- Tips -

Most hikers you come across will have a strong opinion about what is the best footwear to hike in: hiking boots, walking shoes, trail runners, running shoes, minimalist shoes... Barefoot, on the other hand, is not a common response. Taking off your protective footwear on the trail may sound crazy to some. But maybe not. Here are 5 questions & answers to consider. 

1. Why hike barefoot?

There seems to be two camps within the barefoot hiking adepts: the nature lover and the fitness enthusiasts. Why? Nature lovers relish in the feeling of freedom and closeness to the earth whereas the fitness enthusiasts get excited by the added agility, reflex and movement being barefoot on the trails provide.

2. Won't your feet get hurt?

Maybe but usually no more than when walking barefoot in your garden or at the beach. When starting barefoot hiking you tend to be hyper aware of each step, eyeing the path to spot the best place to land your feet reducing the risk of getting hurt. That's not to say you won't scratch or bruise your feet from time to time. However, the most common injury to a barefoot on the trail is actually a friction injury. You get these from scraping your foot on the ground rather than landing it flat as you step down. As you get use to hiking without the weight of footwear you'll adapt your way of walking to minimise the friction. 

3. Are there any benefits?

Many! To mention just a few:
* Increased balance and coordination: barefoot hiking makes your body more responsive to the ground, absorbs impact very efficiently, and increases your balance.
​* Better traction: contrary to what you may think when the trail is slippery, a little muddy or when you're negotiating uneven terrain like rocks and boulders you're better off barefoot. Your feet are simply more flexible and more tactile than your hiking boots or shoes.
* Easier  on your joints: Without shoes, you're naturally producing a gentler gait and movement than you are wearing hiking boots or even trail shoes.
* Muscle strengthening: As the boots and shoes aren't supporting your feet, you're strengthening those feet muscles.
* It's a sensory experience: ​Your bare soles are able to experience the rich variety of textures, temperatures and sensations that nature has to offer: dusty dirt trails, soft grassy paths, wet muddy walkways...
* Wet feet dry quicker: They sure dry quicker than soaked hiking boots or trail shoes!

4.  Do you hike barefoot in all seasons? 

​It does become difficult to hike barefoot in more extreme weather that makes the ground very icy and cold or very hot. 

5. How do you get started barefoot hiking?

A) If you never walk around barefoot, start by taking your shoes off at home and get familiar with the sensations of being barefoot in your home and garden, trying different surfaces.
B) Step straight down with your feet to avoid cuts and blisters.
​C) Watch the path ahead, 2-3 paces in front. With time you'll get use to interpreting the feedback from your soles.
D) Take it progressively. Start with short hikes or only go barefoot for part of your longer hike. Take rest days and let your feet recover.
E) Always carry shoes. You may need them because your feet will feel too tender or because you come across a section of trail that is dangerous for your bare feet. It's not all or nothing!