I just got back from my third unshod run, and I hope my feet never develop calluses to block how my feet feel the ground. The nerves in my feet increasingly feel like I’m running on toughened leather, though the skin feels soft and supple. I think this is due to my nerves getting used to the intensity of sensation, and I don’t mind that being dialed back a notch.
I’m on board with bleeding being bad, but I haven’t seen that yet. What I have seen is my level of discomfort has dramatically changed even though the soles of my feet haven’t. I talk about this a little in my blog post here: https://www.thebarefootrunners.org/entries/1-3-miles-of-gravel-and-glass.1280/
I also do not think that callous to the max is the goal of barefoot running. I have thought that maybe running on dirt would make this happen faster though. Pavement seems to keep my callouses "sandpapered" down.
Hey barefoot buddy! I’m a 24/ 7 Barefooter of 32 years since I was 16 years old. I have the Callouses to the max you’re wanting. Permanently Blackened bottoms of my Barefeet as well. It’s a work in progress and takes time and effort and some Gravel Walking! Email me to discuss further at [email protected].
Stay Barefoot as much as possible!
Best,