>>2856498>barefoot shoesmake sure you have the right part of your foot bare. picrel is the final word in winter hiking sandals. suede liner grips in wetness, and polishes over time. the strap is easily repairable. I've had pairs last 5 years.
take them out on an easy hike. it takes practice to not cause the thong strap between your toes to break because of slipping on a downslope. with shoes on, wedging your foot into the shoe during downslope is a habit, while hiking with sandals require you to go slow, take your time, and ensure your foot placement has as little slippage as possible.
keep a pair of hiking boots in your bag with you, but definitely try sandal hiking. sandals in trails of course, but going offroad with them is a challenge. if you can get a good pair of tie-off ankle strap wrap sandals (not velcro or belt), also get some strong cloth and do the foot wrap thing soldiers used to do on the march back in the bronze age. they are similar to high rise jungle boots, except more ventilated and more flexible, sort of like the flex sole of barefoot shoes.
you also get to drop lame jokes at people when wearing your sandals around town in the middle of winter. tell them "the boss wore them everyday of his life" and they usually chuckle and agree.
