For me, it makes me more mindful, thoughtful, present, and I have to slow down. Taking off my shoes reminds me that I’m not racing to get somewhere, I am leisurely enjoying the pace that feels right for me in that moment.

I have realized that I don’t need to go as far or as fast. I experience a deepening and a different connection to my body, mind and spirit than what I experience from a run or a sweaty workout.

And, it is amazing how my feet and legs feel it because of the micro movements needed for balance that I have to find in my measured steps.

I can’t remember the first time I took off my shoes, but I can say that a summer hasn’t slipped by in a long time now without a hike or two barefoot and fancy free.

I put my shoes back on when I hear about rattler sightings, and I put my shoes on when the little rocks become too much. Last weekend, I put my shoes back on quickly when I saw fresh bear scat!

It is a gift to myself to find time on the trails to do this. It is a time to literally put my feet on the earth especially in times where I feel the outer momentum of life can take me into spinning thoughts and many directions. Self Care Self Care Self Care!!!

But mostly I love the way my feet feel when they can taste the different textures underneath. I tune in to the moist or dry soil, the leaves or the roots I step on and over, the different temperatures, the softness, the hardness, and of course those pointy little rocks or plant parts that grab my attention suddenly. And I love that my toes get dirty and my feet are messy.

In general, I find it much easier to hike up. Recently I hiked more than 2/3rds up Berry Picker trail — A Vail Mountain favorite—with my shoes in my backpack. I passed people who have never had their feet outside of shoes when outside. They were not so sure what to say but that their feet they imagined would be way too tender for that. Some thought I was crazy.

But mostly I find in walking amongst the trees on a nicely worn path, there is a peace and inner joy. I experience an inside warmth. The way I hold myself and relate to myself changes. The way I breathe and take in the life around me changes. I can feel into it. I am usually solo. I can deeply focus on my heart and I can sense my nervous system has a place to rest and that is mainly why I do it. Rest. And a remembrance of what is important, what I can let go of, and what is speaking in my heart.

There are a number of trails that lend themselves to freeing up the feet and I am happy to share them with you, but often the urge to take off my shoes is personal and I am in a place and in a space where it just feels right to do so. I can’t necessarily tell in advance as the conditions on the trails can change after a wind storm or a cold frost, etc. If you are game, you will find the right moment. I trust that.

So, happy trails —with or without shoes on. I highly recommend the experience.