Like people who don’t wear hats. You don’t need hats all the time, why would you need shoes all the time?

How would you describe a barefooter?

Someone who chooses not to wear shoes where they would otherwise be expected to. It depends on degree and culture though–in the South going barefoot might not bat an eye, but in the North people might end up losing their minds.

How long have you been barefoot?

About two and a half years.

Why did you decide to be barefoot?

Autism sensory issues make my feet feel like they need to be absolutely free, and especially the shitty shoes I wear for work cause my feet pretty bad agony. So barefoot is best for me, at least to relax.

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

Probably a 5 or a 6, since I’ve gone barefoot around college, but aside from one time to a dollar store I haven’t gone barefoot anywhere in public. My drivers’ license should probably knock up the range a bit since I’ll be a bit freer.

What is your opinion on shoes and socks?

They’re like gloves–you don’t need them all the time, but if you ever really want or need to wear them it’s definitely recommended. I personally try to wear them in a lab setting, like in the media lab, due to there being a hydraulic ladder in the TV studio.

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

People are of such split opinions on feet that I think going away from the norm of wearing “messed-up foot braces” as one barefooter puts it is too much for most people to deal with.

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

I haven’t been refused service, but I did get semi-kicked out from my college dining hall for going in barefoot… even though I’d gone in there barefoot at least five times before, and I’d seen people in socks too.

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

Best reaction, someone fell in love with me. Worst reaction, got kicked out of a dining hall.

I try to take the bad stuff in stride, but it still can hurt sometimes due to anxiety.

How do you go about feet care?

I mostly just wash them in the shower and let my pads develop as naturally as possible.

Have you dealt with fetishers?

Yes. Most of them have been alright–and a lot are also barefooters–but one of them ended up seeing me as little more than a sex object. So yeah.

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

I try to walk on everything if I can.

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

Probably grass or thin gravel.

What are the worst things you’ve stepped on?

Thick, coarse, gravel. Owwww. But doing it more and more helps me build up tolerance, I guess.

Have you had any mishaps?

I stepped on a rock too hard once and it pierced my skin, but it didn’t break or anything.

How do you handle cold temperatures?

Relatively well, I’ve walked in snow without that much issue as far as I know.

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

Probably autumn or spring, though summer is likely most acceptable. Autumn is probably my favorite because it’s the comfiest temperature for me.

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

Being a barefooter helped me to meet my now-girlfriend, since she also can’t stand shoes like me. In terms of career, it’s too close to call since I don’t have a career yet.

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

Socially I get extremely anxious about it. Physically I don’t really run into anything unless it’s too hot or too cold.

What are misconceptions about being barefoot?

That it’s harmful and a health and safety hazard. I’d say they’re kind of right, but if you’re doing it at your own risk it’s likely you know the issues.

What are your fears that stem from being barefoot?

I’m afraid of people trying to rag on me for being barefoot, which has happened before.

What advantages of being barefoot have you experienced?

It feels so much easier on the feet when I’m barefoot, and I feel more at home and relaxed when I am.

What disadvantages of being barefoot have you experienced?

Not really much aside from being reprimanded some places.

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

Don’t assume they’re homeless or mentally ill, that’s just rude to say that about someone you don’t know. Or at least, just don’t do that in general.

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

I haven’t seen many portrayals to be honest in the media. I’m writing a story with a main character who is a barefooter, but I don’t really call attention to it much.

What would you like to say to barefooters?