Sole Man Barefoot wonder Brian Horst proves you're only as tough as your feet. The next time your trail partner arts crowing about his latest feat, tell him about Brian Horst's feet. The Manheim, Pennsylvania, hiker recently backpacked Vermont's 270-mile Long Trail end to end barefoot. A bit extreme? Nah, says Horst, it's just a way to get closer to nature. BP: The obvious question: Why? Horst: I wanted to go as light as possible after blowing out a knee on a Long Trail attempt in '98. Besides, backpacking should be about removing as many barriers to nature as possible. Hiking barefoot and lightweight backpacking are ways to do that. BP: Didn't it hurt? Horst: Not really. Some surfaces were better than others. Gravel and snow were the worst. Pine duff and places where new trail had been cut were lush. I felt like I had a better grip on rock faces. I got a few scrapes and stubbed toes, but nothing as painful as the blisters my hiking boots gave me. BP: Did you carry any shoes? Horst: I had sandals for going into stores and restaurants to resupply. When I hitchhiked to and from town, people seemed more willing to pick me up when I wore sandals. I wore socks at night to keep my sleeping bag clean. While other hikers looked forward to taking their boots off at the end of the day, I sort of did the opposite. BP: What was the worst thing you stepped in? Horst: I stepped in some bear scat. It was pretty gross. On the other hand, it's much softer than granite. BP: What do you think of "No Shoes, No Service" policies? Horst: Doorknobs spread much more disease than feet do--perhaps we should all be required to wear gloves. --Charlie Wood.