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**johny** · 09-18-2003, 01:07 AM

About a month long I tried to enjoy a barefooted activities on a daily basis, so foot-sole has stayed at first scratched and later less woundable, so no big problems to walk barefooted in the majority of rocky mountains and woodland. Thats good, its natural.

But I wonder about something I dislike. May be because of reason I much used to walk in the earthy mud and not a clean sand, or because of long time wetness for foot the back of heel have grown up the dead skin many milimeters dick and it burst in some quite deep cracks - I simply dont know what to do. Seems dangerous. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif[/img]

Do any have an experience or receipt to come back for soft heels?? [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif[/img]

Should I use a sand-paper?? [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Why bare foots are not self sustaining naturally?? [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif[/img]

May be other year it is wiser to hike shoefooted? But then I will not be more completely natural! [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img]

**theoldman** · 09-18-2003, 01:15 AM

to johnny Do not do anything. The thick skin is normal for not wearing shoes. The cracks are not a problem either.

I grew up naked & on the times I did have to wear clothes I did not wear shoes. My feet then & now were like this - calloused - with cracks & i have never had a problem.

**Macanudist** · 10-19-2003, 04:36 AM

I posted a tutorial about a month ago titled "Nudism 101: Going Barefoot." You could say I love to be nude but I hate to wear shoes! I'll be at some nudist venue where the ground seems a little rough and friends will say "I think you might need your shoes." I just have to laugh! The soles of my feet are like leather and it takes more than a few pebbles or even old holly leaves to cause me any concern.

I do however know what you're talking about when it comes to cracking heels. The thickening is perfectly natural but those deep cracks can be horribly painful if left untreated. You asked about sand paper... I do on occasion use sand paper on my heels when I notice small cracks beginning to form. You don't want to be too aggressive sanding though, just enough to knock off the cracked, flaking skin. And resist the thought of "picking" or peeling the skin, it can make the crack much worse!

A lot of women use some sort of pumice stone but that is for people who usually wear shoes to begin with. True barefooters will most likely need the sand paper. Don't go too coarse. I'd suggest arount 100-150 grit. Use 1/3 sheet and stroke it across your heal like polishing a shoe. No power sanders!!! Once you've smoothed the heel, put some moisturizing lotion on your feet before bed. If you're going to enjoy the world sans shoes, then you have to take care of your feet - these are the basic steps to avoiding painfully deep cracks in the heel.

**johny** · 10-20-2003, 03:42 AM

Wow! Thanks. I allready tried some weeks ago and it really work.

**aunaturelone** · 10-21-2003, 02:00 PM

I found sandpaper that is mounted on foam pads works for me better than pumice stones, unmounted sheets of sandpaper or sandpaper mounted on a rigid surface. Get it at the hardware store. You can also buy lanolin cream to treat cracked heels. I find it best to sand the callous down in the moring when my feet are dry and then apply the cream. If it is bad, I tape the cracks together so that they don't spread apart as much while I walk on them during the day.

Barefooting it is nice around manicured lawns, beach sand and so forth. Unless the trail is well maintained, I wouldn't go barefoot. All it takes is some glass or a nail or even a sharp stick and you're in for pain, first aid and a tetanus booster.

Shoes will also often give you better traction on slippery surfaces. I have a strong affinity for the Saloman brand. (I also have a strong affinity for very thick Merino wool socks.)

Keep the shoes on on city streets and unmaintained trails. Wear a pair of hiking sandals, hiking shoes or good quality water shoes, (the kind river rafters wear) especially if you plan on climbing any rocks or scrambling off the trail. I have gone barefoot rock climbing a couple of times and do not recommend it. Enough pressure the wrong way and the callous will peel right off, no matter how thick it is.

**tarsus** · 10-23-2003, 05:50 AM

i see some of the ideas are working for you,thats good.
i use creams made for that purpose and wear socks to bed sometimes,of course i have to wear shoes,
and do things a little differant then you.
i would love to hike barefoot and carry a candy bar on the trail. well now they have suger free hersheys anyway.

**FishNude** · 10-23-2003, 08:51 AM

Wear boots, as I have worn, "BOOTS ONLY" on many trails !!!

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hiking barefooted or shoefooted

hiking barefooted or shoefooted

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