Why hike barefoot? But then Why wear shoes? Shoes are no different than gloves. They provide protection from severe weather conditions and environmental hazards. They are not necessary most of the time. Most trails can be hiked barefoot with relative comfort. Some trails are better than others for some beginning barefoot hikers. We have attempted to identify such trails in the Places To Hike Barefoot list.

It's Healthy

Comfort is one reason, but going barefoot is actually good for your feet. Some people don't believe that, and yet they will agree that shoes are the cause of many foot problems. Hiking barefoot in uneven terrain strengthens the foot and ankle muscles. Blisters due to rubbing shoes are nonexistent. Hiking in shoes promotes fungal growth, hiking barefoot does not. Read the articles about bare feet in medicine at The Society for Barefoot Living web site.

Lorenz Kerscher has a straightforward, logical, explanation of the health benefits of Going Barefoot in Nature.

During my teens and twenties I did a lot of hiking shod and twisted my ankles numerous times. Wearing stiff high topped boots did not help. I believe that the stiffer the sole the more likely one is to twist an ankle. This being due to the reduced feedback when placing the foot in an unstable position. I have never twisted an ankle while barefoot and that is one of my many reasons for hiking barefoot.

Read Why Shoes Make "Normal" Gait Impossible by William A. Rossi, D.P.M. and you may never want to wear shoes again.

Protect the health of your children's feet by reading Take Off Your Shoes and Walk by Simon J. Wikler, D.S.C. (Doctor of Surgical Chiropody). Let your children enjoy the health and comfort their ancestors did. Visit Parents for Barefoot Children for more information.

It's Spiritual

"Put off thy shoes from off thy feet,
for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground."
--Exodus 3:5

People of many faiths share the common belief that all of Creation is sacred and that separating oneself from the Earth with shoes is disrespectful. Removing shoes is essential for many not only in houses of worship but throughout Creation. Baring the soles is good for the soul. Hiking barefoot makes one feel closer to God, Creation, and Nature.

It's Fun

The feeling of soft hemlock needles beneath your feet, the texture of sandstone, the cool mud squishing between your toes, the cold stream water rushing over your feet. Need I say more?

Have questions? Write the Ohio Barefoot Hikers.

© 2008 by Greg Morgan. All rights reserved.
26-JAN-08