Barefoot Hiking

[ppine]

Walking barefoot is a good idea, but one that is difficult to put into practice for most people. Back in the hippie days in the 70s I rode the bus to the U of WA with a guy that was barefoot all year, even in the snow. I played golf with a guy once that went barefoot and he only carried a 7 iron for a par 3 course. He parred most of the holes and claimed he could "absorb chropyll from the soles of his feet."

I relish walking in the sand, wading barefoot, and soaking my feet in a creek after a long hike. It would take a lot of work to handle tougher conditions, but it would be beneficial to the muscles and tendons, probably help balance too.

Recently I have taken to going barefoot around the house a lot even in winter. I take out the trash and get wood without bothering to put on shoes. It is tough to walk on gravel and rocks though.

[oldsarge]

In cold climates I don't see how much running around you can do in bare feet. If you're outdoors in the dead of winter, your exposure time is greatly reduced. As far as the running video shows, I know a lot of runners who land with the toe and not the heal. I feel it's the running technique not the shoe that does that. Unless you are using some crazy design with a higher heal. I like a good pair of hiking boots, but I'd rather have a nice pair of light weight running shoes. I guess it all depend son where your at also. Rough terrain may call for more ankle support.

As much as I like Cody Lundin, I think he's learned a good lesson. He chooses to live in a climate that he can cope with bare feet all the time.

[LinuxRacr]

I hear ya on that. I still haven't had to be out in a frozen climate at length, and don't really want to unless I have to... My toes are too long to hold heat in that setting...lol!

In other news, I just did a 3 mile barefoot hike today with my wife and my youngest daughter (strapped to my back via a carrier) at Torrey Pines National Preserve in San Diego, CA. Talk about your varying terrain.... We will sleep good tonight.

[oldsarge]

I don't mind being in bare feet until I step on that little tiny rock that shoot pain right up to the top of your head. I guess my hoofies aren't conditioned enough.

[Grandpa]

How do the footsies compete with the jerks that left their broken beer bottles scattered around? I'm not trying to be argumentive, I'm really fascinated by the thoughts of toughening up and going barefoot.

[LinuxRacr]

Beer bottles aren't usually a problem, as I have this sophisticated tracking equipment called "eyeballs" that enable me to go around hazards such as that.