How would you describe a barefooter?
Someone who, at least some of the time, intentionally goes barefoot outside of their home.
How long have you been barefoot?
I’ve being going barefoot in public at times since childhood, but I’ve become dedicated to being barefoot whenever possible for about the past 10 years.
Why did you decide to be barefoot?
I’ve always loved the sensory input, and in recent years have become convinced of the health benefits of being barefoot compared to wearing most shoes.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how “extreme” are you?
Probably a 5. I’m not worried about the judgment of others, but I’m not militant about being barefoot. There are much bigger fish to fry than whether one specific store lets me shop barefoot.
What is your opinion on shoes and socks?
Shoes are like gloves. There are certain situations when they are helpful or even necessary. But that doesn’t mean you should wear them when you don’t need them. Most traditional shoes are designed for fashion and status, provide little functionality, and, when worn over an extended period of time, can cause long-term health issues. So-called “barefoot” shoes that respect the foot are fine when shoes are required. Wearing a well-made pair of socks is a good idea if you need to wear shoes.
Do you think being barefoot is socially acceptable? Why or why not?
By definition, no. This doesn’t mean you’ll be ostracized simply for being barefoot, but unless you’re at the beach, the pool or a yoga class, you’re going to receive some side-eye for being barefoot in public in most places. Decades of shoe company marketing and “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service” signs have convinced the public that going barefoot in public is inappropriate.
Have you ever not been able to go in somewhere/refused service because you didn’t have shoes on?
Yes. While most places tolerate it, I have been asked to leave places for being barefoot. However, I have noticed that most of the time this happens, it’s at places have either a. recently opened or b. are about to close.
What are the best and worst reactions you have gotten? How do you deal with bad reactions and unsolicited opinions?
The best and worst reactions are usually non-verbal: big smiles and disgusted glares. I deal with bad reactions and unsolicited opinions by being polite (unless the person is just blatantly rude). Most people aren’t being malicious; they’re just convinced that there’s something wrong with being barefoot. Being difficult with them is only going to harden their negative opinions.
How do you go about feet care?
Wash my feet when I shower and moisturize them if needed. If you need to do more than that, my guess is you’ve either walked in something that has irritated your skin or have an underlying issue that is unrelated to being barefoot.
Do you wear foot jewelry?
No
Have you dealt with fetishers?
Fortunately, no. (As an aside, I think the rise in people with a foot fetish is directly related to the decline in people going barefoot. People sexualize the parts of the body that are usually covered.)
Do you walk on everything or are there surfaces you don’t walk on?
There isn’t a specific surface I’ll never walk on. It comes down to weather I think a particular surface would be potentially dangerous or unpleasant to walk on in bare feet.
What is your favorite surface to walk barefoot on and why?
Natural surface hiking trails
What are the worst things you’ve stepped on?
Glass
How do you handle cold temperatures?
By wearing shoes
In your experience, what season is best to be barefoot?
Summer
What are misconceptions about being barefoot?
Too many to mention, but the main one is that the majority of the public believes shoes must be worn everywhere you go outside your home. (And some people even have “house shoes”!) Also, that being barefoot is a sign of poverty or being unhoused, or that everyone who goes barefoot is an earthy, hippie, new agey type of person.
What advantages of being barefoot have you experienced?
Improved posture, improved strength in my feet and ankles
What are things to NOT say or do to barefoot people?
Comment about their bare feet. You have no idea if they’re barefoot by choice or circumstances, and it’s none of your business. It’s usually considered inappropriate to comment on a stranger’s appearance. Bare feet should be no exception.
How do you feel about how barefoot is portrayed in media? What are some of your favorite pieces of media with authentic representation?
Not great. We live in an era in which there’s (rightfully) a lot of pushback about judging and shaming others. Yet, people who are barefoot seem to be an exception. Even when barefoot people are represented neutrally or positively, it’s usually to demonstrate that a character is “earthy” or a hippie or for some comedic effect. They’re never barefoot just because.
What would you like to say to barefooters?
I think most barefooters fall into one of two categories: 1. Those who only go barefoot when they know it will be acceptable. 2. Those who are militant about it.
The fact of the matter is most public places won’t give you grief about it, and, when one does, simply let it roll off your back and go someplace else. We need many more visible barefooters out there to help normalize it. It’s disheartening to go to a laid-back beach town and see 99% of the people there put their shoes on the second they step off the beach. You need to be willing to be the trend-setter.
At the same time, militant barefooters who are defiant and standoffish only set us back. Decades of pro-shoe, anti-barefoot propaganda has led most people to believe that there’s a problem with being barefoot. Being confrontational when a store employee inquiries about it is only going to confirm their negative beliefs about barefooters. What may have started as a nosy inquiry by one ignorant employee can quickly turn into a store-wide ban on bare feet when you react this way.
If someone asks you to leave because you’re barefoot, you want to leave them thinking “They were friendly and polite. I feel bad about kicking them out.” Not, “They were a real asshole. I’m glad I kicked them out.”
Give tips to new barefooters and people looking to go barefoot.
1. Build up slowly and set modest goals, like going to one new place barefoot each week. Take the time to acclimate your feet. You’re not going to be able to do all things you could do in shoes right away, but if you stick with it and don’t push yourself too much too soon, you eventually will be able to.
2. Make putting on shoes the more inconvenient option. (Don’t drive to a store with shoes on with plans to take them off when you arrive. You’re more likely to chicken out this way. Either leave your shoes at home or throw them in the trunk of your car and drive barefoot.)
3. Most people are not going to make comments, and, among those who do, a large percentage will either be positive or inquisitive. Remind yourself that people who make negative comments are simply advertising their own insecurity and poor manners.
4. Make an effort to be well-groomed and dressed. Smile and be polite. Don’t try to hide your feet. Negative reactions to barefooters are often fed by a belief that they’re up to no good. If you look and act like you’re doing something wrong, people will respond to you like you are. If you don’t, they won’t.
5. Find a friend or family member who is OK with you being barefoot with them in public. Their acceptance of you will have a domino effect on others.
How do you wish our society would perceive and treat barefoot people?
Like anyone else. Bare feet should be treated like any other type of footwear. The fact that they’re currently uncommon is irrelevant.
What would you like people to know about being barefoot?
It’s relaxing and fun.