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t-rockets barefoot adventure sandals are inspired by the wild and remote spaces of South Africa. They are designed, crafted and used by those seeking an authentic connection to the wilderness out there.
t-rockets are unmatched for promoting natural movement, building strength and encouraging a primal connection with earth.
t-rockets are made in South Africa with a 90%+ local content by weight and volume.
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Out there!
Barefoot perspectives: What does Mike wear under his kilt?
Back at the end of 2012 I called Mike and suggested we run the Varsity Kudus 15km barefoot.
Mike, an early doyen of barefooting in SA had taken minimalism to the next level with his sandals and trademark kilt. We had both been dabbling with pure barefoot running for a while, including for Mike, some desperate quarry running which required the carrying of a brick for who knows how many miles (Bert’s Bricks race of old).
I remember that Kudus run very well. There was a certain magic in those moments that paused for a long time as we ran connecting earth and sun. The reason for wearing a kilt, he said, was that no-one noticed he was running barefoot. As a vision-stopper, the kilt kept the gaze of the multitudes from drifting downwards. “What’s under that kilt?” was the standard question. And now hidden in plain sight we see it’s merely a black … err … something.
In spite of the kilt, barefooting in those days attracted much astonishment and some admonition. Yes, it was not uncommon for a race referee or official to administer a dose of reprimand (and on rare occasions mild hostility). “Hoekom draf jy so?” and “Wat makeer jou, waar is jou tekkies?”.
In those stronger days we ticked off the kays fairly briskly and afterwards spent a while lounging in the summer sun drinking a craft beer. Those miles led to more and longer barefoot runs for myself as well as Mike. In reflection we were fortunate to be at the forefront of the changing mindset that still dictated shoes as integral to the running experience.
Today though, “barefoot” as a descriptor, is appropriated by a wide range of branded goods that hope to draw on the essence and spirit of unshod bipedalism. But the true benefits, both physical and spiritual, remain strongest for those with feet truly open for the world to see.
Andrew - Oct 2022
Note: Mike Henning tragically passed away in 2025 after being hit by a motorcar while he was cycling with friends in the Cradle of Humankind. What true individual he was.