Barefoot Hiking

There are a growing number of us that enjoy hiking barefoot, as a pleasurable outdoor activity. Some of us do this occasionally, others are more avid and strongly prefer going barefoot.

We hope that others are able to understand that we barefoot hikers enjoy our 'vistas' of ground textures as much as many other hikers enjoy vistas of snow, icy rock, desert cacti .. and so on. Barefooting adds, for us, a tactile dimension that is simply delicious. Admittedly, it may be an 'acquired' taste.

Why We Hike Barefoot . . .

• The sensual variety of ground textures and temperatures
• The healthy pleasure of natural foot flexing
• The feeling of freedom
• The safety of being able to take hold of the ground directly
• No blisters or hot, sweaty, cramped feet.
• Contrary to popular belief, there is nothing uniquely inadequate about human feet
• Bare feet are quickly conditioned starting with short walks on soft trails.
• Thickened soles nevertheless retain sensitivity to ground textures
• Healthy bare feet have tough flexible soles and strong nimble toes designed to form themselves to the earth.
• Safety is increased as a result of enhanced awareness of the nature of the ground and the placement of the feet.

The Barefoot Hikers are groups of people who enjoy hiking together barefoot. The first Barefoot Hikers chapter was started in Thomaston, Connecticut by Richard Frazine, author of The Barefoot Hiker.

More Information ...

• First-Timer Accounts ... Testimonials from first-time and beginning barefoot hikers
• Writings
• Barefoot Hiking 101 ... Beginning Barefoot Hiking
• The Main Barefoot Hiking Page
• The Art and Sole of Barefoot Hiking by John M. Harder

The Barefoot Hiker : A book about bare feet.

Frazine, Richard K.

Ten Speed Press, Berkeley, CA

ISBN: 0-89815-525-8

It's a "how-to" book on barefoot hiking, but also on bare feet in general including thoughts, perceptions, and a historical and cultural viewpoint. It's a great little book at $7.95.

This book is available from amazon.com

It is also available online.   However, it's worth having a copy to show friends, relatives and the people you meet on the trail. It's amazing how certain skeptical types suddenly "unwind" and open their minds a little when they are shown that there is "even a book" on the topic. Oh well . . .  whatever works :-)

This page is maintained by Mike Berrow of the East Bay Barefoot Hikers.