[pct-l] Barefoot Hiking

[Eric Lee]

Mark wrote:
>
But as a part of training, and maybe a pair of minimalist shoes for
backpacking, maybe I can pull this off after all. I don't know if feet need
some kind of "support" while carrying a heavy load.
>

Different things work for different people.  Feet are about as
individualistic as it gets for hikers.

I agree that a total barefoot thru-hike isn't really practical but there's
nothing wrong with doing as much barefoot hiking as you're comfortable with.
Be aware that your potential for cuts, scrapes, punctures, and bruises on
your feet goes way up when you're barefoot so you have to really pay
attention and compensate for the risk.  Obviously this works best if you
have a very minimal pack load.

Some people have done some or all of a thru-hike in various types of sandals
and that might be a good solution for you.  I'm sure some of those folks
will speak up on this thread.

Some people claim that good shoes do give a lot of support to the connective
tissues in your feet and will help reduce chronic over-use injuries.  Other
people say that's a bunch of hooey.  I suspect both parties are correct -
they just have different feet.  :-)  Do *NOT* get all dogmatic about
anything having to do with feet based on anyone else's anecdotal experience.
Try it all and decide what works for you.

Eric