Loved this — thanks for the laugh and the reminder, Mattias.
I recently discovered Fleeters and have been enjoying their approach: minimalist design, natural materials, and a clear commitment to ethical craftsmanship rather than fast-fashion hype. I started slowly — short walks at first — and now I regularly use barefoot shoes for hiking and running. I alternate between VivoBarefoot and Altra, but Fleeters’ pieces have really earned a place in my rotation. There’s something quietly powerful about reconnecting with the ground beneath your feet; it changes the way you move and think on a walk. Highly recommended to anyone curious about trying it — just read the manual first!
Such of a lovely experience! I love the idea of getting those shoes! Great cute writing Sir… thank you for the advice of “read the instructions!” Seems you are getting older with that excitement of enjoying it!
I have four pairs of Merrill barefoots that I love and I've been wearing the style for 14 years. They have been my main walking, hiking, and gym shoes, but I can't wear them much right now and have some advice: Take care when you are stepping near curbs. Last October, I was distracted by my dog, hit the curb on its side--not on top--and tore my plantar fascia. After months of PT, I'm finally able to walk well again without pain. It will be a while before I can wear barefoots for long walks and hikes again.
Stay safe man. Never a good idea to ignore warnings given by shopkeepers regarding their products. Unlike a totalitarian state, they are mostly motivated by genuine concern. Have a wonderful summer.
I wear Keen sandals a LOT. They aren’t anything special as far as grounding or minimalist, but they are super comfortable and I’ve been wearing them for over ten years (not the same pair - I’ve worn out many pairs). I am very active and am outside working a lot, for myself and for clients. A couple weeks ago, I went to an event and went on two hikes/walks. No pain, no trouble. The next day, my calves were sore too. Not debilitatingly so, but unavoidably so, so I can feel your pain. :)
It is a german brand Doghammer . They have the factory in Portugal and work with people with disabilities at their workshop in Rosenheim. From their site seems to be nice people.
😂😂😂. Don’t we always want to overestimate what we can do? It’s a way of proving to ourselves that we are just as good as we used to be. Of course, we end up with humbling experiences such as yours. I know you’ve learned your lesson, albeit, the hard way. Take it a step at a time.
I bought my first pair of walking shoes in January, and I am very fond of them. I had been trying to overcome my Hallux for a couple of weeks by actively stretching my toes, and then purchased my first pair. Barefoot shoes really help getting the feeling and muscles back, and I take it as an inspiration for more foot exercises to rebuild the foot arch and change the muscles in my calves. Due to actively engaging my toe and foot muscles, a small but very significant change is underway. I feel more grounded, and enjoy being now able to move my toes a bit like newborns. Two days ago I walked for 5 hour through the woods with my barefoot shoes. I thought my muscles would feel sore the next day. But actually I could only feel my feet feeling slightly painful the same evening, and had no problems the next days. Still I feel that the foot muscles (and calf muscles) are developping. Sometimes I have cramps at night as a result of the training. The Hallux valgus on the right is now much better, and even on my left foot where the bunion is quite pronounced, there is a real improvement. I am very inspired to work further on this issue, and to actively train my toes and feet. The change feels good. I would even go as far as to say that barefoot shoes can help people in finding the right spiritual path. We can all enter the path of true spiritual warriors which is much-needed in today's world. Even a seemingly small positive outer change like correcting your feet, can have a very beneficial effect on society as a whole. Don't underestimate the effect that barefoot shoes can have on one's live. I am happy seeing quite a few people using them
Loved this — thanks for the laugh and the reminder, Mattias.
I recently discovered Fleeters and have been enjoying their approach: minimalist design, natural materials, and a clear commitment to ethical craftsmanship rather than fast-fashion hype. I started slowly — short walks at first — and now I regularly use barefoot shoes for hiking and running. I alternate between VivoBarefoot and Altra, but Fleeters’ pieces have really earned a place in my rotation. There’s something quietly powerful about reconnecting with the ground beneath your feet; it changes the way you move and think on a walk. Highly recommended to anyone curious about trying it — just read the manual first!
