All right, here's where we deal with the nitty gritty, where the rubber -- er, sole -- meets the road.
## Advanced Issues
Chip n Seal roads: A lot of rural roads are paved with “Chip ‘n’ Seal” which is sharp gravel embedded in a thin asphalt matrix. It’s great for tire traction, but a slice of hell for bare feet. I have found that the paint used for the white line along the roadside helps take the sharp edge off the gravel.
If possible, I’ll run on the shoulder. But there, frequently, is the leftover gravel, which is no fun. Further from the road, there may be grass or weeds which are better, but watch for hidden junk tossed from cars.
Finally, unless there is a fence, I’ll just move onto the farmer’s fields. Those are tilled and soft and very nice to run on. Unless there’s a fence – in which case hopping it is between you and your conscience … ;-))
## Traction
Bare feet have less traction that most running shoes or hiking boots. I’ve skidded out more than once on slick muddy trails. Like me, you may have to hose off the mud before you get back into the car!
## Edging
Bare feet are also more rounded and softer than shoes, and much more so than hiking or climbing boots. Barefoot rock climbing is probably not a good idea, in general!
## Temperature extremes
In summer here in Oregon, asphalt gets blazing hot. I stay on light-colored surfaces that are cooler: sidewalks, even the white line on the road. Trails … those are always fine!
## Biohazards
Dog feces can contain pathogens and parasites. I stay away from dog runs and/or parking strip grass where people walk their dogs. I also wear shoes in downtown urban areas – I won’t go into the various things that one steps in that recently came out of someone’s orfice(s), but I don’t want to worry about them! Public restrooms – I bring those painter’s booties from Home Depot in my pocket.
## New routes
It’s often good to wear shoes to check out new routes before running them barefoot.