Sep 17, 2025
Think your shoes are helping your feet? You might be shocked by what the science actually says.
In this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement, Steven Sashen interviews Dr. Jenn Perez, Co-Founder and COO of Gait Happens, who joins the show to debunk foot myths and explain how modern footwear influences your movement. Drawing on emerging research and years of clinical teaching worldwide, Dr. Perez explains pronation, toe spring, the windlass mechanism, and why “foot strength” is finally measurable in minimalist footwear studies. She and host Steven Sashen discuss how to build resilient, pain-free feet by allowing them to function as they are naturally designed.
Key Takeaways:
→ Foot strength is more important than quadriceps strength in determining fall risk in the elderly.
→ Changes in gait and walking speed can be early indicators of mental decline and potential dementia diagnosis.
→ Flat feet and pronation are separate concepts with different implications for foot health.
→ Understanding foot anatomy is crucial in designing minimal shoes that support optimal foot function.
→ Foot strength and alignment are crucial for overall health, athletic performance, and fall prevention.
Dr. Jen Perez is the co-founder and COO of Gait Happens, a global
leader in lower extremity education. As a chiropractor and gait
specialist, Dr. Perez is passionate about educating both
individuals and professionals on the importance of lower extremity
biomechanics in obtaining meaningful results for patients. She
holds a Doctorate in Chiropractic and a Bachelor’s of Science
degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sports
Medicine.
Based in Lafayette, CO, Dr. Perez
also owns and operates Kinetic Chiropractic, where she offers
personalized care and treatment to help patients restore optimal
movement and alleviate pain. Through her online and in-person work,
she has helped clients worldwide, with a focus on foot health and
corrective exercise.
Dr. Perez has been featured on
9News and in publications such as Women’s Health, National
Geographic, and CNN Underscored. In addition to her teaching and
course writing with Gait Happens, she has also lectured to numerous
educational institutions and associations, including the Canadian
Pedorthic Association, Palmer College of Chiropractic, and the
Florida Chiropractic Association.
Connect With Dr. Jen Perez:
Connect with Steven:
Website