Footwear for Nude Hiking
I thought this topic existed, but I couldn't find the thread so here it is again. If I am hiking naked, my goal for footwear is as little as possible to go with as little as possible on my torso (often just a pack and hat). Because of the distances and places I usually hike, I generally can't go barefooted. My compromise is minimalist sandals (Earth Runners to be specific). A lesson from today, however, is they don't work well in sand. Sand gets more under the straps between your toes and tears up your skin. Barefoot was the better option while in the sand dunes. What footwear do some of you prefer?
Due to the hot climate and varied soils ( l9se stines, gravels etc...)I wear proper hiking shoes that hold my ankles as it is too easy to twist an ankle in mountain trails here. Doing so when you are 20 or 30 kms from nearest mobile coverage...could certainly be problematic...although i personally cary a PLB with me always. In addition if i do not know the trails or is likely to be overgrown, i will wear snake gaiters too...while people may argue I am not naked, it all depends of your perception...i am nude, free, feeling the sun and breeze all over, and most importantly I am safe! As here we have 16 of the most deadly snakes in the world...my motyo is be nude, be safe and have fun! My safety will always come first!
My preference is the Earth Runners otherwise Im barefoot. I have used the Vibram Five Finger shoes or Xero shoes in the past. If you really want to keep sand or anything else out a low cut boot will be your best bet. Several of the barefoot shoe companies make hiking specific boots.
I have been wearing hiking sandals for years.
They seem to work for me even when I am hiking in the desert to find the perfect water spot to go to. Or hiking in the pine trees up north.
Most of the time here we hike up to a water destination. Water in the desert is special ! Then crossing and coming out the sandals work perfectly. Yes they are a couple sizes too big to protect my toes from kicking rocks. But the snake idea is not bad. Many times I have come up on rattlesnakes. But I have my hiking stick for making noise, and moving torn branches out of the way. Its one of the most important parts of my hiking outfit.
Water, hiking stick, sandals, and sunscreen. Oh and a bandanna, red if possible to be seen better. My pack has even medical supplies and towel for laying out once I get to the spot.
My preference is the Earth Runners otherwise Im barefoot. I have used the Vibram Five Finger shoes or Xero shoes in the past.
Similar story here. I'll still use my thicker-soled Five Fingers if I'm travelling a longer distance. Despite having met the owner, I stopped buying Xero shoes because they are made in China. I still have a pair of their hiking boots. And yes, if conditions call for it, I'll wear a pair of more conventional hiking boots. Regarding twisting ankles, I have a bad ankle. The way I found to protect it is to get away from stiff soled boots. Thats another story, but one that makes sense if you think about it.
Where I know the terrain will be relatively even, I wear hiking sandals. However, here int he northeast, with rocks and roots on the trials, I wear hiking shoes (for reasonable trails) and boots (for rougher ones) with socks. Inded, there are purists who claim this is not bude but the feeling of freehikign with the feetly safely covered can't be beat.
One difference for me is how fast I want to travel. If I am just wandering around off trail, minimalist footware is the best choice. Especially on uneven ground. I also get better grip on rocks out of Five Fingers compared to hiking boots. They are not dissimilar to climbing shoes. If I am wanting to cover a lot of ground on a trail, then hiking boots and trekking poles are called for. However, in those situations I also tend to be clothed.
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