I so dare you to do this in Aussie. If the sharp stones don't rip your feet to pieces no matter how calloused they are, the spiders, ants and snakes will enjoy a feast.

One needs tough feet for this ,which would come over time but not good for all terrain

Would love to join a hiking group, though like boots, but am on the other side of the big pond sadly.

Hiking in Cascade Mountains, WA, we turned down a woman who showed up barefoot.

"You can't come with us because you need boots to protect your feet," we said. "The trail is rocky, steep and hazardous with sharp rocks and tripping roots. We don't want to carry you out."

Shoes for me!!