Walking barefoot outside takes a bit of practice. It takes the right amount of pressure in each step. Step too hard, and it hurts if come across a rock a little bigger than usual, or a giant prickle.

But if you keep at it, you learn to soften your feet the right amount, in a way that maintains your pace while still taking account of the potential for getting hurt.

Purposely having the right amount of softness takes a bit of practice. But done well, and you can better take anything that comes at you.