A couple months back I hiked 6 hours on purely gravel trails. My soles hurt for days and my calves for over a week. I wish they wouldn't keep covering trails with crushed stone, dirt is much better.

I was hiking barefoot as normal in my local state park when I encountered a group of about 10 teenagers hiking. First, I was happy to see younger people out just having a grand time in nature. Second, two were hiking barefoot. I made the comment that I liked their shoes with thumbs up. They laughed and said they liked mine too. Only second time encountering fellow barefooters.

Excellent 6 mile hike today. Weather is definitely cooling down. But once the sun is up it is nice. Picture is off the main trail at an overlook across the inner bay.

https://preview.redd.it/erh61d0hrcwd1.jpg?width=2835&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a2c8b9f2d5c72c2f4d9f814fd450c3cf01c33e24

I've been debating about whether I should post this story or not, but I went for my first barefoot walk today. It was only a very short one. I came across this muddy path and usually, I wouldn't even think about taking off my shoes and socks and going barefoot, but this time, I couldn't resist having some fun. Off came my shoes and socks and I had a little walk around in the mud.

I was surprised by how slippery it felt underfoot, but the cold wet soil was so stimulating and when I felt it ooze from between my toes, it sent shivers through my body. My body was overwhelmed with sensory overload! But, I was caught. I ended up getting arrested and questioned about...

No, that's not what happened at all. In fact, the person walked by just like every other time any other person did, while I was wearing shoes. It was a push over a personal barrier moment, when I realized, it wasn't as bad as it seemed and that my fears were a figment of my mind. I can't wait to try it again sometime soon.

I posted some pictures here of my experience. I don't know why, but there's something so satifying about seeing the mud curl up between the toes. The way the feet just melt into the grounds it's... just so natural and beautiful.

https://preview.redd.it/lb0xfd0hrcwd1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3725e16eca965352aa52b985b5b7d7ce2a9b6f6e

https://preview.redd.it/ypg3ic0hrcwd1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8f69de258120b564f14061dd5565bbbd224d09a6

Every thing needs a firm foundation. Something to support it with no assistance. That is how I view going barefoot. I am strengthening my foundation. I do not need shoes to help support my body. It is strong as it was born.

Woke up feeling horrible today, probably picked something up from recent travel. Decided I needed a little barefoot connection and some extra Vitamin D. Found a quiet nature preserve and I was the only sole there, felt amazing after. Anyone else cure illness with barefoot walks?

I recently asked this question on Barefoot Running but this subreddit is more relevant.

I’m looking for places which have a variety of terrain. Soil, pine leaves, just leaves, mud (my favorite!), sand, the bark of trees…

I’ve mentioned in a previous thread post, that many country tracks and paths are being graveled over, which is good for cyclists and dog walking, but it’s not good for getting a range of sensory input. Happened to a place I used to go, went back and found the soil path had all been filled with stones. Very sad

This is part of barefoot lifestyle. Learn to live the penetration and removal. One thing good about the thorn entering your foot is that It keeps your mind fully present.))..

Nice 5.7 miles today. Lot more bugs than last time on the trail. Must be the rain and still warm temps.

5.25 mile hike today. Little humid today. The breeze felt great as I was walking along the bay. You could tell we have had pretty high tides as the trail was muddy in the low areas by the water. In fact it was still ankle deep at one point on the trail. No problem since I was barefoot.

Hey all, I'm really excited for finishing and enjoying my first actual barefoot hike. I've been working on transitioning to barefoot walking and exercise for a while because my feet were and still are tender and weak from years of sneakers and boots.
I went to a local trail and it looked mostly barefoot friendly so I just pulled off my sneakers and started walking. It was great and I finished about 1.7 miles slowly but felt like a champ for going over big rock slabs, acorns, sand and pebbles. So, I'm going to keep barefooting and hopefully try longer trails in the future.

Felt absolutely amazing

I’ve always loved the feeling of mud underfoot but I’ve always been scared to do it in the event someone see’s me. What would they do?