Did you know that the health of your feet impacts your entire body? Or that the shoes you wear daily could be contributing to more widespread pain—from your ankles to your back and beyond?

Today’s guest on my Feel Better Live More podcast is Jim Dooner, the Head Physiotherapist for The Foot Collective, a global community of health and movement practitioners on a mission to make a much-needed shift in the culture around feet and footwear.

Through their online training resources, in-person workshops, and a range of physical training tools, they aim to empower people on the journey of restoring natural foot function and balance and to make this process as fun and engaging as possible.

In this incredible conversation, Jim explains the fascinating ‘mismatch’ between how our feet evolved and how we treat them in our modern environment. He introduces the concept of ‘movement nutrition’ – the idea that our feet, like our bodies, require proper nourishment through movement and sensory input, and explains why many of us are severely ‘malnourished’ in this regard.

We explore the ‘Five Fs’ of footwear – a framework for understanding how our shoes should support rather than hinder natural foot function. Jim shares powerful insights about why conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and chronic pain often stem from poor foot function and how these issues can be addressed through natural movement and proper footwear choices.

Jim and I also discuss balance training and play-based movement. He explains how these simple yet profound practices can benefit everyone, from children to older adults, and why they’re crucial for healthy ageing. We also delve into the cultural aspects of foot health, examining how fashion and societal norms have shaped our relationship with our feet, often at the expense of our wellbeing.

Throughout our conversation, Jim offers practical advice for anyone looking to improve their foot health, whether dealing with chronic pain or simply wanting to move better. According to Jim, it’s never too late to improve foot function, and small changes can significantly improve overall health.

So, if you’ve ever questioned why we accept foot pain as normal or wondered whether your shoes might be affecting more than just your feet, this conversation offers a profound shift in perspective. Jim’s message is clear – the path to better health could start right beneath your feet.

Watch the video version of this interview – click below.