My foot paws were much the same way except the heels of my "feet" were always soft because I walked like a cat, mostly on my toes and the front padded part. After years of bullying by my in laws, I have lost my paws but I am working on rebuilding the muscles in my legs so I can go back to walking that way. Walking human style (flat footed... using the heel to take the shock of a step) hurts my back too much.

Yeah, that's what I refer to when I talk about walking differently when bare. It actually has a name - forefoot strike. Now I'm guessing that you did what I used to, which is to not put your heels down while walking - basically walking digitigrade. I still kinda do that, but I do allow my heels to touch now, just not first. Still have the ninja walk, just like I used to. :p Also, trying to run while barepawed will quickly demonstrate to anyone exactly why you shouldn't land heels first. Try it - it'll make sense after about 5 steps. Then you learn how it's supposed to be done, by landing on the ball of your paw first.

Thanks for the comment. :)

K Fox

are you insane?

Well yes, technically I am as that I have been hospitalized in a mental hospital but in order for me to see where that has to do with this instance, I must ask you to clarify what you mean by "Are you insane?". To best answer your question, perhaps you should be more specific lest I shrug you off as a mere troll.

Are you suffering from moderate to severe psychopathology like psychosis, i.e. delusions or hallucinations?

Yeah.... why do you ask?

Is this because of referring to "losing my paws"? I don't mean it literally, I still have my feet and what not. I meant it figuratively, I am out of practice of walking on the ball of my foot, making my foot "paw-like". Time and practice will make my legs and feet strong enough to do it again.

Why do you keep asking me these questions? Just seems really odd.

I've started going barefoot when I'm in the city, and I love it! I really like walking in rain and getting my feet wet. They don't even feel all that cold either! I really appreciate the tips you've shared. If I could, I'd go barefoot all the time too!

Yeah, rain and wet things in general are nice when you can actually feel them. And go barepawed anyway - as much as you can, if that's what you want. That's what I did/am doing. And why I'm sharing - maybe it'll promote more people to do it too, and that's good for everyone (going barepawed is actually the healthiest way to walk).

On the cold issues, I've actually found that it's easier to deal with cold than with hot surfaces. Cold things can be uncomfortable, but as you keep walking without shoes, the blood-flow to your paws gets better, and you're more able to cope/recover from cold. Heat, on the other hand, seems to be much more of an issue. Walking across nice sunny HOT pavement is still a challenge - and my paws have thickened up a lot over the last few weeks. Still need some more padding under the skin to deal with hot asphalt - and we're not even talking about hot enough to cause actual burns, just that it's still kinda uncomfortable to walk on. Not quite there, but getting closer. I will say though, the only way to progress forward is to push the limits and do it, at least for as long as you can (don't go so far as to cause actual injury though - walk the line without crossing it). And thanks for the comment - it seems that I'm kinda popular tonight (and since it's 3am where I am, that's surprising...).

K Fox

Spam!?

We're a real website now!!

Yeah, either that or the spam bots are just relentless. :p At least not all of the comments are spam... and thanks for leaving one yourself!

K Fox

...it's probably bad that your "paw torture" comment gave me ideas. *COUGH*

<w< >w>

Well, while it wasn't what I meant, I know there are peeps that enjoy such things. Me, I'm more of a simple paw rub type - nothing too extreme. Torture and pain aren't things I enjoy feeling or afflicting. But I'm not pushy, or judgmental - I actually believe in the biggest strength or our fandom. Diversity breeding tolerance. It what makes furry cool (when it's not being perverted). Also, thanks for the comment.

K Fox

XD Hey to each their own. :P And yeah, I don't like the realistic pain and torture stuff. Just cartoon violence. :3c

I totally walked home from work today barefoot. It felt f***ing amazing! Hehe, I've been wanted to do it for a while but could never bring myself to do it. Plus it rained pretty hard here in Virginia so that added to it a lot. ^_^

Congratulations on your barepawed youth! And it's great you give others inspiration, though putting the whole in a PDF format might make it a bit more platform-independent. You like paw-rubs? can I rub your paws? I love that delicious tingle of paws after a long walk and also having my paws rubbed and massaged!