How would you describe a barefooter?
Someone who generally goes barefoot most of the time, in most situations. Many people are required to wear shoes at work. That is potentially the place where many barefooters would spend the most time wearing shoes.
How long have you been barefoot?
About 6 years.
Why did you decide to be barefoot?
I got exposed to some ideas that challenged my own bias against being barefoot. I researched it further and saw that there were benefits.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how “extreme” are you?
7
What is your opinion on shoes and socks?
They are tools. They may be necessary to avoid frostbite or burning your soles. They may be needed in other situations or environments to protect your feet, although this is not usually common. Otherwise, they can lead to bunions, give bacteria a moist, warm place to grow, etc.
Do you think being barefoot is socially acceptable? Why or why not?
That’s not quite a yes or no answer, but it is more “no” than “yes.” People won’t go ballistic if you are barefoot, but many people have biases against being barefoot, and it can show, even if it is usually subtle. Of course, some would consider it socially acceptable.
Have you ever not been able to go in somewhere/refused service because you didn’t have shoes on?
Yes, twice.
What are the best and worst reactions you have gotten? How do you deal with bad reactions and unsolicited opinions?
The worst reaction was the first time I was refused service. It is orders of magnitude worse than anything else I have ever experienced or really heard about from others, so I do not mean to suggest this was in any way normal or typical. I needed to leave the house for something unplanned earlier that day, and I forgot to bring emergency shoes in the car. When things were done, my family and I were hungry and we stopped in a restaurant (about one step up from fast food). In the lobby, I got “the stare” from one of the servers, but it was worse than looks I am used to getting or seeing people get from petty foibles that some rando decides they have a problem with. I felt like she was looking at me like I was an axe murderer. In a minute or two I was asked to leave. The manager fully backed up the server. It was dry when we went into the restaurant, but unfortunately, the sky had opened up just before we were sent packing. Just getting back to the car without an umbrella I was drenched like I had jumped into a swimming pool fully clothed. My family was less wet because I picked them up at the door. I did not feel like I could go to another restaurant like that, and we had to make do when we got home without having anything handy to eat. It sucked. Needless to say, I never returned to that restaurant.
The best reaction I had was from another customer when I was shopping at Walmart. She noticed my bare feet and reacted positively right out of the box. She thought it was cool that I had the spirit to go barefoot. She asked me a couple of questions about going barefoot and we both went on with our respective shopping on a high note.
As for dealing with bad reactions and unsolicited opinions, it’s hardly ever that big of a deal. If I notice a look of disapproval I just ignore it. I’ll briefly respond to an unsolicited opinion pretty much the same way I would to any other comment or conversation a stranger would start with me.
How do you go about feet care?
Nothing special. I pretty much just wash the same way I would any other part of my body, and any time they get dirty and it’s warranted.
Do you wear foot jewelry?
No.
Have you dealt with fetishers?
No. Statistically, most fetishists are men, and most people are straight, plus I’m not even that young, so it’s probably unlikely.
Do you walk on everything or are there surfaces you don’t walk on?
I don’t go barefoot inside of a veteranarian’s office. I could not handle walking on a hiking trail paved with small, sharp rocks. That’s all I can think of.
What is your favorite surface to walk barefoot on and why?
Grass, and smooth, cool flooring.
What are the worst things you’ve stepped on?
Nothing really awful. I stepped in dog poop once, but that was actually in a house. I wasn’t happy because you’re not supposed to step in that inside, yet it was somewhat less bad than stepping in a random pile outside.
Have you had any mishaps?
Not really mishaps. Then only thing was blisters when I tried to overdo it when I was new to barefooting.
How do you handle cold temperatures?
Last winter was my first year in snow country since I started barefooting. I walked barefoot when it was pretty cold out, but I was probably more conservative about it than I will be this winter. I have minimalist boots that I will definitely use any time there could be any danger of frostbite, or if I feel like I need to.
In your experience, what season is best to be barefoot?
That completely depends on where you live. The best season is any season where it is not so hot that pavement burns your feet and not so cold that your feet are not unduely uncomfortable.
How does being barefoot affect aspects of your life (love, career e.t.c)?
Until I worked from home, I had to wear them at work (I carefully selected shoes with “barefoot shoe” features). Otherwise, there have been no significant effects on my personal life.
What challenges do you run into (physically, socially e.t.c)?
Physical only in special cases you can plan for or work around like cold and snow, very hot pavement, the trail I couldn’t handle, etc. Mostly social, but not in a way that really makes a difference in my life.
What are misconceptions about being barefoot?
That it’s not generally safe going barefoot, and you are generally subject to infections and injury, but see tips for a new barefooter below for a disclaimer.
What are your fears that stem from being barefoot?
None at all now, but when I was a shoe wearer, I was really paranoid about things like athelete’s foot.
What advantages of being barefoot have you experienced?
My feet are stronger, healthier, and haven’t smelled since I used to wear shoes. They are more comfortable. The bunion I was developing has not fully reversed, but it definitely stopped getting worse before it was too bad and maybe improved. I can step into my yard without having to search around for shoes and the first twig I step on doesn’t hurt.
What disadvantages of being barefoot have you experienced?
Just some social disadvantages in public, and maybe the possibility of forgetting your emergency shoes in the odd case you find yourself in a situation where you need them.
What are things to NOT say or do to barefoot people?
Just don’t be a jerk.
How do you feel about how barefoot is portrayed in media? What are some of your favorite pieces of media with authentic representation?
No strong opinions here. Maybe I just haven’t paid that much attention.
What would you like to say to barefooters?
Nothing in paritcular: greetings from a fellow barefooter.
Give tips to new barefooters and people looking to go barefoot.
Work into it gradually! Don’t overdo it or injure yourself. You can if you dive into too hard without strengthening your muscles and toughening up your feet gradually. Minimalist shoes can be helpful in the early stages.
How do you wish our society would perceive and treat barefoot people?
I wish that it just seemed as normal to people as wearing shoes.
What would you like people to know about being barefoot?
Its’ perfectly normal, it’s no big deal, we barefooters are not hurting ourselves and we are not way out there being outrageous. If you talk to us, we are probably just like you.
Tell your story, opinions, experiences.
I can’t think of anything to add. The questions covered things well!