[pct-l] PCT Barefoot

[Ellen Shopes]

While I agree that our culture has probably over-engineered footwear, it is 
no accident that so many cultures discovered footwear, whether you are 
talking about the sandels of desert dwellers  and Asian cultures, moccasins 
of eastern woodland Indians, or shoes as we know it.  People found value in 
protecting their feet.  Even Barefoot Tom admits to some pretty nasty foot 
injuries...I don't think it's crazy to try, but I would condition one's feet 
alot before the hike, and bring some sort of protection as backup...
Ellen

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Paul Mitchell" <bluebrain at bluebrain.ca>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2009 8:18 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] PCT Barefoot


> There's a fair bit of info online about barefoot hiking and running in
> general.  It's quite compelling and after a couple hours of research it
> seemed pretty obvious to me that if a person could make it work for
> themselves (i.e. strengthen their feet up with barefoot training) that it
> would be the way to go.  There are a number of benefits but the most
> important one to me is the natural strengthening of the foot muscles to 
> form
> a self supported arch (which is something the AT hiking barefoot sisters
> mentioned as well), and in general a return to more natural walking which
> effects everything from the feet up (knees, hips, etc).  I've read from 
> some
> barefoot hikers that after a full day of barefoot hiking their feet feel
> good, something they had never experienced when shod.  Having feet feel 
> good
> at the end of a hiking day seemed like an interest idea!
>
> So, plenty of introductory information out there, but not much (that I 
> could
> find) about the specifics of the PCT.  I.e. hot desert, cold snow, stream
> crossings, mosquitoes, and just in general long distance bare footing.
>
> I'm also interested in the barefoot alternatives like the Vibram Five
> Fingers, wondering if anybody has hiked in those.
>
> Cheers,
> - Potential178
>
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-l mailing list
> Pct-l at backcountry.net
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l