Hiking is an activity that a lot of people like. The new trend that is catching up now is barefoot hiking. Obviously, this means you go out to hike without any shoes or socks. This might sound crazy, but a lot of people are now doing it. However, you need sufficient practice for this; otherwise you will not be able to hike. Here are some tips for the beginners of bare foot hiking before you embark on a hiking trip without your shoes.
Easy Steps to Learn Bare Foot Hiking
Obviously, a first timer will be a little apprehensive about this. Here are few guidelines which you can follow in order to start bare foot hiking.
- Before you began hiking, you must learn to walk barefoot. Therefore you can start by walking barefoot on the backyard of your house or in your lawn. Then you may extend the walk to a nearby street or park, which are safe from traffic or litters.
- Initially you will feel a bit odd, but try to gradually take in the sensation. You will have to adjust, and in the beginning, the skin will probably feel more stressed. But if you continue with it, eventually, the situation will improve and you will probably start enjoying the feel.
- Do not drag or kick your feet while walking bare foot. It will lead to injuries to your toe. Put your feet straight down, this is the technique you will have to work on if you wish to become a barefoot hiker in the future.
- Being observant of the path you are treading on is also extremely necessary. While hiking you will not get very smooth surfaces. Therefore you must practice to watch your steps. Do not look for a long stretch but two or three steps ahead.
- Another technique that you must follow is keeping the weight of your body on the balls of the feet and not on the heels. The frontal part of the feet can take more weight and are more sturdy in nature. Therefore it is most important to keep the weight in the front of the feet. It is also more flexible than the heels and can be a better shock absorbent.
- You must develop a strong consciousness, since your feet is bare and can get injured. You should practice a bit so that you are flexible enough to take a step back if facing an obstacle. Now, sometimes, you can be hurt even after being cautious. In such cases you must have enough strength and flexibility to not to get thrown out of your feet.
- During the first experience of barefoot hike, it is prudent to choose a shorter trail with different terrains. Initially you will feel soreness in your feet which will go away after the first or second day.
- Take short hiking trips once or twice every week to keep your feet in practice. This will help you to do a longer trip within a few weeks.
It is extremely necessary to practice beforehand for barefoot hiking is not a very easy thing and not everyone can do it.
