“I believe that I only maintain my physical and mental health by spending at least four hours a day, but usually more, strolling through the forest and over hills and fields, absolutely free from all the demands of the world.
I cannot spend a day in my room without getting rust, and sometimes, when I have stolen away for a walk at four o’clock in the afternoon, at the eleventh hour as it were, too late to save the day’s work, as the shadows of the night are already mingling with the light of day, I feel as if I had committed a sin for which I must atone. And yet, I confess, I am amazed at the perseverance and, above all, the moral insensitivity of my neighbors, who lock themselves in offices and workshops from morning to night for weeks, even entire years.”
HENRY DAVID THOREAU
It’s time again. My head is about to burst here in Germany, I urgently need a change of air. It’s winter, it’s freezing, not much sun.
I dream….of warm sandy beaches on the west coast of Portugal, where I want to relax for weeks on end. I’m bored of my desk and the countless loan applications, my back is getting stiffer by the day. I want to get going again. Now.
Inwardly, I’m planning my trip, I want to spend a couple of weeks in the dark. I take my new Tarasoles barefoot sandals with me:
- a mountain model with a high-profile Vibram sole
- the new cork asphalt model (Made in Portugal)
- the new velcro sandals model (yipeeh it’s finally finished)
- one Motusol active gel sole
- the Freet Feldom
I had the following problems on my last pilgrimage. As I was out and about a lot on hard floors and roads, my feet quickly became sore from underneath. Once home, I immediately developed the 6mm Tarasoles Asphalt model with a 3mm Aero Sorb intermediate layer from Nora. My aim was to modify the minimalist huarache sandals using only a lightweight orthopaedic material, as little thickness as necessary to ensure the lightness of my barefoot sandals despite everything.
I used a few magnets in the intermediate layer because I hoped this would reduce fatigue. The first longer test hike in the Alps was a pleasant experience with these two barefoot sandal models. My feet were able to cope with longer stony paths and I was able to fully enjoy the beautiful spring nature while hiking.
I decided to take the Freet Feldom on the planned tour. The grippy new tread sole is suitable for both the mountainous paths and the kilometers of beach promenades, which are mostly made of wooden planks. The breathable material will keep my feet well ventilated. I had the choice between the Freet Tundra or the Freet Feldom. The Tundra is a new development from Andrew , the manufacturer of Freet Barefoot, which was first launched in the fall of 2022. Compared to the Freet Mudee, the shaft height at the back is significantly higher. This has the advantage of giving the ankle more support when hiking, but slightly hinders forefoot walking. (You know I’m an advocate of the “bale gait”).
Find out more about the bale gait here.
In recent weeks, I have often asked myself whether there are insoles for barefoot shoes that are made without stiff footbeds or pads. During an Internet search, I discovered the Motusol flowing gel insoles, which I ordered immediately. The approach of imitating a soft natural surface with the insole convinced me immediately. My first longer hike with the Motusol was a holistic experience. My feet were very strongly activated by the flow gel while hiking, which led to pleasant sore muscles the next morning.
I have recorded my experiences in this movie:
I will continue to tinker with my hiking equipment. By the way, we’ll be driving off in the van so that I can enjoy the starry sky under the high roof at night. This time I don’t want to squeeze into full pilgrims’ hostels and have to listen to a snoring concert wide awake at night.
I will keep you up to date. Nice that you exist. On the way back, I will visit the Tarasoles factories in Portugal and complete the first cork sandal production for spring. You can then purchase the new models in a pre-sale at a reasonable price.
See you soon.
Get 10% off all Freet models with the coupon code INC10