I’m a photographer who loves to photograph my barefoot adventures. My insta is @barefoot_midwesterner ?
How would you describe a barefooter?
Someone who got tired of trying to cram their feet into shoes that aren’t shaped at all like our feet
How long have you been barefoot?
5 years
Why did you decide to be barefoot?
“normal” shoes were extremely uncomfortable to me, so I would only wear flip flops and sandals. When I was 17 I discovered vibram five fingers and fell down the rabbit hole of barefoot shoes, sandals, socks etc.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how “extreme” are you?
7
What is your opinion on shoes and socks?
I wear minimalist shoes and toe socks for work. Outside of that I’ll avoid them if possible
Do you think being barefoot is socially acceptable? Why or why not?
I don’t think it’s socially acceptable due to the stigma that feet are gross and get dirty
Have you ever not been able to go in somewhere/refused service because you didn’t have shoes on?
No
What are the best and worst reactions you have gotten? How do you deal with bad reactions and unsolicited opinions?
It’s usually just jokes or side eyes, but I usually just go along with the jokes and ignore the stares best I can. I’ve never been directly confronted
How do you go about feet care?
I wear toe spacers all day every day, I have a massage ball, and use aboumice stone to keep callus’ in check
Do you wear foot jewelry?
No
Have you dealt with fetishers?
Yes
Do you walk on everything or are there surfaces you don’t walk on?
I try to avoid pointy gravel but nothing stops me
What is your favorite surface to walk barefoot on and why?
Soft dirt or grass, I just like the way it feels
What are the worst things you’ve stepped on?
Probably sharp gravel on certain trails nearby
Have you had any mishaps?
I slipped in ice one time ?
How do you handle cold temperatures?
Fairly well. I’ve done a few hikes in the snow and ice, and let my dogs out barefoot in the winter
In your experience, what season is best to be barefoot?
Spring through fall
How does being barefoot affect aspects of your life (love, career e.t.c)?
I was able to convert my wife to the barefoot lifestyle ? but no one at work has minded my shoes outside of comments about “duck feet” ?
What challenges do you run into (physically, socially e.t.c)?
I have trouble deciding whether or not it would be appropriate to be barefoot or just wear sandals lots of times
What are misconceptions about being barefoot?
I think most of the misconceptions are about barefooters being dirty hippies, when really they’re just normal people who don’t like wearing shoes
What are your fears that stem from being barefoot?
The negative stigma associated around being barefoot
What advantages of being barefoot have you experienced?
Much better foot strength, my legs feel stronger, and my back doesn’t ache very much
What disadvantages of being barefoot have you experienced?
Mostly just social anxiety about what people might think
What are things to NOT say or do to barefoot people?
I think the biggest thing is to come at it with an open mind and try to remove any prejudice you might have against it
How do you feel about how barefoot is portrayed in media? What are some of your favorite pieces of media with authentic representation?
I can’t think of anything. I know everyone was barefoot in Moana ?
What would you like to say to barefooters?
Extremely happy to be a part of this community of amazing people and I’m excited to be with everybody on this journey of health and acceptance
Give tips to new barefooters and people looking to go barefoot.
Take your time and do your research. You can’t go barefoot in a day, but the work is very well worth it.
How do you wish our society would perceive and treat barefoot people?
Maybe get rid of the “no shoes no service signs” and realize that we’re all just normal people
What would you like people to know about being barefoot?
It’s a fun and easy way to keep healthy and clear your mind
Tell your story, opinions, experiences.
I don’t really have much of a story, it’s just been really fun exploring trails and new places while also being able to feel everything in a new way!