brave men talk logo

3 100 miles barefoot
LA to NYC for
men's mental health

user

1 man walking 7.5 million barefoot steps, averaging 20 km per day

calendar

240+ days

route

13 states to be crossed (including Death Valley and Rocky Mountains)

“I am the owner of the Guinness World Record for the longest barefoot hike in 2021 - 3019 km along the East coast of Australia.”

Starting from February 2024, Anton Nootenboom (The Barefoot Dutchman) will begin his barefoot walk of 3,100 miles across the United States from LA to NYC. The mission is to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health.

“I am the owner of the Guinness World Record for the longest barefoot hike in 2021 - 3019 km along the East coast of Australia.”

Starting from February 2024, Anton Nootenboom (The Barefoot Dutchman) will begin his barefoot walk of 3,100 miles across the United States from LA to NYC. The mission is to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health.

Brave Men Talk: Why Barefoot?

Brave Men Talk: Why Barefoot?

Going barefoot allows your feet to connect with the ground more naturally, promoting better posture. The small muscles and ligaments in your feet are activated, which can have a positive chain reaction on your overall body alignment.

The soles of your feet have numerous nerve endings. Going barefoot allows these nerves to be stimulated, providing sensory feedback that is beneficial for brain health and cognitive function.

Barebarics is a brand of stylish barefoot sneakers made based on modern technology and premium materials with a special flexible sole design for demanding users.

nederlandse oorlogsveteraan

Barefoot walk for a cause

Challenging Beliefs

We're still stuck with this old idea that expressing emotions and vulnerability is a weakness, leaving many men hesitant to speak up. Sadly, it results in too many struggling with depression and, at its worst, even ending their lives.

Truth Unveiled

But here's the real deal – speaking up is an act of courage. Sharing your story can be a lifeline, for you and everyone around you.

Turning Point

Anton felt a burning desire to shift this narrative, prompting him to embark on his personal mission in 2019. Through extreme barefoot walks, he pushes his limits, steps out of his comfort zone, while raising awareness and funds for causes close to his heart. He gathered tools to strengthen mental resilience, and he's eager to share them.

Mission

Anton shares this mission - shining a light on men's mental health, being an advocate, and inspiring others. He envisions raising funds to create safe havens worldwide - men's huts where they can find solace and support. Because sometimes, we all just need a place to feel safe.

thebarefoot_dutchman Anton Nootenboom
thebarefoot_dutchman Anton Nootenboom
thebarefoot_dutchman Anton Nootenboom
thebarefoot_dutchman Anton Nootenboom
thebarefoot_dutchman Anton Nootenboom
Meet Anton Nootenboom
Anton Nootenboom
Meet Anton Nootenboom
Anton Nootenboom

Meet Anton Nootenboom

about

A 37 year old Dutch army veteran and mental health advocate.

about

He spent 10 years in the army, with 3 missions to Afghanistan.

about

Overcoming depression and suicide, he felt a burning desire to make a change.

about

In 2019, he became the first and only person ever to walk barefoot to the base camp of Mount Everest.

about

He believes in the power of sharing personal stories to create a safe space for others.

about

He launched this platform BraveMenTalk to reduce depression and suicide rates to zero.

about

In 2021, he broke the Guinness World Record by walking 3019 kilometers barefoot along Australia's East coast.

about

Now, in February 2024, he's set to break his own record by walking barefoot across the United States.