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Veteran Walked 3100 Miles Barefoot
from LA to NYC for Men’s Mental Health

because every minute we lose a man to suicide

user

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

calendar

240+ days

route

13 states crossed (including Death Valley and Rocky Mountains)

In February 2024, Anton Nootenboom (The Barefoot Dutchman) began his 3,100-mile barefoot walk from LA to NYC, raising awareness and funds for men’s mental health.

Brave Men Talk: Why Barefoot?

Brave Men Talk: Why Barefoot?

Going barefoot is self-care with mental health benefits, reducing anxiety through grounding. It stimulates nerve endings, providing sensory feedback that enhances brain health and supports cognitive function.

Barebarics is a brand of stylish barefoot sneakers that combine cutting-edge technology with premium materials. They are designed with a super-flexible sole that lets your feet move naturally.

BraveMenTalk limited edition barefoot
BraveMenTalk limited edition barefoot

BraveMenTalk limited edition barefoot

BraveMenTalk
limitededition barefoot

Barebarics' bestselling Zing model was released as Anton´s limited edition with the #BraveMenTalk logo, where all profits are donated to support men’s mental health through the Brave Men Talk initiative. These sneakers not only offer stylish comfort but also contribute to raising awareness and saving lives.

Barebarics Exclusive
Support

We design stylish, sustainable barefoot sneakers that support natural foot movement and posture, giving you the next best thing to walking barefoot for both physical and mental well-being. In partnership with Anton Nootenboom, we launched #BraveMenTalk to promote men’s mental health and suicide prevention.

thebarefoot_dutchman Anton Nootenboom
nederlandse oorlogsveteraan

Barefoot walk for a cause

Challenging Beliefs

We're still stuck thinking that showing emotions is a weakness, leaving men afraid to speak up. Sadly, this leads to too many battling depression, and at worst, taking their own lives.

Truth Unveiled

The truth is – speaking up takes real courage. Sharing your story can be a lifeline. Not just for you, but for those around you too.

Turning Point

In 2019, Anton began his mission to raise awareness and funds through extreme barefoot walks, pushing his limits and stepping out of his comfort zone. Along the way, he built tools for mental resilience and is eager to share them.

Mission

Anton’s mission was to shed light on men’s mental health. His goal is to raise funds for safe spaces where men can find comfort and support.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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In February 2024, Anton set out to break his own record by walking barefoot across the United States. He finished his journey on November 2, 2024, in New York.