Hiking in Barefoot Shoes

As a mountain leader, I'm often asked what gear I use myself and what I genuinely recommend. My answer has changed over the years. I used to focus mainly on getting the best value for money. Today, I also care about who is behind a product, how it is made, and what values the company stands for. I prefer supporting smaller businesses that take responsibility and share the same values as Shanti Treks.

Doghammer was one of those companies. I had been curious about barefoot hiking shoes for a while and had followed their journey before eventually reaching out to them myself. It quickly became clear that we had more in common than just a love for the mountains. Mindfulness, sustainability, and inclusion are values that shape both Doghammer and Shanti Treks. So I decided to try something new, spending this summer wearing barefoot shoes in everyday life, on my Yoga & Hiking weekends, and on many day hikes in the mountains.

What impressed me most about Doghammer was not just the shoes, it was the philosophy behind them. Like Shanti Treks, the company is built around mindfulness, sustainability, and inclusion. Barefoot shoes encourage a more conscious way of walking, which fits perfectly with what I try to share on my Yoga & Hiking trips.

Sustainability also played an important role in my decision. The shoes are designed in Rosenheim, Germany, produced mainly in a family run factory in Portugal, and made using natural and recycled materials. Logistics are handled in partnership with the Caritas Wendelstein workshops, supporting inclusive employment. These are exactly the kinds of companies I want to support.

Over the summer, I tested four different models, the Terrar Trail Knit and Terrar Rock Wool hiking shoes, the Terrar Wool Mango everyday sneaker, and the Terrar Dahoam slipper. Naturally, my main focus was on the hiking shoes, as I wanted to see how they performed on day hikes and during my Yoga & Hiking weekends.

Sizing brought the first surprise. I normally wear an EU size 40, but when I tried them on at Doghammer's warehouse on a cold, rainy day, size 39 felt much better. That turned out to be the right choice for almost every model. Only the Terrar Rock Wool became too tight after longer hikes, so I will be switching to size 40 for that one.

After one summer, my first impression is simple, I really like them, and I am excited to keep exploring barefoot hiking.

Their minimalist design makes them incredibly light, and they hardly take up any room in my backpack. On hot summer days, they also feel much cooler than traditional hiking boots.

The biggest difference, however, is how they change the way you walk.

At first, the feeling was unfamiliar, but surprisingly natural. You become much more aware of the ground beneath your feet. Every rock, root, and uneven section becomes part of your movement. As a result, you naturally place your feet more carefully and move with greater awareness. I noticed very little difference on uphill sections, but on descents my legs had to work much harder and with greater precision. At times, it almost felt as though I was dancing across the trail, rather than simply walking it. Every step became more intentional, and I moved through the landscape with greater ease and precision.

Of course, that also means your body works harder.

The muscles in my feet, calves, and lower legs were far more active than they would be in conventional hiking boots, and I definitely experienced some muscle soreness in the beginning. In the long run, though, I see that as a positive. These are exactly the muscles that should be doing the work.

One change surprised me.

After weekends spent hiking in barefoot shoes, I noticed a clear improvement in my balance during yoga practice. Balance poses felt easier, and I felt more stable overall. Interestingly, after several days in stiff hiking boots, I often experience the opposite. Whether that is simply coincidence or the result of activating my feet more naturally, I cannot say for certain, but the difference was very noticeable.

As much as I enjoy barefoot hiking now, the transition was not nearly as easy as I expected. I maybe naively assumed I could simply put the shoes on and continue hiking my usual distances. Looking back, I definitely would not recommend that. Your body needs time to adapt. My advice would be to start with shorter, easier walks and gradually increase the distance as your feet and muscles become stronger.

I also realised that barefoot hiking is about much more than simply wearing different shoes. There are specific walking techniques and plenty of useful advice to help your body adjust safely. Doghammer already provides lots of helpful information and videos on this topic.

Because I believe the best way to experience barefoot hiking is outdoors, Doghammer and I are already planning a Barefoot Weekend next spring. It will not only be about the shoes, it will also be about reconnecting with your body and learning how to make the transition in a healthy way.

If you are interested in barefoot shoes, I would not recommend starting with hiking shoes straight away. Beginning with an everyday barefoot shoe is a much gentler way to allow your feet and muscles to adapt.

For cooler days, my favourite is the Terrar Wool Mango. The merino wool makes it incredibly comfortable and helps regulate temperature beautifully. During hot summer weather, I would instead recommend the Terrar Knit. Its breathable knit upper makes it lighter and cooler, making it my first choice for summer.

If you prefer sandals or slides, take a look at the Terrar Letto. I also really like the Terrar Dahoam, which is wonderfully comfortable and perfect for relaxing at a mountain hut after a long day. Since it is also made with merino wool, it is better suited to cooler temperatures. For hut-to-hut hikes, where every gram counts, I would personally choose a lighter houseshoe.

I am definitely going to continue my barefoot journey.

For the guided multi day tours I lead, I will stick with traditional hiking boots for now. Carrying around 10 kg of equipment, including safety gear, I still appreciate the extra ankle support they provide. Barefoot shoes also reach their limits for my work in prolonged rain or when crossing summer snowfields. That said, Doghammer also offers the Approach Pro Wool, an ankle high hiking boot, which could be an excellent option for anyone looking for extra support.

For day hikes and everyday life, however, the barefoot shoes have become part of my regular footwear. They have changed the way I experience walking in the mountains, making me more aware of every step. I am excited to see how my feet continue to adapt, and I am curious to see what Doghammer develops in the future.

If this has made you curious, I will have all four models with me at my next Yoga & Hiking Weekend at Meißnerhaus from 3 to 6 September. You are welcome to have a closer look, see the different models for yourself, and ask me anything about my experience with barefoot hiking. If you would like to explore Doghammer's range yourself, you can use the discount code ShantiTreks to receive €10 off your purchase via their website.