A chapter of the Barefoot Hikers has debuted right here in the Mountain View area and is open to anyone interested in kicking off their shoes to walk as nature intended. The idea behind hiking barefoot is basically that it is pleasurable, said Paul Lucas, the Mountain View resident who formed the local group, promotes it and coordinates hikes. The other benefits include less blistering and stronger foot muscles. Wearing shoes keeps foot muscles relatively immobile and over time, one can lose muscle tissue.
Location plays a big part.
Lucas says the trails in Wunderlich Park, Castle Rock, and other frequented areas in the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains are well preserved, without a lot of hazardous debris. In addition, Lucas instructs beginners to walk using the more sensitive ball of the foot first, feeling out each step before applying their full weight. Hiking barefoot is not a new phenomena, Lucas said, as chapters in Connecticut and North Carolina have been running hikes for over three years. All ages and backgrounds, including families with children embark on these hikes. The hikes usually last for two to three hours on a Saturday or Sunday morning or afternoon.