To continue with our theme of getting outdoors whatever the weather this month, neurodiversity Coach and Trainer Jonny Drury shares his insights into neurodiversity, barefoot foortwear and connecting with the earth.

Walking in Peace with the Earth: How Vivobarefoot Forest Tracker Boots Support My Work and Wellbeing

 As a coach and trainer in healthcare and neurodiversity, my role revolves around fostering self-awareness and growth in my clients and trainees. To do this effectively, I rely on finely tuned empathic awareness, which requires being deeply attuned not only to others but also to myself. Central to my own self-care and professional practice are principles drawn from ancient health philosophies, such as the idea of “walking in peace with the earth.”

This connection to nature is not just a metaphor but a daily practice that grounds me, revitalises my nervous system, and enhances my ability to help others. My Vivobarefoot Forest Tracker boots have become an essential part of that practice.

Connection to Nature and Vagal Tone

One of the core concepts in my work is vagal tone. The vagus nerve is a crucial component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps regulate stress responses and emotional well-being. For me, maintaining a good vagal tone is essential, both personally and professionally. Practices like deep breathing, mindfulness, and movement are key to this, but I’ve found that nothing supports my nervous system quite like time spent in nature.

Vivobarefoot Men's Tracker Forest ESC Boots Bracken/Brown

 Walking in the Peak District, where I live, is an integral part of my routine. This is where my Vivobarefoot boots shine. These boots provide minimal barriers between me and the earth, allowing me to feel the rocks, contours of tree roots, and even the texture of the grass beneath my feet. The sensory feedback I receive while walking helps me tune into the present moment and deepen my connection to the natural world—a key aspect of promoting vagal tone and overall mental well-being. The more in touch I am with nature, the better I can guide others in their own journeys of self-discovery.

The Power of Chi Gong and Barefoot Walking

Another practice that supports my health and my work is Chi Gong, an ancient Chinese discipline focused on cultivating and balancing life energy, or Qi. Chi Gong involves mindful movement and breathing, aligning body, breath, and mind in harmony. In Chi Gong, there is a concept known as “Heaven and Earth,” which speaks to the interconnectedness of all things. To me, this connection is most keenly felt when I’m walking with minimal barriers between myself and the earth, engaging not only my physical body but also my energy body in a flow of balance.

My Vivobarefoot boots play a vital role in this practice. The wide-toe box and thin, flexible soles of these boots allow for natural foot movement, similar to barefoot walking, while still offering protection from the elements. When I’m out walking, I can feel the ground underfoot and engage with my surroundings in a mindful way, whether it’s the earth’s energy rising through my feet or the air quality that affects my breathing. These boots have become a way for me to merge ancient practices like Chi Gong with modern functionality, helping me walk in alignment with the natural world.

Walking Daily in the Peak District: A Sacred Practice

Living in the Peak District, I am surrounded by the rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and tranquil woodlands that offer the perfect environment for both physical and mental rejuvenation. My daily walks are a sacred practice for me. Walking in my Vivoes is like carrying a little piece of the earth with me—there’s a grounding sensation with each step that makes me feel more connected to the landscape.

Vivobarefoot Men's Tracker Forest ESC Boots Bracken/Brown

Whether I'm treading over rocky paths, feeling the cool dampness of grass in the early morning, or navigating tree-lined trails, my feet remain in sync with nature wearing barefoot shoes. The thin, puncture-resistant sole of the boots not only protects me from harsh terrain but also allows me to feel grounded and in tune with the earth. This sensation enhances my awareness of the world around me—the textures, the energy, and even the subtle shifts in weather and air quality. It’s this attunement to nature that helps replenish my nervous system and reinforces my ability to “walk in peace with the earth.”

Revitalising the Nervous System: Barefoot in Spirit

As a coach, I help others discover their strengths and insights, and to do that effectively, I need to nurture my own well-being. My barefoot boots allow me to experience nature in a way that revitalises my body and mind. By reducing the barrier between myself and the earth, these boots enable me to engage all of my senses—feeling the earth beneath my feet, breathing in fresh air, and absorbing the natural energy around me.

There’s a reason why ancient health systems emphasised the importance of walking in harmony with the earth. It’s a practice that helps balance the nervous system, enhance mindfulness, and promote overall health. For me, walking every day in the Peak District in my Vivobarefoot Tracker boots is more than exercise—it’s a form of meditation, a way to align with nature and restore my own sense of balance. Whether I'm guiding clients or simply taking time for myself, these minimalist boots are an essential tool in my journey of walking in peace with the earth.

I work with many clients who experience heightened sensitivity to their environment, a common trait in neurodivergent individuals. For those with hypersensitivity, feeling grounded and safe in their surroundings is essential for reducing anxiety and overstimulation.

Barefoot Tracker boots are an excellent choice for this population because they provide sensory feedback without overwhelming the wearer. The boots’ minimalist design allows for a natural connection with the earth, offering sensory input that is calming and grounding, rather than intrusive.

Vivobarefoot Men's Tracker Forest ESC Boots and Vivobarefoot Women's Tracker Leather AT Bracken

This helps neurodivergent individuals, adults and children, navigate different terrains with more ease and comfort, supporting their physical and emotional well-being. The protective yet flexible nature of barefoot boots enables people to feel the world beneath their feet without the discomfort of traditional footwear, making them an ideal companion for those who thrive on sensory integration and grounding practices.

Vivobarefoot Junior Tracker AT Walking Boots Acorn

Thanks to Jonny Dury for his insight into barefoot footwear, wellbeing, neurodiversity and nature. You can find out more about the work Jonny does at https://dialogica.uk/.

If like Jonny, you love to get outdoors in nature whatever the weather we have a great selection of adult's walking boots and children's walking boots

Which you can pair with our new TOETOE socks, which for are dedisgned for natural foot movement, foot comfort, and performance.

ToeToe Outdoor Liner Trainer Toe Socks Blue