How would you describe a barefooter?
Someone who doesn’t wear shoes on purpose.
How long have you been barefoot?
Since roughly age fourteen.
Why did you decide to be barefoot?
There’s a lack of sensation as well as a lack of ‘precision’ that comes with wearing shoes, and it’s always felt unnatural to me.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how “extreme” are you?
I’d put myself at about 6. I’ll wear shoes for social appearance (e.g. in front of people I know, school/work/interviews etc.) but practically never besides that.
What is your opinion on shoes and socks?
Many barefooters will call shoes unnatural. I don’t agree; humans made them, it’s just that they haven’t been made in a way that the human foot can best adapt to. I’ll also add that protective footwear does have a very good purpose and should always be coupled with a clean pair of socks.
Do you think being barefoot is socially acceptable? Why or why not?
Of course. I personally don’t see any downsides to being barefoot from a social perspective, but unfortunately most people do. The only reason it isn’t acceptable in most societies is because shoes are the norm and not a lot of people ever even really think to ignore such norms. It’s given everyone this weird hatred of bare feet.
Have you ever not been able to go in somewhere/refused service because you didn’t have shoes on?
No, but only because I haven’t tried. I don’t feel like potentially getting permanently banned from somewhere for a BS reason.
What are the best and worst reactions you have gotten? How do you deal with bad reactions and unsolicited opinions?
I wouldn’t say I’ve received any reactions that were really great or awful. People often don’t say anything at all, and when they do it’s out of concern, curiosity or (friendly) amusement. To deal with unsolicited opinions, follow rule no. 1 of life: don’t take anyone seriously.
How do you go about feet care?
I haven’t had much experience with foot care, I haven’t needed to, but if I get a cut or some other injury I’ll treat it and let it heal. Same as any other body part.
Have you dealt with fetishers?
I once broke up with a partner because he kept sexualizing my being barefoot. I wouldn’t have really cared, but he was making near constant comments and feet were his biggest fetish. Give it a damn break dawg, and learn time and place.
Do you walk on everything or are there surfaces you don’t walk on?
I don’t like gravel in colder months, it feels stabby. I can manage it but I don’t like it. Dead leaves also get on my nerves when they keep sticking to my feet.
What is your favorite surface to walk barefoot on and why?
Definitely wet dirt. It’s extremely soft and just cold enough to be soothing, but not unpleasant.
What are the worst things you’ve stepped on?
I live rural. A lot of animals, particularly horses, like to shit in rural areas. You string those two statements together in a way that makes them relevant to each other.
Have you had any mishaps?
Nothing too bad that I can remember. I imagine the worst incidents occur in urban environments.
How do you handle cold temperatures?
Insulate. Keep your trunk warm, keep moving, and you’re golden.
In your experience, what season is best to be barefoot?
If you’re new and looking for an easy time, definitely the spring. Not too cold, not too hot, and there’s still a chance of rain which always feels good.
How does being barefoot affect aspects of your life (love, career e.t.c)?
It doesn’t, because if I want to make an impression on someone I’m not doing it barefoot. Partners who know me well get used to me not really wearing shoes that often.
What challenges do you run into (physically, socially e.t.c)?
Being barefoot isn’t that socially acceptable, so I’m definitely not barefoot as often as I’d like to be.
What are misconceptions about being barefoot?
That it hurts. It doesn’t, and even if it does you’ll toughen up anyway. And also that diabetics can’t ever be barefoot. They can so long as their diabetes is well managed.
What are your fears that stem from being barefoot?
The social repercussions are my only concern. Reputation isn’t important to everyone, but it is to me and to a great deal of others.
What advantages of being barefoot have you experienced?
You’ll have less vacuuming to do in your home from unwashed dirty ass shoes, and of course the added tactile sensation makes going anywhere more enjoyable.
What disadvantages of being barefoot have you experienced?
You will get the odd little injury. It’s not too much to deal with but it is enough to deter some people.
What are things to NOT say or do to barefoot people?
Don’t say you’re going to kill their entire family. Don’t then kill their entire family.
How do you feel about how barefoot is portrayed in media? What are some of your favorite pieces of media with authentic representation?
When a character is barefoot it’s usually to depict them as mentally ill, disheveled, or less human in some way. The only exception to this I can think of right now, though not very original, is Die Hard; even then, the protagonist was only barefoot because he got caught in a situation while dressing or something, but as a character design choice it does help him appear more badass.
What would you like to say to barefooters?
Respect. Some of you are willing to go much further than a lot of people ever would, keep it going.
Give tips to new barefooters and people looking to go barefoot.
Just do it. But don’t start running until your skin gets a little thicker. Try natural surfaces (forests, fields etc.) first.
How do you wish our society would perceive and treat barefoot people?
People can have their opinions, I’d just like being barefoot to be generally viewed as a valid option. “Wear shoes if you like shoes, don’t wear them if you don’t,” that’s the kind of attitude I want to see.
What would you like people to know about being barefoot?
That someone being barefoot doesn’t mean they’re homeless, trashy, mentally ill, no-proof-of-citizenship impoverished, a hippie, a prisoner of war or a werewolf.