How would you describe a barefooter?

Someone who enjoys being barefoot as often as possible.

How long have you been barefoot?

4 years

Why did you decide to be barefoot?

I was actually very shy about my feet as a child. I wouldn’t show anyone my feet. I actually wore socks in the pool. As I got older I felt ashamed of it as a couple close friends who knew about it would try to blackmail me. Because of this, I always avoided pool parties or any other outing that would require me to take my socks off. Going barefoot allowed me to take away that power. When I did, I realized how much I missed out on as a kid and decided to be barefoot all the time.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how “extreme” are you?

7. I will wear shoes if I absolutely have to, such as going into stores or restaurants… things like that. I live in south Florida so barefoot shoes and flip flops are my go-tos. I’m also required to wear running sneakers for my job.

What is your opinion on shoes and socks?

Don’t like shoes, absolutely hate socks. My feet sweat so bad in them.

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

I think it varies depending on where you live and the demographic. It seems like the Gen-Z population has an insane distaste for bare feet. I’ve seen videos on social media platforms that have shamed people for being barefoot. It’s crazy to me.

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

No, but I haven’t really tried to either.

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

I think most barefooters would agree that the best reaction is no reaction. I’ve also had a few people tell me that I have really nice feet “especially for a guy”. Worst reaction would probably be when a close friend made a comment about not wanting my “grimy feet” on his furniture when I showed up in flip flops. I think he was just busting my chops about it since he is very vocal about hating feet.

How do you go about feet care?

I’m actually pretty anal about foot care. I keep my toenails short and filed at all times. I scrub my soles in the shower and take care of any dead skin when I get out. I also put lotion on my feet after showering. I like to keep them clean and looking nice as I think some of the foot hatred out there is because some people just don’t take care of their feet to the point where they are visually unappealing.

Have you dealt with fetishers?

I mean… I’ve had people tell me that I have nice or “pretty” feet before. One person offered to pay me to worship my feet. I politely declined.

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

I try to avoid black top surfaces as they got super hot.

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

Dewy grass in the morning

What are the worst things you’ve stepped on?

Definitely dog poop

Have you had any mishaps?

I’m dealing with a teeny tiny shard of glass in my big toe as we speak.

How do you handle cold temperatures?

When I lived in New England I’d still walk outside in the snow but tried to limit it as much as possible. Now that I’m in FL that’s a non-issue.

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

Spring or Fall. It’s not too hot, not too cold. Spring gets extra props because it can be rainy and I enjoy walking outside during or just after it rains.

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

Other than being required to wear shoes at work it hasn’t.

What challenges do you run into (physically, socially e.t.c)?

I’d say that socially there are still times where I worry about someone making a negative comment about me being barefoot. I used to be much worse, but realized that most people really don’t pay much attention to my feet.

What are misconceptions about being barefoot?

That we all have foot fetishes or that we must have really dirty feet.

What advantages of being barefoot have you experienced?

I have degenerative disc disorder and have noticed that I experience little to no back pain on days where I’m barefoot the whole time.

What disadvantages of being barefoot have you experienced?

Regular shoes have become so uncomfortable to me.

How do you feel about how barefoot is portrayed in media? What are some of your favorite pieces of media with authentic representation?

I think a general lack of barefooters portrayed in the media is the real issue.

What would you like to say to barefooters?

You’re all awesome.

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

Take it slow. Don’t expect to go from wearing shoes all your life into being barefoot full time over night. Start off by being barefoot in your house, then maybe outside to get the mail or walk through your yard. I’d also recommend getting a pair of barefoot shoes and slowly increasing the amount of time you spend with them on. Unnatural surfaces can be tough at first and you may experience some discomfort. But don’t give up! Once your feet and body get used to it you’ll never want to wear shoes again. Oh, and try not to worry too much about what other people think. I’ve seen too many people that are concerned that someone will say something negative to them when in reality, most don’t care whatsoever.

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

Take down the ridiculous “No shirt, No shoes, No service” signs. If we don’t wanna wear shoes, just let us. We’re not hurting anyone, and no, our “dirty feet” aren’t going to contaminate anything.

What would you like people to know about being barefoot?

There are several great health benefits to it.