We do too, especially as we usually have to drive a bit to get to really nice rock faces. We’re also lucky to have a great indoor wall at the university in town, so for some indoor fun, we just pop in for a couple hours.

Interesting that you’ve seen some Five-Fingers in action. Most people have never heard of them, let alone seen them! That look pretty interesting, don’t they? =) The indoor climbing wall we go to doesn’t allow bare feet, so we’re going to get some Five-Fingers and try them on the wall, so we’ll let you know what we think.

We were recently at a huge Organic Conference in Lacrosse and besides all the wonderful food and cool folks and all the learning, one farmer dude had those shoes on that you mentioned and I just thought they looked so comfy and now I see where I can find some—thank you for that too!

Thanks for the reminder about Vibram Five-Fingers. They can really save your feet some punishment if you’re going over unforgiving terrain. Especially here in the north, it’s difficult to keep feet conditioned year-round since the cold begs for boot and shoes in the winter-time. I’ll use footwear that gives my feet wiggle-room (like mukluks), but the soles still get soft.

I suppose not even shoes can save us from some punctures. I remember two years ago looking at a thorny patch of ground and deciding to put on some sandals before I negotiated it. One of those huge thorns went right through the rubber sole and into my foot. Getting your foot out of a shoe when the thorn is still in there is not very pleasant! =)

Enjoy your barefooting and Five-Fingering!

Glad to meet more barefooters! That article you link to is great — thanks for providing the resource. Also, thanks for the reminder to take it easy at first, especially when trying running. Shod feet definitely need some time to build strength.

Glad this could bring back some memories. Those first barefoot steps in the spring can be tender indeed!

It is still cold here, but it sounds like you got hit much harder than us this year with heavy snows and quite a powerful winter. Our roads are mostly clear, and the old blacktop is pretty warm on bare feet. Can’t wait until the snow is gone and the toes can start crinkling through leaves and sticks!