The Secret The Big Brands Don't Want You to Know: The Case for Minimalist Running Shoes with Steven Sashen

There is a deep divide among runners about which is the best
running shoe and the big super shoes seem to be winning.  Is
this because they are better, or is it just clever marketing with
a big budget? 


Steven Sashen thinks it’s the latter.


In this episode you’ll learn:


why the barefoot/minimalist movement isn’t dead

how a “natural” shoe can improve foot strength

what the big brands don’t want you to know



The beauty of running is that you really don’t need much more
than a pair of shoes to get started.


But does the kind of shoe really matter? Absolutely.


Hundreds of millions of dollars has been spent on the development
of running shoes that promise to propel you farther and faster
than you’ve gone before, while also delivering a smooth ride and
making your feet look good.


Steven Sashen is the co-founder, along with his wife Lena
Phoenix, of the minimalist footwear company Xero Shoes and he is
also a master’s level sprinter.  He claims not only that
true minimalist shoes are better for your feet, but they are
better for your running.  


He takes issue that you need super shoes to run your best and in
fact you might be causing more harm than good if your goal is to
run for life.


And a fun fact, when Xero Shoes was just getting started, Steven
and Lena appeared on the hit show Shark Tank, where they turned
down a $400,000 offer from Kevin O'Leary. 


I ask Steven about that experience, the pros and cons of each
type of footwear, and where we go from here.  It’s a lively
and controversial conversation that just might have you
rethinking what you put on your feet.


 


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This episode is sponsored by LMNT


When coaching endurance runners of all levels to be their best, I
always emphasize the need for proper hydration with the right
balance of electrolytes.  Most athletes I've coached are
surprised to learn that their sodium needs are actually much
higher than they expected and it's been hurting their
performance. 


 


Part of the reason athletes need much more sodium than they think
is not just because they lose electrolytes through their sweat,
but also because athletes tend to eat very healthy diets. 
They've been told that salt is a bad thing in food and frequently
don't get enough for their lifestyle. 


 


Much of the science of sodium is based on people who eat highly
processed diets which also are very low in potassium.  It
could actually be the low potassium levels causing the issues
that sodium has been blamed for! 


What is clear is that both sodium and potassium at the proper
levels are essential for high performance (and for life in
general!). 


When I race, I don't crave sweet, I crave salt and LMNT is the
perfect way to hydrate and replenish the electrolytes I need to
perform and feel my best. 


Head over to DrinkLMNT.com/RUNNERSCONNECT for your salty
samples.