Is there a way I can toughen my feet so I can walk/run on gravel and snow barefoot?

Question

I'd like to do this without causing nerve damage or anything like that. The more scientific the better...

Answer 1

Just do it! Take it slow at first, there's no need to get blisters or painful feet while getting used to barefooting, but anyone can get used to walking barefoot on gravel, pavement etc. There's no specific training program written for it. If you live in a colder climate and want to keep it up in winter, keep going out for short trips (even very short ones like getting the mail at the end of the driveway) and some folks have done things like stand in a box of gravel or use the rock mats that are used in Japanese reflexology. But the best method is just do it...

For getting used to snow it's part getting used to it, but it's also important to know how the body works. The most important thing is to keep your head and upper body warm. That is where the vital organs are, and when you start to cool off, circulation withdraws from the extremities to preserve the heat. However when your vital organs are nice and warm, perhaps even a little too warm, circulation to your extremities increases and your fingers and toes will stay warm even when bare. I always dress up warmly from the ankle up (I do get cold wearing shorts even if I wear a very heavy sweater; I think the entire leg is a bit much to keep heated by circulation only in cold weather but I know one or two warm-blooded folks who can do even that). Also give your toes a little time to warm up; the moment I step outside they may feel a bit cold but when I walk vigorously, they warm up in a matter of minutes. No, they do NOT get numb; it's a very clear difference. Sometimes I'll help keep them warm by wiggling my toes when walking and especially when I have to stand around for a bit like waiting for the train. Muscles create heat when in use and it helps the circulation. This way I can generally keep my feet warm with less numbness than when I still wore footwear, especially the rubber boots I wore riding horses were horrible, they kept the foot and even the ankle immobile, limiting circulation, and provided little insulation against the cold even with thick socks.

Even though I've generally be fine barefoot, I do take footwear along when it's below freezing, just in case I get stranded somewhere. If you do notice your toes are getting numb (loss of sensation, look white or bluish) try to get inside, or at least in a sheltered spot (out of the wind, on dry surface rather than wet), or put the footwear on. Warm up slowly, use your body heat (cover your toes with your hands if your fingers aren't icy too, put them in sleeves or pant legs if you can sit down) or use cool/cold running water (NOT hot water!).

Answer 2

It takes time and patience. The great thing is that feet respond really quickly. I have to agree that you need to take it slowly, and avoid injury.
I can now stand barefoot on very hot surface and walk along sharp objects with little or no pain. I've achieved this over multiple trips to warm countries.

Answer 3

i wish i had it that easy. I walked through the land mines of ky barefoot, everyday facing the fear of losing toes and having something explode in the faces of me n my 25 brothers and sisters, but we didnt get no learnin after 12 cuz we had to help mama rear the young'ns and school was a privaledge for the fancy shmancy. We walked over 2 mountains to get the doctor, and the only time we went and got him were for 2 reasons, death and birth. I had rheumatoid fever and the mumps and the diarrhea all in one day and i had to suffer through it while holding Oda on my lap and peeling potatos for the dinner 2 days away bc we had to be 72 hrs in advance or we aint gettin nuthin. 50 miles in snow woulda been a blessin, a true blessin.

Answer 4

Of course, just walk barefoot outside. What you are looking for is the natural process of acclimation: the ability of the human body to adjust to it's environment. The secret is to take it slow so that you don't hurt yourself while your feet adjust to going barefoot.

Answer 5

As a redneck who rarely wears shoes, you toughen them up by not wearing shoes and going outside on gravel, etc.

Answer 6

Just start walking around barefoot.

But I have to ask...why? Especially the snow? One word...frostbite.

Answer 7

Just start to steppin oh natural, and you will toghen up your tootsies in no time at all!