet rehab journey.
18:02 - Find out what works for you Instead of relying on social media.
20:46 - Points to consider before buying shoes.
24:35 - a. Should our toes be wider than our feet? b. Difference in Anya's feet then & now.
26:15 - Flip flop shoes.
29:37 - How to find the right shoes that fit?
33:21 - Options for extra padding in barefoot shoes.
35:17 - Did Anya find any changes in walking style?
38:58 - Anya's training program for foot strengthening.
41:32 - Strengthening foot while indoors.
42:47 - Any research in grounding?
44:54 - Running barefoot.
49:07 - Issue with socks?
52:39 - Recommendations for kids shoes.
57:04 - vuori.com/powerproject to get 20% off!
57:59 - Demo of different types of shoes.
1:06:58 - Buy perfect sandals.
1:08:48 - Is Vibram better!
1:12:31 - Military & firemen footwear.
1:15:55 - What are zero drop shoes?
1:17:40 - Professional shoes.
1:21:06 - Shoes for health care workers.
1:23:12 - Regular style shoes.
1:25:26 - Insole test
1:27:31 - Are Vans & Chucks good?
1:31:02 - Kind of shoes good for Volleyball.
1:31:49 - Ballet shoes.
1:33:00 - EU sizing.
1:34:23 - Ninja shoes.
1:38:44 - Biggest shoe size available.
1:40:38 - Custom barefoot shoe brands.
1:43:07 - Will Nike make a barefoot breakthrough?
1:47:02 - Transitioning to zero drop shoes may be uncomfortable initially.
1:51:25 - First step Anya made to get out of pain.
1:53:11 - Training programs on Anya's website.
1:56:54 - Way to connect with Anya.
1:57:35 - For more information about foot stuff.
1:58:15 - Like, Share, subscribe, comment follow the podcast.
1:59:04 - Outro.
#BarefootShoes #AnyasReviews
#PowerProject #Podcast #MarkBell #FitnessPodcast

[@seedythomp4388]

Come on Mark, don’t be stingy.

[@mattepton5731]

You guys deserve 1M followers IMO. Interesting, entertaining topics and guests, as well as the great chemistry between the three of you.🙏🌟

[@MarkBellsPowerProject]

we really appreciate you Matt, thank you.

[@mikeharding9396]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@TroyBlyden]

Facts

[@Alex44081]

I developed bunions from wearing cleats and shoes all the time. My podiatrists suggestions were the same as Anya’s. About a year ago I started training my feet and slowly l rehabilitated myself. The body is incredible.

[@ridenm7748]

. I've had huge improvements with pulling and pushing a sled but what did you do?

[@Alex44081]

@@ridenm7748 Since I have a home gym I squat and deadlift barefoot, sled with shoes on, and just try to walk around the house barefoot more.

[@docksloan]

Anya has so many amazing resources for this topic! She's a huge resource for me as I get my patients into this stuff!

[@Mistak-de9bp]

Making the transition slowly due to reconstructive ankle surgery I had a few years ago. Started 2 weeks ago with a pair of adidas barefoot shoes and the pain in my lower back that I’ve had for 10 years is 95% is gone.

[@danimal2659]

Went through so many options since running in high school. All the big box brands to Altra's for a long time and now Xero and Softstar Shoes I consider to be the best. Just was brainwashed into thinking my feet needed all this protection. The Xero shoes CEO would be an excellent person to have on the podcast.

[@gunsandcommissions]

I have a very similiar story to hers with transitioning from thick shoes with medical orthotics to now spending most of my time in Xero shoes.

[@stephenn3727]

Anya was terrific! Thank you

[@josh_119]

Amazing episode. A topic that more and more people are becoming interested in. I tell my friends about my barefoot shoes and they're not too convinced, so a podcast like this fills in the gaps as to (why) we should wear them

[@SAELIOSMUSIC]

this needs millions of views. so much pain can be avoided & relief can be found in switching footwear. Anya should start a minimalist/bf/podcast

[@ingekaivola4685]

Interesting podcast. I did it wrong ... I jumped in feet first (pun intended). I got rid of all my old shoes, bought xero shoes first ... Nov 2021. Worked 10 hour days. Worked through the pain. Achilles tendinitis pain mostly gone. Seeing and feeling improvement. No turning back. Also have Softstar for dressy shoes now.

[@jhpfleging]

Guys, thanks for the work you do! This was another awesome interview. I would like to add though that all of these barefoot shoes are very different from the Altras, which have a toe spring, that deactivates your toe muscles, and a very rigid sole. I would consider them a transition shoe, because they do not squish your toes and have no heel drop, but that's about everything that makes them different from a Nike trainer.

[@suppersday]

Listening through this for the 3rd time with my toe spacers in, with some Vivos in my basket. 2024 is the year of foot health.

