u/ha5dzs
How would you describe a barefooter?
It’s a person who chooses not to wear shoes.
How long have you been barefoot?
9-10 years
Why did you decide to be barefoot?
For charity. Turned it into an experiment to document somatosensory hypersensitivity in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how “extreme” are you?
3
What is your opinion on shoes and socks?
Shoes and socks are tools, just like gloves.
Do you think being barefoot is socially acceptable? Why or why not?
In western-type societies, it is not, because it symbolises poverty and low social status.
Have you ever not been able to go in somewhere/refused service because you didn’t have shoes on?
Yes
What are the best and worst reactions you have gotten? How do you deal with bad reactions and unsolicited opinions?
Best: envy, research. Worst: got dragged down to a police room.
How do you go about feet care?
Prevention first: I found that improving my diet improved foot health as well.
Have you dealt with fetishers?
Yes.
Do you walk on everything or are there surfaces you don’t walk on?
Yes, when I know it’s safe to do sop
What is your favorite surface to walk barefoot on and why?
Hot asphalt. No reason.
What are the worst things you’ve stepped on?
A slug.
Have you had any mishaps?
Not particularly
How do you handle cold temperatures?
Proper dressing for the weather
In your experience, what season is best to be barefoot?
It really depends on where you live.
How does being barefoot affect aspects of your life (love, career e.t.c)?
Partner is also barefooter. I am now a postdoc in a researth lab focusing on biomechanics (reaching, grasping)
What challenges do you run into (physically, socially e.t.c)?
People who jump into conclusions and refuse to reconsider when evidence is presented to the contrary
What are misconceptions about being barefoot?
There are quite a few. Perhaps the most prominent is that you can catch fungal infections easier. In reality, it’s the opposite, because there is no suitable (warm, damp) environment for the fungus to develop.
What are your fears that stem from being barefoot?
Nothing.
What advantages of being barefoot have you experienced?
Less foot pain, no blisters, increased muscle mass, smoother gait.
What disadvantages of being barefoot have you experienced?
It’s more difficult to find fitting footwear, because my feet widened. Also, they are more painful to wear.
What are things to NOT say or do to barefoot people?
Unsolicited sexual offers
How do you feel about how barefoot is portrayed in media? What are some of your favorite pieces of media with authentic representation?
Depends on what media we are talking about. The opinions are polarised, but slowly shifting towards pro-barefoot.
What would you like to say to barefooters?
Nothing. There is nothing special about being bareoot.
Give tips to new barefooters and people looking to go barefoot.
Take it slowly and only when comfortable to do so.
How do you wish our society would perceive and treat barefoot people?
Exactly the same as everyone else.
What would you like people to know about being barefoot?
If they are the science types: Our feet evolved to be barefoot, most shoes are fitting badly and will cause health issues.
If they are the religious types: God created us to be barefoot, and shoes are just a projection of inequality.
If they say that they will never be barefoot: That’s OK, it’s not for everyone.