[b]earthing[/b]
odysee.com/@hyplexx:0/Der-Erdungsfilm-Die-bemerkenswerte-Wissenschaft-der-Erdung---Dokumentarfilm---Deutsche-Untertitel:b
german teaser 15 min.:
odysee.com/@Uk-Rider:a/VID_20240706_102401_743:a
web.archive.org/web/20200922092103/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550830719305476
web.archive.org/web/20241101110110/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3576907/
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/search/?term=Earthing
Such of a lovely experience! I love the idea of getting those shoes! Great cute writing Sir… thank you for the advice of “read the instructions!” Seems you are getting older with that excitement of enjoying it!
Eigenwijs is ook wijs Mattias. Of dan toch een beetje
I read this before your post here. Interesting implications - https://open.substack.com/pub/sayerji/p/the-second-heart-you-never-knew-you?r=ruthq&utm_medium=ios
Shin Splints! Same thing happened to me
I have four pairs of Merrill barefoots that I love and I've been wearing the style for 14 years. They have been my main walking, hiking, and gym shoes, but I can't wear them much right now and have some advice: Take care when you are stepping near curbs. Last October, I was distracted by my dog, hit the curb on its side--not on top--and tore my plantar fascia. After months of PT, I'm finally able to walk well again without pain. It will be a while before I can wear barefoots for long walks and hikes again.
Stay safe man. Never a good idea to ignore warnings given by shopkeepers regarding their products. Unlike a totalitarian state, they are mostly motivated by genuine concern. Have a wonderful summer.
I wear Keen sandals a LOT. They aren’t anything special as far as grounding or minimalist, but they are super comfortable and I’ve been wearing them for over ten years (not the same pair - I’ve worn out many pairs). I am very active and am outside working a lot, for myself and for clients. A couple weeks ago, I went to an event and went on two hikes/walks. No pain, no trouble. The next day, my calves were sore too. Not debilitatingly so, but unavoidably so, so I can feel your pain. :)
Sorry for your pain. Be well.
It is a german brand Doghammer . They have the factory in Portugal and work with people with disabilities at their workshop in Rosenheim. From their site seems to be nice people.
😂😂😂. Don’t we always want to overestimate what we can do? It’s a way of proving to ourselves that we are just as good as we used to be. Of course, we end up with humbling experiences such as yours. I know you’ve learned your lesson, albeit, the hard way. Take it a step at a time.
I bought my first pair of walking shoes in January, and I am very fond of them. I had been trying to overcome my Hallux for a couple of weeks by actively stretching my toes, and then purchased my first pair. Barefoot shoes really help getting the feeling and muscles back, and I take it as an inspiration for more foot exercises to rebuild the foot arch and change the muscles in my calves. Due to actively engaging my toe and foot muscles, a small but very significant change is underway. I feel more grounded, and enjoy being now able to move my toes a bit like newborns. Two days ago I walked for 5 hour through the woods with my barefoot shoes. I thought my muscles would feel sore the next day. But actually I could only feel my feet feeling slightly painful the same evening, and had no problems the next days. Still I feel that the foot muscles (and calf muscles) are developping. Sometimes I have cramps at night as a result of the training. The Hallux valgus on the right is now much better, and even on my left foot where the bunion is quite pronounced, there is a real improvement. I am very inspired to work further on this issue, and to actively train my toes and feet. The change feels good. I would even go as far as to say that barefoot shoes can help people in finding the right spiritual path. We can all enter the path of true spiritual warriors which is much-needed in today's world. Even a seemingly small positive outer change like correcting your feet, can have a very beneficial effect on society as a whole. Don't underestimate the effect that barefoot shoes can have on one's live. I am happy seeing quite a few people using them
😂😂🍷
I tried them for a few months and got a lot of pain in my legs too. I will start again eventually but will be more measured and gradual with them.
Why not just walk barefoot? I do this quite often. Your feet get resilient pretty quick.