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Foraging isn’t just about what you bring with you—it’s also about what you wear. Whether you’re navigating brambles, wading through wetlands, or walking sun-soaked trails, the right clothing can make the difference between a rewarding harvest and a miserable trek. Durable, comfortable, and protective gear helps you move freely, stay safe, and blend into the landscape without disturbing it. In this post, I’ll break down the best clothes for foragers—layer by layer—so you’re prepared for any terrain, season, or surprise nature throws your way.

SHOES: Why Barefooting is Better for Your Feet

In recent years, barefooting—or going without shoes—has been gaining traction as more people discover the natural benefits it offers. While shoes serve important purposes like protection and style, our feet weren’t originally designed to spend their lives confined in stiff soles and tight structures. In fact, barefooting may actually be better for your foot health, posture, and overall well-being. Here’s why.

1. Barefooting Strengthens Foot Muscles and Arches

When you walk barefoot, every muscle, tendon, and ligament in your foot is activated. Shoes often restrict natural movement, weakening foot muscles over time. Going barefoot encourages your arches to do their job, which helps prevent common issues like flat feet and ankle instability. Stronger feet mean better support for your entire body.

2. Improves Balance

Your feet have thousands of nerve endings that act as sensors, giving your brain feedback about the ground beneath you. Shoes dull these signals, but barefooting sharpens them, improving your balance and body awareness. This is especially helpful for athletes, dancers, weekend warriors (I practice Crossfit in my barefoot shoes), or anyone who wants to move more gracefully and confidently.

3. Encourages Natural Alignment

Modern footwear—especially those with elevated heels, thick cushioning, or narrow toe boxes—can alter the way you walk, putting stress on your knees, hips, and lower back. Barefooting promotes a natural gait by encouraging a forefoot or midfoot strike rather than the heavy heel-strike pattern common with cushioned shoes. Over time, this can reduce joint stress and improve posture.

4. Increases Circulation

Walking barefoot allows your feet to flex, spread, and engage more fully, which stimulates better blood flow. Improved circulation not only supports healing and recovery but can also reduce stiffness and fatigue in your legs and feet.

5. Connects You to the Earth

Beyond the physical benefits, barefooting provides a unique psychological and even spiritual experience. Many people report feeling calmer and more grounded when walking barefoot outdoors, a practice sometimes referred to as “earthing.” Whether or not you buy into the science of it, there’s no denying the peaceful sensation of grass, sand, or soil under your feet.

Tips for Getting Started

If you’ve spent most of your life in shoes, it’s important not to jump into barefooting too quickly. Here are some tips to transition safely:

• Start slow: Try short periods of barefoot walking at home or on soft surfaces.

• Strengthen gradually: Allow your muscles and tendons time to adapt.

• Watch your surfaces: Choose safe, clean environments like grass, sand, or a yoga studio.

• Listen to your body: Some soreness is normal at first, but sharp pain is not.

Here are some of the shoes I recommend. Word of caution - you might never want to go back to your old shoes again.

SHAPEN - a label from Slovakia, my home country

VIBRAM FIVEFINGERS - had these for several years, they're amazing and last a long time

MERRELL - my Crossfit shoes, really comfortable and last a long time as well

Why Natural Clothing Matters for Foragers and Herbalists

When I'm buying new clothes, I always read the label. When I see "polyester or nylon', I think twice about the purchase. Because I believe in different vibrations when it comes to fabrics. Here's a list exploring the vibrational qualities of natural fabrics and the benefits of wearing clothing made from hemp, linen, organic cotton, and wool, especially from a holistic or energetically conscious perspective. Wearing natural clothing:

• Aligns you energetically with the plants and ecosystems you're working with.

• Supports full-body breathability during long treks or warm days.

• Minimizes your ecological footprint—honoring the land you're harvesting from.

• Reduces exposure to synthetic chemicals and microplastics.

• Encourages mindfulness and ritual around dressing for your work with the wild.

General Vibrational Insight:

• Synthetic Fabrics (e.g., polyester, nylon): Low vibration; often associated with static, artificial energy, and disconnection from nature.

• Natural Fabrics (e.g., hemp, linen, organic cotton, wool): Higher vibration; breathable, grounding, and energetically “alive.”

Some of my favorite clothing brands:

LINDEX - this brand has a huge choice of linen clothing. Linen is one of the best choices for foragers and wildcrafters, it's airy and cooling - great for Provencal summers!

GUDRUN SJODEN - I fell in love with this brand several years ago and I get one or two items every year.

SIMPLY GREY - another brand from my home country, linen clothing brand

HONEST BASICS - every day basics

MUD Jeans - jeans, obviously

HEMPAGE - sustainable hemp clothing made in Germany

WEDRESSFAIR - sustainable fashion for men and women