In this Harvest Series episode hosted by Rose Claverie, Galahad Clark — founder of Vivobarefoot and descendant of the Clarks shoemaking family — explores how reconnecting with our feet might be the first step to reconnecting with ourselves and the planet.

He reveals how conventional shoes harm the body's skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, and explains why barefoot movement restores natural strength and cognitive vitality. From ancient sandals to modern tech-enabled shoes, the episode traces footwear’s surprising role in health and sustainability.

How did we lose our connection to the ground beneath us — and what would it mean to reclaim it?

2:26 — Start of the interview.

3:22 — Why create shoes that feel like you're not wearing any? The physiological needs of the skeletal system, the muscles, and tendons — and the myth that children need overly supportive shoes.

9:00 — The nervous system: how the brain makes better decisions when it receives accurate information… and why padded shoes block this vital feedback from your feet.

11:31 — What does the science say?

12:21 — The origin story of Vivobarefoot and how the idea of barefoot-inspired footwear was born.

17:45 — Why were heels invented (hint: it has to do with horse riding) and how we slowly lost touch with the natural function of our feet.

21:00 — Is it safe to run barefoot on concrete? Yes — but transition gradually and let your muscles adapt.

23:00 — Are flip-flops really good for your feet?

27:00 — The dark side of the shoe industry… and why there’s still hope.

31:30 — The fascinating history of the Clarks family: the Quaker ancestors of Galahad Clark.

35:00 — The most courageous thing Galahad has ever done.

To know more about VivoBarefoot.

You can follow us on Instagram at @HarvestSeries or @rose.claverie for updates.

Watch our podcast episodes and speaker sessions on YouTube: Harvest Series.

Credits:

• Sound editing by: @lesbellesfrequences
• Technician in Kaplankaya: Joel Moriasi
• Music by: Chambord

Harvest Series is produced in partnership with Athena Advisers and Capital Partners

Harvest Series Founders: Burak Öymen and Roman Carel