Barefoot hikes might sound hard on the feet.

But people who like to trek without shoes insist that it's good for your mind, body and... sole.

Sure, it's practically winter, but there is still no better time to consider your next barefoot moment.

In the June 1929 issue of his monthly publication, Das Neue Leben (The Fresh Start), renowned Swiss naturopath Alfred Vogel encourages his readers to uncover their feet.

Not for nothing do the soles of our feet possess such a rich, finely tuned nervous system, because when the foot makes contact with mother earth, powers are bestowed upon the body and, in addition, the earth draws bad substances from us which have put pressure on the body and hence the spirit. This relief serves to improve the glands and anyone who has, for example, suffered from recurrent swollen tonsils should try, in addition to a basic balanced diet, the wonderful effect of going barefoot.

If you are heading south this winter season, it may be worth scheduling some serious time without shoes. According to Vogel, walking barefoot also alleviates lower abdominal problems as well as excessively chilly feet.