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 podcast@bradventures.com. 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:


B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein!


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


Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ!
Get Stride: Advanced DNA, methylation profile, microbiome & blood at-home testing. Hit your stride the right way, with cutting-edge technology and customized programming. Save 10% with the code BRAD.


Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount!


GAINSWave: Enhance sexual function with high frequency shockwave therapy. Buy 6 and get one treatment free with code: BRAD


Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience


Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD!


Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grass-fed animal organ supplement

Welcome to another show about the big toe (hopefully you heard the first presentation, <a href="https://bradkearns.com/whats-the-big-deal-about-the-big-toe-2/">What&rsquo;s the Big Deal About the Big Toe?</a>) because in this episode, we&rsquo;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&rsquo;s ability to function properly, leading to muscle imbalances, poor glute activation, and even overuse injuries.
You will hear about the myths surrounding &ldquo;over-pronation&rdquo; and why it&rsquo;s not the enemy&mdash;and why poor big toe function is. I also dive into the science behind conditions like &ldquo;runner&rsquo;s hallux&rdquo; 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]
&nbsp;
LINKS:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://bradkearns.com/podcast-index/">Brad Kearns.com</a></li>
<li><a href="about:blank">B.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bradnutrition.com/">Brad Nutrition.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://bradkearns.com/shop/">Brad&rsquo;s Shopping Page</a></li>
<li><a href="http://borntowalkbook.com/">BornToWalkBook.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://bradkearns.com/podcast-index/">B.rad Podcast &ndash; All Episodes</a></li>
<li><a href="https://peluva.com/?view=cro-id28570">Peluva Five-Toe Minimalist Shoes</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=eluid+kipchoge&amp;oq=eluid+kipchoge&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIQCAEQLhiRAhixAxiABBiKBTINCAIQABiRAhiABBiKBTINCAMQABiRAhiABBiKBTINCAQQABiRAhiABBiKBTIJCAUQABgKGIAEMgkIBhAAGAoYgAQyCQgHEAAYChiABDIJCAgQABgKGIAE0gEINDk1MGowajeoAgCwAgA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">Eluid Kipchoge</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=joshua+cheptegei&amp;sca_esv=9d84bd9982e6aeff&amp;sxsrf=AE3TifMR8-TY-kM2j9RXJDSU1adA_EGPOg%3A1749514525049&amp;ei=HXlHaObcAtDTkPIP1Pm5CA&amp;ved=0ahUKEwim362-yeWNAxXQKUQIHdR8DgEQ4dUDCBA&amp;uact=5&amp;oq=joshua+cheptegei&amp;gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiEGpvc2h1YSBjaGVwdGVnZWkyDxAjGIAEGCcYigUYRhj7ATIKECMYgAQYJxiKBTINEC4YgAQYsQMYFBiHAjIKEAAYgAQYQxiKBTIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIZEAAYgAQYigUYRhj7ARiXBRiMBRjdBNgBAUiYHVCcB1iJFHABeAGQAQCYAUSgAasDqgEBN7gBA8gBAPgBAZgCCKAC0QPCAgoQABiwAxjWBBhHwgINEAAYgAQYsAMYQxiKBcICDhAAGLADGOQCGNYE2AEBwgITEC4YgAQYsAMYQxjIAxiKBdgBAcICBhAAGBYYHsICCxAAGIAEGIYDGIoFwgIIEAAYgAQYogTCAgUQABjvBcICChAAGIAEGBQYhwKYAwCIBgGQBhG6BgYIARABGAmSBwE4oAfHRLIHATe4B8oDwgcDMi04yAcj&amp;sclient=gws-wiz-serp">Joshua Cheptegei</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.joe-nimble.com/int/discover/big-toe-education/education/exercises/toespreader/">4 effective exercises to avoid 'runner's hallux'</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.joe-nimble.com/int/blog/the-importance-of-big-toe?srsltid=AfmBOorGWwW9hOPnYf0Q-LZh5NsWASckx4fSbgXw2_DFL0n7LcRKbDyO">The importance of the big toe</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.joe-nimble.com/int/discover/big-toe-education/toepilot/?srsltid=AfmBOor6HbckrBgIk3JQZkWD49WuO58ec4EhfI1M-_ZafsfbaVO53Ft4">Runners hallux</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/health/injury/a34393310/cheptegeis-overpronation/#r3z-addoor">Why we shouldn&rsquo;t worry about Cheptegei's pronation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/researchers-suggest-big-toe-was-last-part-foot-evolve-180970012/#:~:text=BBC%20News'%20Angus%20Davison%20reports,of%20the%20foot%20to%20evolve">Researchers Suggest Big Toe Was Last Part of Foot to Evolve</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.crossfitinvictus.com/blog/big-toe-key-proper-movement-athleticism/">The Big Toe: Key to Proper Movement &amp; Athleticism</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&amp;A shows, emailed to <a href="mailto:getoveryourselfpodcast@gmail.com">podcast@bradventures.com</a>. 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&rsquo;t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won&rsquo;t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://bradnutrition.com/?utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">B.rad Nutrition:</a> Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein!
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://peluva.com/?sscid=91k7_1q58j&amp;utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">Peluva</a>: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off!
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://ketone.com/BRAD?utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">Ketone-IQ</a>&nbsp;Save 30% off your first subscription order &amp; receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ!
</li>
<li><a href="http://getstride.com" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://getstride.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1744479083574000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2M5EotlxxWpksCKN7ZVyMD">Get Stride: </a>Advanced DNA, methylation profile, microbiome &amp; blood at-home testing. Hit your stride the right way, with cutting-edge technology and customized programming. Save 10% with the code BRAD.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.mitoredlight.com/?utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">Mito Red Light:</a>&nbsp;Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount!
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://gainswave.com/brad/?utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">GAINSWave:</a>&nbsp;Enhance sexual function with high frequency shockwave therapy. Buy 6 and get one treatment free with code: BRAD
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://bradventures.thinkific.com/collections?utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">Online educational courses:</a>&nbsp;Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.primalhealthcoach.com/brad/?utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">Primal Fitness Expert Certification</a>: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD!
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://bradkearns.com/mofo/?utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO):</a>&nbsp;Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grass-fed animal organ supplement
</li>
</ul>

