Arabic version: زيادة شعبية المشي حافي القدمين عبر مسارات متنوعة

A growing number of hikers are embracing barefoot hiking, experiencing nature in a primal way. From the clay trails of Seoul to the rugged coastlines of Australia, enthusiasts are finding joy in walking unshod.

According to The Guardian, Gen Blades, an outdoor education lecturer and researcher based in Castlemaine, Victoria, unexpectedly removed her boots while hiking South Korea’s Namsan Dulle-gil trail. The clay terrain, known as “hwangto,” invites barefoot exploration, providing a unique sensory experience. Blades describes the sensation as invigorating, akin to a massage, as she feels the texture of the ground directly through her feet.

In Australia, barefoot hiking is less common, but Dale Noppers, a 37-year-old health and safety superintendent from Perth, has made it a regular hobby over the past seven years. Initially motivated by survival skills, Noppers now organizes group hikes and enjoys the connection to nature that barefoot walking provides. He notes that his feet have adapted well, becoming soft and supple from the experience.

Podiatrist Dr. George Murley highlights the mixed science surrounding barefoot walking. While it can enhance balance and coordination, he cautions that both overly cushioned footwear and going barefoot without conditioning can lead to injuries. He advises those interested in barefoot hiking to start gradually, treating it as a workout for the feet.

For many, the appeal of barefoot hiking lies in a heightened awareness of surroundings. Blades and fellow enthusiasts appreciate the details they notice while walking without shoes, from the texture of the ground to the wildlife around them. This practice not only reshapes their physical experience but also alters their perception of modern environments, encouraging a slower, more mindful approach to hiking.