How would you describe a barefooter?

Someone who likes to be out without shoes some, or all, of the time.

How long have you been barefoot?

About half my life – though not as regularly as I’d have liked to be.

Why did you decide to be barefoot?

Not sure there was one moment when I decided, but also see my answer about shoes below.

What is your opinion on shoes and socks?

I have no issues wearing shoes in situations they are necessary, but they can feel restrictive and less comfortable. Socks generally help when wearing shoes, but I never wear them on their own.

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

If anything I’d say it’s probably more seen as odd than unacceptable, though depends on the situation.

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

No, however until very recently I wouldn’t have had the confidence to go in places without putting shoes on first, so have very little experience when it comes to this.

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

I’ve actually had very few reactions either way. Would say the best was a complete non-reaction from someone asking for directions one evening.

Bad reactions from strangers wouldn’t usually bother me too much, but I’d be more worried about any from people I know.

How do you go about feet care?

Just regular washing etc.

Do you wear foot jewelry?

No.

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

Only thing I’ll definitely avoid is gravel – or a pavement which has crumbled to virtually become gravel

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

Smooth paving slabs, or any surface that’s still cool on a hot day

What are the worst things you’ve stepped on?

Probably just the occasional sharp stone etc. I mostly manage to look where I’m walking but occasionally miss something.

Have you had any mishaps?

Not particularly.

How do you handle cold temperatures?

So far I haven’t walked barefoot much in cold weather, again due to a lack of confidence regarding people’s reactions.

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

Summer, as long as it’s not too hot (so, most of Summer here).

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

Would say for me it’s more the other way around. Wouldn’t want to go as far as it affecting work, while my hobbies are also rather niche and I wouldn’t feel comfortable appearing ‘weird’ in multiple ways at once.

What are misconceptions about being barefoot?

The two that come to mind are that it’s unhygenic and that you could easily hurt your feet.

What advantages of being barefoot have you experienced?

Being able to actually feel the ground, and being more relaxed – though admittedly only to some extent as I’m still always rather concious of it.

What disadvantages of being barefoot have you experienced?

Just generally having to be a lot more careful where I walk.

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

Start slowly but otherwise go and try it. At least in summer here, you’ll get a lot fewer comments and stares than you might think.

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

That it was seen as being as normal / acceptable as wearing flip flops etc.