[@JustJasonKeto]

Loved this podcast. I can never find shoes that fit right so this might help broaden my search. As far as work boots go, unfortunately the way they are designed is based on safety depending on the work you do. For example I climb ladders frequently and the raised heel is to help slipping off the rung of a ladder. I will definitely be looking for something flatter for every day use though.

[@ryansmith3860]

Awesome interview - thank you guys for showcasing freethinkers like Anya! Will definitely be checking out the Shammas and the textured mats

[@lynneann9166]

Anya is incredible. I switched to barefoot shoes and I'm so happy I did.

[@bigaz72]

I never thought about how shoes always squeezed my feet. A few years ago I started walking around my lab with just socks because it was just more comfy. Never in the gym or on the field though. Thanks to you guys and @squatUniversity it really opened my eyes. But Anya is amazing this was soooo educational. I Ordered my first pair of Xero Shoes for training so here goes. No more Pumas, Nikes, etc Next is an everyday shoe. Great show this was totally a MasterClass!

[@jackr2805]

I lost it when Nsima laughed at the Xero shoes

[@illwafer]

Shoutout to Anya! I used her code to buy a pair of Tadeevos 2 weeks ago. They are fantastic!

[@killaken2000]

I've been using Bearfoot low tops for a long time in the gym. I was on the hunt for a more comfortable shoe because I have wide feet and every toebox seems to be made to scrunch your toes as tight as possible. I've been very happy with my shoes.

[@duncanidaho9218]

I think that Britain has similar shoe sizing as the US - we don't have the European model. For instance, I (a male in his 30s and of average height) takes a size 8. According to a chart I just looked at, this would make me a 9 in the US scale and a 42 in the European scale. I don't know if many people care about this, but it was mentioned in the show so I looked it up.

[@madisonbourbon4869]

Great podcast, I wear barefoot shoes , but my favorite shoe for around the house for a little extra cushion is Mark’s sling shot deadlifting slipper!

[@Voidrunner01]

The Belleville Mini-Mils are uniform compliant to both Army and Air Force uniform standards, but they're not generally approved for actual duty/field wear. It's considered a training boot, primarily. But that being said, they're pretty decent. Very flexible and the minimal heel lift isn't really noticeable. I have personally worn them on a 16 mile cross-country "survival" race with a 75lb pack and they held up very well.

[@monicakobylensky]

Love her!!

[@noizychild]

I love my wildlings. Just started to Wear Altra for all day big mileage days on foot. Got here from Nike free years ago...

[@j.hartle6709]

I have the lems boots and they are perfect for winter

[@StoicJason]

Switched to Altra two months ago. Took me 2-3 days to get used to them. No big deal for me but maybe not for everyone.

[@Onnitfan1]

Great show with a great topic. Lems look good.

[@mikeporreca1453]

This was great and very helpful. You should check out Tony Riddle who runs trails barefoot

[@robertmallyjr5494]

Loving that you got me thinking about foot health and just as I was getting overwhelmed trying to figure out what to buy you get Anya on! What brand sandles did Nsima recommend?

[@MarkBellsPowerProject]

Glad we could make it happen as well. Nsima wears Earth Runners, but check the links in the description for a few different options.

[@NsimaInyang]

Shamma sandles are great also, link is in the bio

[@pzzapwr]

I love sneakers, I’ve been a collector since high school when I started making my own money, but I have had the worst problem with corns over the past few years. I’m ready to make the jump to some Vivos. I need to measure my foot, but what do you guys do for sizing? Size down from what you usually wear or true to size?

[@solonanderson7019]

I'm 19 and I've been a barefoot kind of person my whole life about 6 months ago I ordered a pair of vevo's and have never worn a normal pair of shoes since my toes are not wider than my feet

[@mikeymoe6516]

I wished you would addressed safety work boots that many people have to wear for work and alternatives. Good pod though.

[@utpham1719]

What brand is the shiny brown boots?

[@bmook019]

Maybe they were mentioned and I missed it, but bearfoot by Chris duffin are solid for lifting.

[@NikolaTeslaEE]

Vivo needs to make a pair of minimalist shoes made for mud runs, OCR, and moderate/advanced hiking. Xero has a pair, Aqua, and they are dope.

[@jimmieaversa4796]

The xero 360 does not have good enough grip for most indoor basketball courts. I bought a pair a few months ago but they don’t do the job

[@Zam432F]

Casual wear- wildlings, splay Versatility- vivo. Barefoot- vibram(hiking) Run shoeless.*

[@Alex44081]

I bought some Fei Yue’s because KOT guy suggested them. 30$ out the door!

[@Gonz216]

With Five Fingers, I make sure I am on solid ground and kinda crawl my toes into them. Like scrunching. I don't try to pull them on like normal shoes.

[@tannerhannold9841]

What do you guys think of Merrell shoes?

