Barefoot Wonder

Barefoot Wonder

Su di me

I was walking on Baldrys Track near Main Ridge near Melbourne, Australia. Feeling very sad as a fox had just eaten my chickens that morning. It was winter and wet. I had all of my winter gear on but no shoes.
I passed a couple of guys on the track and they commented on my bare feet, saying that must be very good for you.
Later I passed them again and I overheard one say to the other “there goes the barefoot wonder”.

I started using barefoot shoes after I tried looking for a decent pair of hiking boots but couldn’t find anything. That was about five years ago.

During the COVID lockdowns I walked forest near my house and started taking my shoes off altogether. First only in Spring then later in Summer and Autumn. Then finally one year, right through winter.

Melbourne winters can be wet and cold but rarely below freezing. I discovered I liked walking barefoot in winter the most. It is something about the wet squishy ground that feels so good. It’s ok so long as I rug up and keep the rest of my body warm.

Now, hardly a day goes by that I don’t have my shoes off and take a walk outside. It never fails to help me feel better.

All of these tracks could be categorised as walking, hiking or even trail running, but I chose the barefoot category as they are particularly lovely to walk over without shoes, and that is what I like most to do.

Happy to join up with others who like to do the same.

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