Q: How are people able to walk...

Q: How are people able to walk barefoot over red-hot coals? Is it a matter of mind over matter?

A: Actually, it is a matter of simple physics. Although the coals are very hot, they are also very poor heat conductors. Walking quickly over them doesn’t provide much time for their heat to be transferred to the foot. It is similar to touching a cake fresh from the oven: the cake won’t burn you, even though touching the pan will.

Sweat or other moisture on the soles of the feet also helps protect them. Water absorbs heat as it warms up and evaporates, preventing the heat from reaching the foot itself.