By doing this you will build more athletic and functional legs than with squats or deadlifts alone! Let's discover the truth about sneakers vs. barefoot shoes.
Now that it is finally cool in the southern hemisphere of Earth, we decided to take on the challenge of hiking the black trail (the most advanced trail) in the "Hatta mountains".
What a lot of people don't realize is that hiking is a serious form of strength endurance training.
We would even say you will get better results this way than you would with doing just standard squats or deadlifts!
And why is this?
Hiking on varied terrain engages leg muscles through a wider range of motion and positions than traditional gym exercises. While squats and deadlifts build strength in fixed patterns, hiking requires constant adaptation to uneven surfaces, angles, and obstacles.
This develops proprioception and stability through the entire kinetic chain.
The constant micro-adjustments when navigating rocks, roots, and slopes strengthen smaller stabilizing muscles often neglected in linear gym movements.
Downhill sections particularly challenge eccentric control, quadricep strength and joint stability in ways that aren't easily replicated by standard lifts.
The amazing thing about this ever changing and multi-dimensional natural terrain is that it forces multi-planar movement. This improves mobility, balance, and functional strength that transfers better to real-world movements and athletic performance.
The unpredictable nature of trails also engages the nervous system more thoroughly than repetitive gym exercises, enhancing overall adaptability.
You really have to pay attention — if you are not careful you can seriously hurt yourself. This is how hiking becomes a form of meditative practice that can heal the mind.
Which shoes should you use? I think it ultimately depends on the terrain and the duration of your hike.
I personally used sneakers during this hike because the terrain is full of sharp rocks that quickly start hurting my feet.
Eero, who has been using barefoot shoes for over 10 years, was able to hike for hours even with barefoot shoes.
If you are a beginner, it's better to use shoes with thick soles because they do protect the feet.
The only problem I discovered was that it's much easier to sprain your ankle with sneakers compared to barefoot shoes because the sneakers do not allow natural angles for the ankles.
If you are not already doing hikes, we highly recommend it. It's an incredible workout for your legs, can burn 1000 calories very easily, it's super fun and can heal both your body and mind very well.
Engaging in nature is something truly special. True fitness isn’t only about isolated exercises or structured routines—it’s about embracing movement in its rawest, most natural form.
The mountains don’t just test you — they transform you. They demand effort, focus, and adaptability. But they also reward you with clarity, strength, and a sense of accomplishment.
If you’re ready to step outside your comfort zone, to trade the treadmill for uneven terrain and discover the true potential of your body, the trails are waiting.
Embrace the challenge, feel the burn, and let nature guide you to a stronger, more connected version of yourself.
Stay strong.
