Can your sneakers really make you smarter? Nike seems to think so, asserting that their new footwear can activate the brain and improve concentration through foot stimulation.
According to Nike’s Matthew Nurse, the goal is to make athletes feel 'more present and resilient' by leveraging sensory feedback. Nike isn't alone; companies like Naboso are already selling 'neuro-insoles' to stimulate the nervous system. It’s an intriguing concept given how sensitive our feet are, but as a neurosurgeon, I find that the brain’s response to these shoes is far less dramatic than the press releases would have you believe.
Link between feet and brain
With thousands of receptors detecting everything from vibration to texture, the feet are central to the brain's body-mapping system. This sensory feedback, combined with proprioception (awareness of the position and movement of the body), dictates how we balance and move, which is why footwear is a critical tool for treating gait and balance disorders.
Yet, studies reveal that while shifting the sensory input from our feet can certainly change our physical stability and sense of alertness, it is a leap in logic to suggest that influencing movement is the same as boosting brainpower.
Shoes with thinner soles and greater flexibility, which come under the 'Minimalist' shoes, allow more information about touch and body position to reach the brain compared with heavily cushioned footwear.
Reduced cushioning can increase a wearer's awareness of where their foot is placed and when it's touching the ground, sometimes improving their balance or the steadiness of their gait, says the study.
Can shoes improve concentration?
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Neuroscience indicates that more sensory input from the feet does not automatically lead to higher cognitive function. Although these shoes may activate the somatosensory regions of the brain, the mechanisms for concentration involve different areas, including the prefrontal cortex and the thalamus. These executive functions are also dependent on hormonal regulation, rather than just physical touch.
For the average healthy adult, there is little data to support the idea that 'neuro-insoles' or novel foam geometries improve concentration. These features may offer modest benefits for those in sensory rehabilitation, but for the general public, more intense sensory feedback does not equate to better cognitive performance.