Social Media: honomjage
How would you describe a barefooter?
Generally open minded
How long have you been barefoot?
About 4 years
Why did you decide to be barefoot?
In the grand scheme of things it’s because it feels good.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how “extreme” are you?
9
What is your opinion on shoes and socks?
I don’t like wearing shoes, but can sometimes appreciate putting on a pair of soft cozy socks during the winter. It’s a vibe
Do you think being barefoot is socially acceptable? Why or why not?
Depends on where you live. I live in Sweden and walking barefoot is not seen as anything normal. People tend to treat you a little bit different when barefoot, buy you can tell by the looks some people give you that you are lesser/nasty in their eyes. But again, it is acceptable in the way that it generally doesn’t hinder my daily life.
Have you ever not been able to go in somewhere/refused service because you didn’t have shoes on?
Yes. A couple of times when boarding a plane and some trains. A couple of restaurants/bars has denied entry, but that feels like fair game since it’s their business.
What are the best and worst reactions you have gotten? How do you deal with bad reactions and unsolicited opinions?
Some people smile, some ask questions, some look at you funny. My favorite tho is when kids see me and you can see how shocked but curious they are. Usually exclaiming “MOM HE’S WALKING BAREFOOT”. I just hope it will inspire them to try it themselves.
I personally haven’t had any genuinely bad reactions. The worst is mostly people telling me to “put some shoes on” and similar things. But it feels pointless to let myself be affected by their views on the world.
How do you go about feet care?
I clean and put some lotion on them before I go to bed. Sometimes if my feet has been working hard I give them a little massage.
Do you wear foot jewelry?
Nothin on my foot, except an old red hair tie I found on the streets of Prague a couple of years ago.
Have you dealt with fetishers?
No
Do you walk on everything or are there surfaces you don’t walk on?
I walk on everything, everywhere. I have stepped on most surfaces, and see it as a part of the dynamic experience of walking barefoot. There is a stone path in the forest I grew up in that is made of large, sharp, pointy rocks, that to this day is the most challenging surface I walk on.
What is your favorite surface to walk barefoot on and why?
I have no particular surface I line more than the other. The thing that I like more is the difference between surfaces and textures. For example walking on those pointy rocks in the forest and transitioning over to a moss covered forest floor. The moss will at that time be the preferred surface, but only because it was prefaced with walking on the rocks.
What are the worst things you’ve stepped on?
Slugs. I hate stepping on slugs. It’s like stepping on poo, but at the same time murdering a living thing. Plus the sensation of feeling the insides of the slug getting pushed out is horrible. I would much rather step on poo, puke and pee (all of which I have done).
Have you had any mishaps?
Nothing serious. The worst thing so far is a tiny shard of glass that somehow found its way into to the front tip of my big toe. It hurt a little bit, but after some digging I got it out.
How do you handle cold temperatures?
I breathe.
In your experience, what season is best to be barefoot?
Well, seasons matter immensely between countries so I’ll give you a slightly different answer. My favorite season is right when it starts getting cold for real, which for me is around 2 degrees Celsius and in Sweden where I live that’s around october/november. But, what I like even more, is the invigorating temperature, together with the visual of autumn. But they don’t always coincide 🙁
How does being barefoot affect aspects of your life (love, career e.t.c)?
Right now, not at all. It’s mostly in some social situations where I prefer to not walk barefoot simply to not offend anyone or receive a bunch of questions regarding my lack of shoes.
What challenges do you run into (physically, socially e.t.c)?
I feel like I’ve covered this already. Some social situations can be challenging, more because of walking barefoot is not socially acceptable. Physically it’s the previous pointy rocks I mentioned. I know I’m not alone, whenever I see owners walk their dogs on that path, I can see the dog doing the same micro-adjustments I do, trying to shift how the weight is distributed on your feet to minimize pain.
What are misconceptions about being barefoot?
It’s dangerous and unhygienic.
What are your fears that stem from being barefoot?
Stepping on slugs.
What advantages of being barefoot have you experienced?
It makes me feel good. From head to toe. I get to experience the adventure that is walking barefoot, and all the good/bad that comes with it.
What disadvantages of being barefoot have you experienced?
Being treated differently. People looking down on you. It’s mostly based on social situations.
What are things to NOT say or do to barefoot people?
Do not judge me before you know me. Or at least, don’t treat me differently.
How do you feel about how barefoot is portrayed in media? What are some of your favorite pieces of media with authentic representation?
No opinion.
What would you like to say to barefooters?
I would love to walk and talk with y’all, but I am glad that we at least share the experience of walking unshod.
Give tips to new barefooters and people looking to go barefoot.
Take it easy. Pay attention to how things feel, and how things make you feel. It’s not a race, it is a lived experience.
How do you wish our society would perceive and treat barefoot people?
No different from a person who decides to wear shoes.
What would you like people to know about being barefoot?
It feels great. Like, really good.
Tell your story, opinions, experiences.
I think you got the baseline of my opinion in previous answers.