[@anyasreviews]

Their Glove line is pretty good! On the narrower side, so if you have a wide forefoot I'd recommend looking elsewhere. The Vapor Glove is more minimal than the Trail Glove

[@theunknownsamurai7426]

how about work shoes?

[@howln556]

Dewalt plasma is a great steel toe work boot with the insole removed. Shout out to @TREEfool he has a video on them that made me decide to get them.

[@jandmycat]

Damn didn't know the whole flip flop thing. I always thought they were good alternatives to my barefoot shoes every now and then.

[@jordanbroadhead7388]

I noticed recently my legs would fatigue really quickly on the front of my shin in flip flops. I think it's from aggressively lifting my toe to keep them on lol

[@SiLVERSERG]

Sheeesh!

[@ronaldk.wileyjr.5476]

I LOVE my 5 finger shoes. I don't give a shit about people saying something about them. Most of them have effed up, weak feet anyway.

[@eddieolachia5305]

I work construction 10hrs a day 5 days a week. What’s a good alternative steel toe boot for this ?

[@vitor301980]

I just bought the Birkenstock QS700 Anya reviewed and rates it as her top steel toe “barefoot” workboots as long as you replace the super stiff insole it comes with a flexible “barefoot” insole. The boot’s sole is foot shaped and provides my toes with ample room to spread out. I am very happy with this purchase!

[@keneticchannel]

I don't think there's a barefoot brand in the world that isn't actively trying to be Anya's best friend. 🤣 For kid's barefoot shoes that don't cost $60 a pair (that they'll outgrow before they wear out!!), I've had a lot of luck with Saguaro shoes. You can get them on Amazon for about $30. Most are "technically" water shoes but don't have any drainage holes in the soles. My four-year-old son runs like the wind in them and has not lost his squat. He can do a flat-footed squat lower than any other kid his age-sometimes he'll just watch TV that way. He usually has 2-3 pairs in circulation. 1. His "nice" pair: usually a half-size too big because he wears them with socks (since they're sized to be worn barefoot) to school, etc. 2. His "play" pair: usually the "right" size, still with socks, but with the insoles removed to buy him some extra space. 3. His warm weather / water pair: usually ones from 6-or-so months back, worn barefoot without insoles. The cycle continues as his foot grows and the weather changes. The difference between having your kid in barefoot shoes versus clunky sneakers is night and day. A friend had bought my son some Jordans as a present and he could barely walk in them. We put him in some barefoot-style Saguaro shoes and he runs with a perfect mid-foot strike that I study to try and perfect my own technique. 🤣

[@ianonbass]

Someone really has to make steel toe type minimalists. Warehouse workers need healthy feet too

[@ec4146]

Muscles in the foot are basically experiencing atrophy.

[@mikeymoe6516]

I wished you would have address safety work boots that many of the population need to wear for work and alternatives.

[@tbaylo4034]

Tactical research Mini-Mil

[@ZephyrRandD]

After listening to this; I'm curious why an aggressive arch supported, high heeled logger boot (Nicks Boots Builder Pro) makes me feel better in my posture and actually activates my glutes better when I squat at work? Honest question...

[@BlakeCWong]

One of the barriers for most people getting into minimalist shoes is the pricing. Why are these shoes double the price of name brands, when they are less material and more simple? I understand some of them are high quality, but the pricing really is taking advantage of the lack of options presented to the consumer.

[@kingofchickens123]

Economies of scale. Nike produces millions of pairs of any one shoe, on top of using the cheapest of labour to increase margins. Most of the barefoot shoes companies are using ethical processes and materials that increase costs. The actual materials used is usually the cheapest part of making the shoe.

[@aaronlatif52]

Im not a historian or anything, but I think the narrow boots and shoes are a byproduct of riding horseback to allow the foot an easier way to get in and I also think the heel of boots was there to secure the foot. Thats at least what I came up with when I thought why are all my boots so uncomfortable and what function does this all serve and for who.

[@joeybaseball7352]

Homely female

[@cyclist5000]

What's with the wrong time stamps?

[@MarkBellsPowerProject]

lol they've been corrected. Thank you.

[@standardtuning4guitars423]

"how to pick the right barefoot shoe for you" is the title. The girl said she prefers to walk barefoot so nothing to do with shoes and nobody there has any knowledge of grounding shoes. Actually i think she does know a little but she seems scared to talk about it. Just in case anyone didnt know all shoes until the 20th century were grounded/earthed because of natural materials. When rubber/plastic got involved the feet became insulated from the natural electricity of the earth's surface. Yes normally a gentle current passes through the ground to our feet. Without that flow of electricity pretty everything in the body starts to malfunction, immune system, nervous system, the brain, blood circulation, breathing.

[@GB-bk1nv]

I thought the barefoot running shoe fad ended years ago in a storm of stress fractures and lawsuits.