A Holistic Approach to Foot Health: Gourgen Gevorgyan and Melker Svärd

This episode was a bit different, expanding the concept of health beyond nutrition. I was joined by Gourgen and Melker, two feet experts who blew me away with their knowledge and expertise. Proper foot health is something that is not often discussed.

Gourgen, with a Sport Science background, is an elite Olympic Weightlifter and has taught fitness professionals for over a decade. Recognized globally for expertise in modern foot issues, he's driven by a passion for human movement. Currently, he’s guiding a groundbreaking study on foot shapes and the impact of contemporary shoes on human performance sustainability.

Melker has a background as an elite athlete playing tennis combined with passion for holistic health, creating things that are positive for active people is close to his heart. Working towards change is not limited to Wyde Footwear, but also in the collaborative non-profit organization The Shoe Effect together with My Foot Function.

00:00 - Intro

01:11 - What health means to Melker & Gourgen

02:19 Melker & Gourgen’s background

05:44 How they met

07:50 What is a barefoot shoe?

10:55 “Born to Run”

15:18 Simple tips for foot health

17:10 - What should healthy feet look like?

19:34 Negative impact of shoes

26:40 The role of lifestyle in foot health

24:02 Why is shoe fashion so different from the ideal foot?

27:52 Biggest challenges when working with people on their foot health journey

36:17 First steps towards restoring feet

38:15 Gourgen’s mission with “My Foot Function”

40:33 Are foot abnormalities reversible?

42:28 Melker & Gourgen’s future projects

47:24 Are there industries befitting from these widespread myths?

50:00 Closing thoughts