Whole Body Barefoot

Transitioning Well to Minimal Footwear

by Katy Bowman

Many work hard on good posture and better walking and running alignment, but it’s critical to understand how what you put on your feet each day can play a bigger role in the function of your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and spine than you might realize.

“By applying the principles in this book, you will be able to restore your foundation and prevent dysfunction.” ―Ray McClanahan, DPM

Biomechanist and author of Simple Steps to Foot Pain Relief, Katy Bowman offers walkers, runners, and health professionals alike clear, accessible lessons on how the shape of shoes can play a role in painful feet, knees, and hips-and what to do about it.

When we have painful feet and weak ankles it seems like stiff, supportive shoes are the answer, but this solution can be temporary, especially if our issues stem from foot and leg weakness. In short, humans come with great “foot technology,” we just need to learn how to use it.

Minimal footwear―shoes that protect your feet while still letting them move freely―is gaining traction (get it?). Being barefoot is a natural human movement, but research shows simply kicking off our shoe-shackles and releasing our feet into the wild can result in injury. Whole Body Barefoot will help you safely and effectively transition to minimal footwear, reaping the enormous benefits of freeing your feet without injuring yourself along the way.

Whole Body Barefoot presents:

• 25 exercises to create strong, supple, feel-better feet
• The mechanics of bunions and pronation
• How to strengthen weak ankles and arches
• How to figure out your true shoe-size
• The importance of walking on natural surfaces―“Vitamin Texture!”

With clear, science-based explanations, Bowman lays out how conventional shoes and artificial environments leave us with sedentary feet as well as the steps necessary to restore lost foot function, and improve health… naturally!

We stock a curated selection of books by biomechanist and bestselling author Katy Bowman - essential reading for anyone on a barefoot or natural movement journey. Whether you're looking to understand the science behind movement, transition to minimal footwear, or get your whole family moving more, these books are the perfect companion. The collection includes:

• Move Your DNA - the bestselling guide to biomechanics and natural movement; explains "movement malnutrition" and includes 40+ corrective exercises (Expanded Edition)
• Whole Body Barefoot - a science-based guide to transitioning safely to minimal footwear, with 25 exercises to restore foot function
• Grow Wild - a nature-rich guide for getting children and families moving more outside; 2021 INDIE Awards Gold Winner

Katy Bowman is a biomechanist, bestselling author, and leading voice in the natural movement world. Her work bridges the gap between science and everyday life - helping people of all ages understand how movement (or lack of it) shapes their health. Her books are praised by health professionals, fitness instructors, and families worldwide.

• Move Your DNA: How modern sedentary lifestyles cause "movement malnutrition," and how to restore health through natural movements like walking, squatting, hanging, and carrying
• Whole Body Barefoot: How conventional shoes affect your feet, knees, hips, and spine - and how to strengthen and transition safely to minimal footwear
• Grow Wild: Practical, joyful ways to integrate more movement and nature-based play into family life, from babies to preteens