Barefoot walking along a trail

@smiler2012 I'll assume he's got some kind of foot thing going on. Take that action out on a real trail and you'll pay for it.

@Ynotisay
Pay for it how?
My boyfriend has been hiking barefoot for years, on all sorts of trails, and it's never been a problem for him.
He's not alone in this either, there are a lot of barefoot hikers who can keep pace with anyone in shoes.
https://www.barefooters.org/barefoot-hiking/

@onewithshoes Yeah yeah. I know ALL about barefoot hikers. I'm not buying it and neither are those who do it for real. Nothing personal against your boyfriend. He can do what he wants. There are people who do it. But it's conditional. And limiting. There's no denying that. While I could be totally wrong I'd bet that his hiking isn't at elevation. It's a little different in some parts of the country. And I bet he doesn't backpack. That's different than hiking. There's other niches in the hiking/backpacking world. It's part of it. But most are usually are about something more than function.

@Ynotisay
We're light packing day hikers, yes, not backpackers.
There [b]are[/b] some serious barefoot backpackers, though. 👣👣
https://thelongbrownpath.com/2016/12/24/the-barefoot-sisters/
It's all about how different people like to enjoy nature.
As for my boyfriend and I: He likes to go barefoot. I like to wear shoes.
😀👣💕👞👞😄

@onewithshoes Like I said. There's some who do it differently. But very few and it has nothing to do with function. That's about something else. Light hiking on a groomed trail is what it is. That's not the reality for those who put in real miles in tougher conditions. That article mentioned the limitations. They didn't do the AT entirely barefoot. I don't wear shoes in my house and purposefully won't wear them outside at times. But that's to toughen up my feet so my risk of injury is less when I'm hiking. In shoes or boots. I prefer to go where I want, when I want and as fast I want. That doesn't happen barefoot.

@Ynotisay Yes, there are trade offs.
The first question is probably what is it about the experience that you most enjoy,
And for some, yes, it's the feel of the Earth under bare feet👣🥰 -- though for others that would mean [b]nothing[/b].😐
The next question is probably about how much weight you are willing to carry.
As to being limited to groomed trails, no, there aren't nearly enough of those.
We often find ourselves on rough, stoney ground, or long stretches of gravel road,
--and yes, those are times when I'm really glad I wear shoes -- but he doesn't need them.

You seem to be about racking up mileage and gaining a sense of accomplishment, and there's nothing wrong with that.😀
We're more about enjoying the outdoors for a few hours, and then getting back for a nice hot dinner and a good rest.😄

@Ynotisay Ive been walking and hiking barefoot on trails and yes granted mostly woodland trails and walks but thats what i enjoy. Ive never had any issues or injurys