How would you describe a barefooter?

A barefooter is someone that does not wear shoes, because of varying reasons. Mostly, barefooters are opposed to the negative effects that wearing modern shoewear can have on a person’s feet, including developing bunions and poor body posture.

How long have you been barefoot?

I’ve started wearing barefoot shoes one year ago, which I ditched about four months ago, to go completely barefoot.

Why did you decide to be barefoot?

I developed medical problem with my right foot, which can cause lots of pain. I had insoles for a while, which did help with the foot pain at first, but ended up causing pain in my knee and hip. I decided to try and go barefoot in combination with training to strengthen my lower limb kinectic chain.

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

6. I do wear barefoot shoes to work everyday. Whenever I am off work, i go barefoot, regardless of weather conditions.

What is your opinion on shoes and socks?

In my opinion modern shoewear has properties that can cause long term damage to your foot, which causes problems in your movement pattern and stresses joints in your entire kinetic chain. However, I do think some shoes cause more harm than others. Especially shoes with narrow toe boxes, that squeeze the toes together and shoes with a lot of heel elevation/cushioning.

Socks also add to this, though in a lesser extent. If you are mindful of how you move your feet, wearing them does not have to cause a lot of problems.

Do you think being barefoot is socially acceptable? Why or why not?

In my county (Netherlands), it is not quite common. Though, it does depend on the season. In summer people tend to go barefoot a bit more around places where there is swimming opportunity.

Most people do accept barefooters however, so long as you do not bother anyone.

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

I have been asked to wear shoes in the supermarket once.

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

One time I showed up to band practise when I just started being barefoot, and was still feeling a little bit uncomfortable. My bandmates asked me about it and all ended up taking their shoes off as well. I have some nice friends 🙂

How do you go about feet care?

I check my soles for pieces of glass or rock stuck in my calusses every now and then. Apart from that, I just was regularly.

Have you dealt with fetishers?

Nope! (What the hell?)

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

I am a bit more careful when in public toilets and there is piss on the floor everywhere. Otherwise, I walk on every surface. Also I wear barefoot shoes to parties and festivals, because of the broken glass, sticky floors and alcohol.

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

Forest floor and rocky ground (mountainous terrain). I love feeling the different textures and temperatures on my skin and to adjust my feet accordingly.

What are the worst things you’ve stepped on?

A slug.

Have you had any mishaps?

I don’t quite get the question.

How do you handle cold temperatures?

I have not experienced very cold temperatures yet (about 10 ○C), though I feel my feet stay warm from the extra workout they receive, because of the constant stabilising.

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

Summer is lovely, the sunshine on my feet feels great.

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

Not that much.

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

I generally don’t see much challenge.

What are misconceptions about being barefoot?

That bare feet are stinky and dirty. They are not dirtier than the soles of shoes, and only get stinky from wearing shoes and sweating in them.

What are your fears that stem from being barefoot?

I fear it will put off a lot of girls, as (I have to admit) being barefoot comes off as a tad bit strange in a society where wearing shoes is considered fashionable and regaeded as the norm.

What advantages of being barefoot have you experienced?

have very strong feet, ankles, knees and hips. My pain is almost completely gone and I can move my toes freely.

What disadvantages of being barefoot have you experienced?

My feet can get a bit dirty in rainy weather and i have to clean them when I go inside.

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

I don’t know. It depends on the person.

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 really follow the media very well, so I haven’t a clue.

What would you like to say to barefooters?

Hello 🙂

Give tips to new barefooters and people looking to go barefoot.

Practise ankle stability, foot mobility and more.

How do you wish our society would perceive and treat barefoot people?

It would be nice if more people were barefoot, so it doesn’t stick out so much.

What would you like people to know about being barefoot?

It is not dangerous, I won’t step in glass and bleed all over the place.