How would you describe a barefooter?
someone who doesn’t footwear.
How long have you been barefoot?
Started in may 2023.
Why did you decide to be barefoot?
For my health. To challenge myself (with something new). To harden myself mentally and physically.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how “extreme” are you?
I don’t know. But people regularly call me things like crazy or weird.
What is your opinion on shoes and socks?
Moisty, moldy footprisons
Do you think being barefoot is socially acceptable? Why or why not?
No I always get weird looks and comments.
Have you ever not been able to go in somewhere/refused service because you didn’t have shoes on?
In the gym, except for yoga class
What are the best and worst reactions you have gotten? How do you deal with bad reactions and unsolicited opinions?
”Nice, barefoot, very healthy.” – stranger in the woods
Laughs from coworkers, not necessarily in a bad, it’s just that they have never seen it. It is almost unheard of where I live. And my wife thinks I’m crazy and is embarrassed sometimes. Strangers have called me psychotic behind my back (my wife has very good ears).
I find the looks and the comments amusing. I thrive on it.
How do you go about feet care?
Before I step in the house I put them under the faucet outside or I use a brush.
In the shower just water and a washcloth. Sometimes with soap.
Do you wear foot jewelry?
No
Have you dealt with fetishers?
No
Do you walk on everything or are there surfaces you don’t walk on?
I try to walk on everything.
What is your favorite surface to walk barefoot on and why?
Slightly moist short grass or dry beach sand.
What are the worst things you’ve stepped on?
A slug.
Have you had any mishaps?
The slug was kinda nasty.
How do you handle cold temperatures?
Last I walked twice in october and november. It was doable, when it got colder I waited for spring to give my feet a better chance to get used to it.
In your experience, what season is best to be barefoot?
Spring
How does being barefoot affect aspects of your life (love, career e.t.c)?
The looks and the comments.
I’ve had discussions with my wife. She doesn’t like me going barefoot to her family. So now i have bought barefoot shoes.
I go to work barefoot but I work in sterilization, so once inside I everyone has the same footwear.
What challenges do you run into (physically, socially e.t.c)?
The discussions with my wife. I tried running for the first time this week and my calves have been killing me. Also blisters on my toes.
What are misconceptions about being barefoot?
That is unsanitary or dangerous, or that you must be a crazy person to do it.
What are your fears that stem from being barefoot?
None really
What advantages of being barefoot have you experienced?
I am getting better in moving my toes individually.
I can train my calves in a new way.
I like when people talk about it, it is a conversation starter for other people.
I will wear down my socks more slowly.
What disadvantages of being barefoot have you experienced?
Washing them before going in the house or before bed. Stepping in things that feel kinda nasty.
What are things to NOT say or do to barefoot people?
Everyone can say anything to me, I don’t care.
And I have the same expectations of what people do to me as normal people.
How do you feel about how barefoot is portrayed in media? What are some of your favorite pieces of media with authentic representation?
I don’t know, I only see it on reddit and I know of that dual survival show featuring a barefooter.
What would you like to say to barefooters?
Keep it going!
Give tips to new barefooters and people looking to go barefoot.
Start at home and in the garden then for a short walk and keep expanding
How do you wish our society would perceive and treat barefoot people?
I wish it were normal and accepted. And that people wouldn’t comment on it at all eventhough I enjoy it.
What would you like people to know about being barefoot?
how it is good for your physical and maybe even mental health