How would you describe a barefooter?
Within this context as a person who often, or usually, walks outside without shoes and socks.
How long have you been barefoot?
8 years
Why did you decide to be barefoot?
curiosity
On a scale of 1 to 10, how “extreme” are you?
9
What is your opinion on shoes and socks?
I don’t wear then if I can, within reason, but to each their own.
Certain places or situations demand shoes.
Do you think being barefoot is socially acceptable? Why or why not?
Personally yes, of course, I am a barefooter myself.
Just like it’s socially acceptable to wear different kind of shoes, or clothing and style in general. In most places going barefoot is a rare sight, so you should be prepared that it may catch some bystander’s eyes, but I will expect them to accept it.
Certain places may demand wearing shoes, be it due to etiquette or for safety, and that’s can be reasonable too.
Have you ever not been able to go in somewhere/refused service because you didn’t have shoes on?
No.
A bus-driver once seemed on the fence of kicking me out and cautioned me to wear shoes in public transport or risking being refused, but I’ve had no issues since.
What are the best and worst reactions you have gotten? How do you deal with bad reactions and unsolicited opinions?
Some people find it interesting or impressive. I don’t think there’s a specific reaction that stands out though.
As for the worst, that’d have to be the aforementioned bus-driver.
Some people make dumb jokes, but I just give it a chuckle or a quick retort and move on. Pretty harmless.
How do you go about feet care?
I wash them with water and soap when I enter a house. That’s all.
Oh, and I occasionally cut my toe nails.
Do you wear foot jewelry?
No.
Have you dealt with fetishers?
Not that I’m aware of.
Do you walk on everything or are there surfaces you don’t walk on?
I will avoid certain hot surfaces in summer, preferring to walk in the shadow.
I also avoid walking more than a few minutes in the snow.
I will also tread slow and light on rough pebbles, or avoid them outright.
What are the worst things you’ve stepped on?
Glass splinter, thorns, nettles. Neither has been an issue, I was able to pull the splinters and thorns out with a pincette and I couldn’t even tell that the wound bled. For the thorns I didn’t feel anything after pulling them out, the glass splinter I had on two occasions left a bit of soreness that went away after 2-3 days.
Have you had any mishaps?
Apart from stepping on stuff as explained above I once split my toe nail when I stubbed my foot.
My feet have also been stepped on a couple of times, but that has not resulted in any injury.
I’ve been out in the cold a couple of times until my toes and soles were numb, but that seemingly had no lasting effect.
How do you handle cold temperatures?
I eventually switch to barefoot shoes and socks. I try building up my tolerance though.
In your experience, what season is best to be barefoot?
Spring. It’s mostly dry and temperatures are comfortable.
How does being barefoot affect aspects of your life (love, career e.t.c)?
It is noticed similar to some style choices one can make, and I suppose people may judge me regarding that, but apart from it coming up in conversation, or it being a conversation-starter, I have not noticed a significant effect.
What challenges do you run into (physically, socially e.t.c)?
Some surfaces can be uncomfortable to walk on, which would be no issue with shoes.
I worry sometimes if people find it off-putting.
Other people, including but not exclusively friends, worry about the additional risk of me being barefoot. That is understandable of course, but it is not my intention to make anyone worry.
What are misconceptions about being barefoot?
People seem to think the soles become stained or something. Sure, it’s dirty outside and it will stick to the feet, but you can easily wash it off.
Feet become cold/hot. I mean they do, but you can get used to it to some degree.
You can easily injure your feet on the streets.
I mean yes, shoes provide a barrier, but in most places it’s not that dangerous, at least from my experience. You may also become more aware of where you place your steps, and your nerves will also react quickly to pain, which can mitigate damage from sharp things on the ground I guess.
What are your fears that stem from being barefoot?
If I ever want to not be a barefooter anymore I will need more comfortable shoes than before.
Sometimes I overestimate my tolerance to cold in the winter, which I fear could lead to frostbite.
What advantages of being barefoot have you experienced?
I have a bad knee. I believe walking barefoot helped my adopting a gait that lessens the stress on the joint when walking and doing sports.
What disadvantages of being barefoot have you experienced?
On uncomfortable surfaces I need to walk more slowly.
Some people make dumb jokes, which is pretty harmless but can be a bit annoying.
Give tips to new barefooters and people looking to go barefoot.
Don’t try to go all in at once. Start out walking shorter distances and increase your barefootery if you don’t notice any discomfort.
Especially if you want to go jogging barefoot, take it very slow at first.
How do you wish our society would perceive and treat barefoot people?
I’m pretty fine with how I am perceived and treated so I don’t really have much to say about it. I may have been lucky with my social surroundings, but it’s been fine for me.
One thing I could think of making a note on is that some people seem to think going barefoot is a profound decision or something. It may be for some people, but some maybe just wanted to try it and it stuck.
What would you like people to know about being barefoot?
My impression is that it’s easier that one may expect. Sure there are downsides to it, but it’s rather easy to get into.
It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I would encourage people to just try it out. You don’t have to commit 100% and if you don’t like it you can still stick to shoes.