The footprints of the Buddhas cannot be followed. In fact, this is not the way it was or was done. It does not work like this.
To walk in the footsteps of the Buddhas of the past, you always have to go two steps ahead and so you see where they are going. It is a wandering walk in which whenever you look at the ground you realize that you are treading in the footsteps of the Buddhas.
You don't follow any tracks. The footprints seem to be following you. Whatever you do, wherever you go, you only tread footprints. Not that the tracks cannot be followed? No. They cannot be followed. But footprints can chase you. Wherever you go You only have to go two steps ahead of the footprints of the Buddhas.