Join Brad Kearns, New York Times bestselling author and champion triathlete, Speedgolfer, and masters high jumper, in pursuing peak performance with passion throughout life. Enjoy memorable insights from leading experts on diet, fitness, peak performance, personal growth, relationships, happiness, and longevity. Brad’s “Breather” shows provide step-by-step tips you can implement right away to improve your life. Let’s explore beyond shortcuts, hacks, and crushing competition to laugh, have fun, appreciate the journey, and not take ourselves too seriously. It’s time to B.rad!

Join Brad Kearns, New York Times bestselling author and champion triathlete, Speedgolfer, and masters high jumper, in pursuing peak performance with passion throughout life. Enjoy memorable insights from leading experts on diet, fitness, peak performance, personal growth, relationships, happiness, and longevity. Brad’s “Breather” shows provide step-by-step tips you can implement right away to improve your life. Let’s explore beyond shortcuts, hacks, and crushing competition to laugh, have fun, appreciate the journey, and not take ourselves too seriously. It’s time to B.rad!

Brad Kearns, NY Times bestselling author and Guinness World Record athlete,  offers a fun and diverse mix of interviews with leading authors and health experts, and "Breather" shows for peak performance and personal growth

The B.rad Podcast

Join Brad Kearns, New York Times bestselling author, world #1 ranked masters 60+ high jumper, Speedgolf world record holder, and former world #3 ranked pro triathlete, in pursuing peak performance with passion throughout life. Brad delivers an engaging mix of step-by-step education on important health topics like staying fit, strong and powerful as you age; transforming diet to lose body fat and increase energy; sort through hype and misinformation to make simple, sustainable lifestyle changes; and broaden your perspective beyond a fit body to experience happy relationships, nonstop personal growth, and ultimately sail to 100 with a happy, healthy, long life. Let’s explore beyond shortcuts, hacks, and crushing competition to laugh, have fun, appreciate the journey, and not take ourselves too seriously. It’s time to B.rad!

 

Join Brad Kearns, New York Times bestselling author, world #1 ranked masters 60+ high jumper, Speedgolf world record holder, and former world #3 ranked pro triathlete, in pursuing peak performance with passion throughout life. Brad delivers an engaging mix of step-by-step education on important health topics like staying fit, strong and powerful as you age; transforming diet to lose body fat and increase energy; sort through hype and misinformation to make simple, sustainable lifestyle changes; and broaden your perspective beyond a fit body to experience happy relationships, nonstop personal growth, and ultimately sail to 100 with a happy, healthy, long life. Let&rsquo;s explore beyond shortcuts, hacks, and crushing competition to laugh, have fun, appreciate the journey, and not take ourselves too seriously. It&rsquo;s time to B.rad!
&nbsp;

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