We're still stuck with this old idea that expressing emotions and vulnerability is a weakness, leaving many men hesitant to speak up. Sadly, it results in too many struggling with depression and, at its worst, loosing a man to suicide every minute of the day globally. But here's the real deal – speaking up is an act of courage, a new level of braveness. Sharing your story can be a lifeline, for you and everyone around you. Let's create a world where women and men are brave enough to speak out.
The Barefoot Dutchman
3100 Miles Barefoot
LA to NYC for
Men’s Mental Health
Veteran walking barefoot an average of 12 miles per day
240+ days
Crossing 13 states, including Death Valley and the Rocky Mountains
Former owner of the Guinness World Record for the longest barefoot hike, conquering 1800+ miles along the East coast of Australia
Barefoot walk for a cause
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Movember delves deep into men's mental health, prioritizing prevention, early intervention, and promotion. It strives for a world where men actively pursue mental wellness, backed by robust support systems. With a mission to significantly decrease male suicide rates, Movember funds community-driven early intervention programs tailored to men's mental health needs.
We are MIND (NL) advocates for mental health and fights for a society that invests in prevention and alleviation of psychological suffering. We are MIND offers professional, anonymous, and free 30-minute counseling sessions.
The Brave Men Talk Foundation illuminates the shadows of men's mental health struggles. Anton's journey has equipped him with tools to bolster mental resilience, and now he's passionate about sharing them. As an advocate, he offers keynote speeches, men's circles, and mental health sessions worldwide, inspiring others to open up and speak out. Anton's commitment goes beyond words; he undertakes extreme barefoot walks and sets new world records to raise both awareness and funds for this vital cause.
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After struggling mentally and being close to comiting suicide himself, Anton felt a burning desire to shift this narrative, prompting him to embark on his personal mission in 2019. Through extreme barefoot walks, he pushes his limits, steps out of his comfort zone, while raising awareness and funds for causes close to his heart. He gathered tools to strengthen mental resilience, and he's eager to share them.
Brave Men Talk: Why Barefoot?
Brave Men Talk: Why Barefoot?
Barebarics is a brand creating stylish barefoot sneakers with modern technology, anatomic foot shape, and a flexible zero-drop sole. We passionately support Anton's story and his barefoot mission, committed to challenging the stigma surrounding men's mental health. Recognizing the deep link between barefoot grounding and well-being, we're dedicated to making the world a better place, one step at a time.
Challenge progress
Updated 1 day ago
Meet Anton Nootenboom
Meet Anton Nootenboom
A 37 year old Dutch army veteran and mental health advocate.
He spent 10 years in the army, with 3 missions to Afghanistan.
Overcoming depression and suicide, he found solace in a barefoot lifestyle.
In 2019, he began extreme barefoot walks to raise awareness about men's mental health.
He believes in the power of sharing personal stories to create a safe space for others.
Together with Barebarics - Barefoot sneakers, he launched platform #BraveMenTalk to reduce depression and suicide rates to zero.
He is a former owner of the Guinness World Record for the longest barefoot hike in 2021, conquering 1800+ miles along the East coast of Australia.
In February 2024, he's set to break his own record by walking barefoot across the United States. He began a new Guiness World Record attempt in LA, at Santa Monica Beach, on February 17, 2024. His journey spans the entire length of the USA, finishing in NYC.