Soft-soled shoes or light boots will make the least amount of noise in the forest. Place your foot down on the outer edge first, then roll the rest of your sole down until it touches the ground. Slowly shift your weight onto your foot, listening for any crackling or crunching noises. If you hear anything, stop immediately and move your foot to a new position. Crouch low and bend your knees, then walk slowly and carefully with your body balanced low over your center of gravity. Walk slowly. Slow your pace and think about each step. Take three or four careful steps, then pause and regroup before continuing.
Pay attention to the length of time that elapses, then use that same amount of time to adjust your own steps – put your own foot down a split second before theirs will touch the ground. By the time the sound reaches them, it will match the sound their own foot has made. Boots or shoes with light, flexible soles make the least amount of noise in the forest.
When lifting your foot, point your toes at the ground. You will be less likely to snag your foot on foliage as you raise it. When putting your foot on the ground, connect the outer edge first, then roll the rest of the foot down until the sole touches the ground.
If you must wear boots, wear the lightest and softest ones possible. Walking barefoot is the most quiet choice, but is usually too painful over rough terrain for most people. Kevlar toe socks are the rugged, outdoor version of the flexible running sock and is very similar to going barefoot.
Try pressing down hard on your upper lip, just under your nose. Hold your finger there until the urge to sneeze passes. Hydrate your nose with saline nasal spray before you take your walk – this will prevent sneezes related to dry nasal passages. Avoid staring directly at sunlight, and wear sunglasses in bright daylight. Sudden exposure to sunlight can trigger a sneeze.
If you feel a coughing bout coming on, try to hold it until you can mask it with a louder sound – maybe the person you’re following will toss their pack to the ground to rest, or you hear a group of riders on horseback approaching down the trail.
