Teaming Up with VIVOBAREFOOT
In case you didn’t notice, my choice of footwear for the last 2 years has been exclusively supplied by VIVOBAREFOOT, a minimalist running shoe company based out of the United Kingdom. Whether it be in the office seeing patients, out in Torrey Pines hiking the trails, or busting through a set of deadlifts in the gym - I live and work out of VIVOS.
I’m super excited to announce that I am teaming up with VIVOBAREFOOT and can now offer an affiliate discount of 10% off of all regular priced items.
Enter “WilliamRainesDC10” at checkout to apply your 10% off!
My story with VIVOS began almost two years ago in a biomechanics class halfway through chiropractic school. In an institution that preached and taught about adaptability, I was surprised to learn that orthotics were heavily relied upon for lower extremity dysfunctions. From cases of scoliosis to anatomical variations, we were taught that the body changes and shapes itself to the conditions imposed on it. We were taught that we, as chiropractors, would aid individuals with that process of adaptation. I firmly believed that, with a combination of passive and active care, people can deal with the anatomical cards they were dealt regardless of impositions.
My thought process, when it came to orthotics, was that all benefits were lost once the orthotics were removed. Can you really wear orthotics 100% of the time? Most shoes allow for inserts to be placed in them, but what about sandals or when one is barefoot? As a San Diegan, I spend most of my free time either shoeless or in flip-flops. I develop a reliance on orthotics, would all my progress be lost after one beach day?
In my mind, I thought barefoot shoes would be the answer. If anything, just to offer a consistent platform for my feet articulate on. If the feet are constantly adapting between being barefoot at home, training in typical running shoes, and wearing dress shoes to work, how can they offer any stability? More so, how would this instability affect the body up the chain in the knees, hips, and more? I made my decision to switch to barefoot shoes (VIVOS) and barefoot prehab/rehab, and the rest is history.
The transition into barefoot shoes was difficult, to say the least. I had to basically relearn how to walk and run. A long-time heel striker, I had to move to a mid-foot strike. With a history of turf toe and having spent most of my running time in cleats, I had to teach my big toe how to move with finite control. To encourage proper “toe-off” with gait propulsion, my hip mobility had to increase greatly. VIVOBAREFOOT, with the help of good people like The Foot Collective and MoveU, guided me through this transition.
After almost two years of barefoot shoes, I have felt my balance improve, I’m lifting bigger weight in the gym, and my posture has changed.
Want to know more about VIVOBAREFOOT? VIVO’s website acts as a directory for information about barefoot training, neuroplasticity, sustainable products, and more. This link here provides the thought process and evidence supporting VIVO’s message. They’ve even made their own documentary about the shoe industry as a whole.
The gems of their website can be found on their blog, however. Topics can be searched by “tags” or “authors”. Listed below are some of my favorite articles!
5 Reasons to Try Barefoot Shoes - Did you know that VIVOBAREFOOT offers a 100-day trial on your first pair? This article explains some reasons why you should take them up on that offer.
What are Barefoot, Minimalist, and Zero Drop Shoes? - A simple explanation of what it actually means to wear a ‘barefoot’ shoe and how to transition into them!
Foot Care is Back Care - This post explains how foot mechanics can be related to back pain (everything is connected).
Time for the Great Big Toe Movement! - Did you know that big toe mobility and strength are pivotal to a proper gait cycle? This post explains the joints in the feet, how to train them, and how your shoe choice influences them.
The Human Sense you can’t Touch, Smell, or Hear - Ever hear the terms balance or proprioception? This article explains them and connects them with barefoot training.
The Science Behind the Benefits of Barefoot - The Harvard Department Chair of Human Evolutionary Biology connection with barefoot lifestyles and neuroplasticity.
VIVOBAREFOOT has use-specific shoes, ranging from casual wear, formalwear, soft ground and firm ground outdoor wear, athletic/training gear, and sandals.
Most models come in mens, womens, and kids sizes. VIVO also carries shoe polish and protectors, t-shirts and sweatshirts, as well as colder climate insoles in their accessories section.
Remember to enter “WilliamRainesDC10” at checkout to get your 10% off!