Anton Nootenboom, a 37-year-old Dutch army veteran and mental health advocate, has achieved what many would consider impossible. Known as “The Barefoot Dutchman,” Anton recently completed a grueling walk across the United States—entirely barefoot. His journey began on February 17, 2024, at Santa Monica Beach in Los Angeles and, after eight and a half months of perseverance, he crossed the finish line in New York City on November 2. Along the way, Anton trekked through some of the most challenging terrains America has to offer: desert landscapes, snow-covered trails, sharp rocks, broken glass, and even metal debris. His achievement, however, is much more than just a physical feat. It’s a mission to raise awareness about an urgent issue: men’s mental health.
A Journey of Resilience and Purpose
This remarkable journey is not Anton’s first foray into extreme barefoot challenges. In 2021, he set a Guinness World Record for the longest barefoot hike, trekking more than 1,800 miles along Australia’s East Coast. That journey, like this one, had a purpose that went beyond the physical challenge. For Anton, these barefoot journeys are about overcoming personal struggles, and they resonate deeply with his experiences as a former soldier. Having spent a decade in the Dutch Army, including three deployments to Afghanistan, Anton faced the hidden battles of depression and suicidal thoughts. It was a painful journey, but he eventually found peace in nature and in going barefoot, which became a powerful metaphor for grounding himself in reality and healing.
Advocating for Men’s Mental Health
Through his cross-country walk, Anton aimed to shine a light on men’s mental health. Mental health issues among men often go unspoken, due to societal expectations and stigma around vulnerability. Anton’s initiative, #BraveMenTalk, encourages men to open up and share their struggles. He believes that sharing personal stories and creating open dialogues can help reduce rates of depression and suicide among men. The power of his message lies in its simplicity: by facing hardship openly, Anton hopes to inspire others to seek help and find support.
“Every step I took, every shard of glass or rocky path I crossed, was a reminder of the silent battles so many men face daily,” Anton says. His approach is grounded in the belief that change begins with courageous conversations.
Breaking Records and Breaking Down Stigmas
Anton’s latest achievement has earned him the Guinness World Record for the longest distance walked barefoot, adding to his previous record from Australia. His accomplishment is not just about setting records; it’s about breaking down stigmas. Walking barefoot across the diverse terrain of the U.S. is a physical representation of the mental challenges he and so many others have faced—resilience, perseverance, and vulnerability.
This time, Anton partnered with Barebarics, a company specializing in barefoot sneakers, to help promote his cause. Together, they’ve launched #BraveMenTalk, a platform where men can share their stories and support one another. The goal is clear: to reduce depression and suicide rates to zero. By making mental health a community effort, Anton is creating a safe space where men can openly discuss their mental health, ultimately fostering greater understanding and support.
Joining the Movement
Anton’s walk across America may have ended, but his mission continues. He believes that everyone can take part in this journey of mental health awareness, and he invites others to do so through #BraveMenTalk. To support his cause or to become part of the movement, visit bravementalk.com. Here, you can learn more about mental health advocacy, join discussions, or even begin your own journey toward healing.
Anton Nootenboom’s story is more than a barefoot walk across the country—it’s a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of mental health, and the courage to turn personal pain into purpose. As he reached the finish line in New York City, he left behind a legacy of determination and a message of hope for anyone struggling with their mental health: you are not alone.