How would you describe a barefooter?
Someone who occasionally, often or always goes without shoes outside their home.
How long have you been barefoot?
About 3 years
Why did you decide to be barefoot?
I was actually researching hiking during the pandemic and read how some hikers take their shoes and socks off at the top of the mountain. I found a local him and climbed it, took my shoes off and loved it. So I did that all summer until I tried walking down the trail I came on. I was so fun and doable I kept going!
On a scale of 1 to 10, how “extreme” are you?
6 I do it more than anyone I know, but still a fraidy cat sometimes
What is your opinion on shoes and socks?
Uncomfortable to wear when I have to, it’s a downside to being barefoot imo
Do you think being barefoot is socially acceptable? Why or why not?
Definitely not, it makes lots of people uncomfortable and I used to be one of them so I understand. I think it gets magnified in movies, tv, etc repeated on social media and people believe it’s ok to think that “feet are gross”which is pretty dumb.
Have you ever not been able to go in somewhere/refused service because you didn’t have shoes on?
Yep! Two mj dispensaries in downtown Boston. I mainly go into convenience stores barefoot, sometimes CVS
What are the best and worst reactions you have gotten? How do you deal with bad reactions and unsolicited opinions?
Being barefoot encouraged me to be humble and open, so I don’t mind when people stop me to talk. I always thank them at the end. There are so many friendly people and admirers, it’s been awesome. I like the ones that want to talk about God.
How do you go about feet care?
Just regular showers, tried creams and stuff but whatever I don’t need it.
Do you wear foot jewelry?
No but I kinda like the thought
Have you dealt with fetishers?
I haven’t
Do you walk on everything or are there surfaces you don’t walk on?
I try to take the easiest path and if there’s gravel forget it! Other than that it’s all good
What is your favorite surface to walk barefoot on and why?
Concrete is great, and when my feet are tougher asphalt of great too.
What are the worst things you’ve stepped on?
Sharp Rock hidden under leaves during fall, gave a pretty bad cut. Dog shit is my nightmare and thankfully haven’t done that. I try to watch every step, and do pretty well at it.
Have you had any mishaps?
Kicked the ground a couple of times causing bloody toes. On the hiking trails I slip way less then when I wore shoes.
How do you handle cold temperatures?
I only started experimenting with this last winter and for me or was doable down to about 38f. I made sure the rest of me was bundled up and it was great, gonna try again next winter. I also hardly wear gloves, only when shoveling snow out other outdoor work
In your experience, what season is best to be barefoot?
Spring is nice and cool and muddy.
How does being barefoot affect aspects of your life (love, career e.t.c)?
I’m terminally single, and work in IT and most times wear shoes at the office.
What challenges do you run into (physically, socially e.t.c)?
It’s all mental, I’m a heavy introvert anyway and don’t get out much these days.
What are misconceptions about being barefoot?
It’s definitely not nearly as dangerous as I used to think it is.
What are your fears that stem from being barefoot?
All my fears around this stem from social rejection. I’m trying to care less about that in general
What advantages of being barefoot have you experienced?
The biggest for me is that it turns the mundane into an adventure. Like I walk a couple miles round trip for my cigarettes now instead of driving. I wanna walk to the train station a couple miles away and commute to work that way, but still working up the nerve for that. My legs and ankles look awesome. I give way fewer fucks about what people think in general. I fall sleep easier thinking about the walks I recently had. I don’t care about insomnia and take walks when that happens to me and I’m grateful.
What disadvantages of being barefoot have you experienced?
It feels so stupid to have to put on shoes sometimes, I miss being normal.
What are things to NOT say or do to barefoot people?
Meh, just be nice, curious is ok too. I’m open to lots of things
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 watch tv or movies anymore but I bet that’s where negativity gets magnified.
What would you like to say to barefooters?
I admire you!
Give tips to new barefooters and people looking to go barefoot.
Keep your eyes down. If you wanna look around stop walking. This is difficult but head up while walking means you don’t see those needles or dog shit. (Haven’t seen a needle yet)
How do you wish our society would perceive and treat barefoot people?
As if they know what they’re doing
What would you like people to know about being barefoot?
Exercise for me it’s boring, but this makes it so much fun.