The Movement Movement

What you put on your feet can quietly sabotage your technique or unlock a level of performance you didn't know you had. In this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement, Steven Sashen speaks with Denis Vasilev, MA, 11x Kettlebell World Champion, IKO Master Coach & Founder, who returns to break down the overlooked performance variable most lifters ignore: footwear. A multiple-time kettlebell sport champion and elite-level competitor, Denis recently won a competition with 85 reps in 10 minutes using double 32kg in the long cycle—an internationally ranked, top-tier result, especially at age 42. He explains why traditional weightlifting shoes can mask flaws, how minimalist footwear improves feedback and consistency, and what that means for strength, efficiency, and long-set performance.   Key Takeaways: → Better sensory input from the ground helps people self-correct their technique in real time. → Heel lift and rigid structure may mask mobility and timing issues rather than fix them. → Thick, rigid. Heels red