How would you describe a barefooter?
Someone who prefers not to wear shoes/socks unless necessary.
How long have you been barefoot?
At home for as long as I can remember! In public, just getting started, around 3 weeks.
Why did you decide to be barefoot?
I always kicked off my shoes at home and in the yard/garden, but it was a newspaper article and the r/barefoot reddit sub that gave me the confidence to try more.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how “extreme” are you?
8 – there are always going to be some situations when it’s not practical to go barefoot.
What is your opinion on shoes and socks?
Only when necessary, can be for safety or social reasons.
Do you think being barefoot is socially acceptable? Why or why not?
I think it’s more acceptable on this side of the Atlantic (UK/Europe) – I think people keep their opinions to themselves more here than in the US.
Have you ever not been able to go in somewhere/refused service because you didn’t have shoes on?
Not yet!
What are the best and worst reactions you have gotten? How do you deal with bad reactions and unsolicited opinions?
Only happened twice, pretty neutral comments – more surprise than anything else, certainly nothing negative. It may help that I’m a pretty big guy 🙂
How do you go about feet care?
Rinse off my feet whenever I return home, and then make sure they’re washed daily along with checking for any injuries.
Do you wear foot jewelry?
I have a home-made anklet – a converted bootlace that my cat (RIP) used to like to play with.
Have you dealt with fetishers?
No.
Do you walk on everything or are there surfaces you don’t walk on?
Nothing so far, although extra coarse gravel is taken very carefully or avoided. Quite a few driveways around here have that stuff embedded in concrete. Not fun!
What is your favorite surface to walk barefoot on and why?
Grass, and supermarket floors.
What are the worst things you’ve stepped on?
Nothing nasty so far.
Have you had any mishaps?
Not yet.
How do you handle cold temperatures?
I’ll let you know in a few months! I’ll be trying to remain barefoot but I’m not going to put my feet at risk or continue if it’s uncomfortable.
In your experience, what season is best to be barefoot?
Summer, but looking forward to the spring!
How does being barefoot affect aspects of your life (love, career e.t.c)?
No, I work from home but would probably have to wear shoes if we have an office day.
What challenges do you run into (physically, socially e.t.c)?
Still getting used to the physical aspect, my soles haven’t really toughened up yet. Urban walking (road/pavement (sidewalk for the colonials) gets a little uncomfortable after a while. I still get social anxiety but that’s getting easier all the time. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone is a part of why I decided to do this.
What are misconceptions about being barefoot?
That it’s dirty/unhygienic when the opposite is actually true.
What are your fears that stem from being barefoot?
Injury, negative social interaction.
What advantages of being barefoot have you experienced?
I haven’t had any pain in my knees or hips since I started, my posture is better and I pay more attention to where I’m walking.
What disadvantages of being barefoot have you experienced?
Discomfort while I’m still adapting.
What are things to NOT say or do to barefoot people?
If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. If you’re genuinely curious and want to ask something, then go for it!
How do you feel about how barefoot is portrayed in media? What are some of your favorite pieces of media with authentic representation?
It’s treated as an end it itself – like going barefoot is an identity in itself. I’ve also noticed that if it does get mentioned alongside other traits, they’re generally negative ones.
What would you like to say to barefooters?
Your body knows best. Listen to it.
Give tips to new barefooters and people looking to go barefoot.
Try it! Start off slow and build up your tolerance. It helps to develop your DGAF reflex too (don’t give a… well, you know).
How do you wish our society would perceive and treat barefoot people?
We’re just people going about our normal daily lives. Driving, shopping, working. Just without shoes.
What would you like people to know about being barefoot?
Your feet are a miracle of evolution. It’s like gaining an extra sense and it feels great (most of the time!)
Tell your story, opinions, experiences.
My story is only just beginning, but it’s been a positive one so far!