I am not an avid runner or hiker, but I do both occasionally. I find that I am far more comfortable after a day of walking or hiking on level ground if I'm bare

I am not an avid runner or hiker, but I do both occasionally. I find that I am far more comfortable after a day of walking or hiking on level ground if I'm barefoot. However running barefoot on any surface other than sand is painful in both my feet and knees. I suppose that different activities require different footwear.