How would you describe a barefooter?

Someone who consciously chooses to go barefoot rather than wear shoes.

How long have you been barefoot?

1.5 years

Why did you decide to be barefoot?

Doesn’t feel like a decision, but rather a necessity following a running injury.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how “extreme” are you?

10

Why do you think being barefoot is deemed as socially unacceptable?

Herd mentality. I wore shoes like everyone else for 23 years because I didn’t know anything else. It’s not even unacceptable I think. If people were willing to give it a serious try, they’ll find like me that it’s not really a problem for most people. You just have to get over the misguided fear that not wearing shoes is bad. It’s probably a useful evolutionary skill to follow the pack, but you wouldn’t see such fear/hesitation if going barefoot became the norm.

Have you ever not been able to go in somewhere/refused service because you didn’t have shoes on?

No, I don’t shop much and have often worn flip flops, but starting to just go barefoot lately. Have done food lion, ikea, and a bunch of breweries (after group runs to get water) to name a few without incident.

What are the best and worst reactions you have gotten? How do you deal with bad reactions and unsolicited opinions?

Before I could even wave and say hi, a “nurse” saw me walking by and immediately started berating me about how bad it is for my health and safety. I said nothing and huredly walked away. Have gotten many positive reactions including a few that stand out for how genuine they were and evident it was that they aspired to be barefoot like myself.

How do you go about feet care?

Nothing different tbh. Same simple shower routine. Wipe them extra hard at the door if ever visiting anywhere away from home and sometimes people have wet wipes for guests in the bathroom.

Have you dealt with fetishers?

No. I hope.

Do you walk on everything or are there surfaces you don’t walk on?

Everything.

What is your favorite surface to walk barefoot on and why?

Greenways. They are made for pedestrians and are as smooth and flat as it really gets.

What are the worst things you’ve stepped on?

Glass, thorns, rusty nail, etc.

How do you handle cold temperatures?

Have only handled one winter, but started running everyday last November to give myself the best chance at adapting.

In your experience, what season is best to be barefoot?

Spring and fall. Temperatures are mild.

How does being barefoot affect aspects of your life (love, career e.t.c)?

So many ways. Improved confidence and inner peace to name a couple. Like when someone cuts me off in their car or does something really stupid I don’t even get slightly mad in comparison to before. City traffic is a great test of one’s mental fortitude lol. Much less social anxiety too.

What challenges do you run into (physically, socially e.t.c)?

Running barefoot is painful, but subjecting yourself to pain to get stronger is like the whole point of running.

What are misconceptions about being barefoot?

That I’m somehow superhuman for running so far or fast barefoot and that it must be painful. I’m still pushing myself physically just as hard as when I wore shoes. Like I had to walk before I could run.

What are your fears that stem from being barefoot?

That I won’t be able to bear wearing shoes at work and will get fired losing my financial stability.

What are things to NOT say or do to barefoot people?

Tell them what they should do. I understand, but it’s annoying constantly hearing people tell me I need to wear shoes as if I think it’s just a game and am going to hurt myself. Like I wouldn’t be doing this if it caused me more pain than wearing shoes!

How do you feel about how barefoot is portrayed in media? What are some of your favorite pieces of media with authentic representation?

It’s not really portrayed at all.

What would you like to say to barefooters?

Don’t be afraid to push your limits.

Give tips to new barefooters and people looking to go barefoot.

Be persistent and patient.

How do you wish our society would perceive and treat barefoot people?

Like it’s nothing special.