Why Your Shoes Might Be Ruining Your Feet with Dr. Emily Splichal

Why It Matters

Understanding foot mechanics and using functional tools like Naboso insoles can prevent injuries, improve athletic performance, and enhance everyday posture, making foot health a critical foundation for overall wellbeing.

Key Takeaways

• Flat feet aren't inevitable; functional podiatry offers alternatives
• Flip‑flops disrupt gait, causing knee and hip imbalances
• Minimal shoes alone insufficient; nerve stimulation enhances foot function
• Naboso pyramidal insoles activate plantar nerves, improving balance
• Integrating foot health boosts posture, performance, and emotional grounding

Summary

In this Ready State episode, Dr. Emily Splichal, a functional podiatrist, debunks common myths about flat feet, orthotics, and barefoot training while emphasizing the profound impact of footwear on overall movement. She explains why traditional podiatry often defaults to surgery or orthotics and how her fitness‑based approach prioritizes foot activation, proprioception, and functional strength. Key insights include the hidden dangers of flip‑flops, which force wearers to grip the shoe and create an "egg‑beater" gait that strains the knees and hips. Minimal shoes are a good start, but without targeted nerve stimulation the foot remains under‑utilized. Splichal highlights her Naboso line of pyramidal insoles that engage the plantar “Braille” nerve, enhancing balance, posture, and even emotional grounding. Memorable quotes underscore the message: "Your feet are the foundation; they affect posture, performance, and how grounded you feel," and "Flip‑flops disconnect you from the ground, leading to compensatory hip and knee patterns." She also notes that many clinicians lack tools for preventive foot care, prompting her shift toward functional, exercise‑driven treatment. For athletes, coaches, and anyone seeking better movement health, the episode suggests re‑evaluating shoe choices, incorporating foot‑specific activation drills, and considering sensory insoles to improve stability, reduce injury risk, and boost overall performance.

Original Description

Want to know the real deal about fixing feet and unlocking performance? Join renowned functional podiatrist Dr. Emily Splichal as we dive into barefoot living, foot health myths, and how your feet can impact everything from athletic performance to daily movement.

In this episode of The Ready State podcast, Kelly and Juliet Starrett explore why foot strength and sensory stimulation are game-changers for balance, posture, and long-term health. Discover simple exercises, the truth about orthotics and maximal shoes, and how to optimize your foot function for better performance at any age. Whether you're an athlete, a parent, or just curious about barefooting, this conversation will change how you think about your feet. Don't miss it!

✅ What You'll Learn in This Episode

• Why your feet are the gateway to brain-body performance

• How modern shoes are de-training your nervous system

• The difference between flat feet and weak feet

• What barefoot stimulation does for balance, posture, and gait

• Why slippers and house shoes are secretly ruining your feet

• The five-minute foot protocol Dr. Emily recommends to everyone

• How sensory stacking supercharges rehab and performance

• Why your glutes, diaphragm, pelvic floor, and feet are one system

• The truth about barefoot hygiene (hint: your feet are cleaner than your hands)

Key Highlights:

00:00 - Intro

00:50 - Laird Superfood

03:14 - Foot Obsession: Why It Matters

07:36 - Becoming a Functional Podiatrist

11:27 - Naboso Technology

17:45 - Understanding Neuroplasticity

20:25 - Sensory Stacking Explained

21:54 - Issues with Maximalist Shoes

25:25 - Use Cases for Maximalist Shoes

28:45 - Foot Care Essentials

32:43 - LMNT Overview

35:20 - Daily Foot Program Benefits

38:31 - Flat Feet and Orthotics Discussion

46:10 - Your New Book: Sensory Sapiens Insights

48:20 - Benefits of Being Barefoot

49:55 - Disease Risks of Barefoot Walking

55:15 - Dosing Barefoot Training

57:30 - Naboso Footbed Features

1:00:47 - Kids' Foot Health

1:06:21 - Offense vs Defense in Foot Health

1:08:00 - Understanding ACL Tears

1:11:45 - Resources for ACL Recovery

1:14:00 - Finding Dr. Emily

Sponsors

This episode of The Ready State Podcast is powered by Laird Superfood, specifically their Protein Creamer — our go-to when we need protein, fats, and flavor… all in one cup of coffee. If you’re not a breakfast person (like Juliet), this is your move. It’s loaded with clean plant-based protein, functional mushrooms, and healthy fats — and it blends so well, you’d never know there’s protein in it. Pre-workout fuel, hotel coffee upgrade, or just a smarter way to start your day.

👉 Use code TRS20 for 20% off and free shipping here: https://hubs.li/Q03qK_DP0

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We’re also fueled by Momentous, aka the reason our “pill pile” has finally become manageable. The Starrett Stack includes: protein, high-quality omega-3s, creatine, magnesium, and vitamin D. No fluff — just the essential, NSF-certified supplements that actually support recovery, cognitive function, and performance. Whether you're training hard or just living hard, this stack covers the gaps.

👉 Use code TRS and save up to 35% off your first subscription at https://bit.ly/Live-Momentous

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Let’s talk Sparkling LMNT — because this might be the best drink in the game right now. It’s hydrating. It’s salty. It’s fizzy. And it’s replaced just about every other 4PM beverage in our fridge. Whether it’s a sauna session, post-bike ride, or just a “crispy” moment at your desk, Sparkling LMNT brings the hit. Juliet’s obsessed with Black Cherry. Kelly hoards them like gold.

👉 Grab yours and get a free sample pack here: https://bit.ly/Drink-LMNT

About The Ready State:

The Ready State provides athletes, coaches, and humans of all walks of life the tools to relieve pain, prevent injury, and improve physical performance. Subscribe to Mobility Coach for customized mobility coaching, tailored to your body and lifestyle.

👉 Start a 7-day FREE TRIAL today at https://bit.ly/MC-FreeTrial

And if you are looking to get healthy and stay durable, join The Starrett System, our 12-week strength & conditioning, mobility, and lifestyle program designed by Dr. Kelly & Juliet Starrett to build real resilience and help you feel strong for life.

👉 Apply here: https://thereadystate.com/starrett-system/

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