How would you describe a barefooter?

Somebody who prefers not to wear shoes, inside and out.

How long have you been barefoot?

To some extent, all my adult life but tried to embrace it more since Spring 2023

Why did you decide to be barefoot?

It’s good for your health; better posture, fewer feet issues, possibly grounding and I enjoy it.

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

5

What is your opinion on shoes and socks?

I accept they are required in some social and work situations and sometimes for safety as well as in extreme weather conditions.

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

Not really, it’s considered odd.

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

Once in a hotel in Mallorca I was told to leave the restaurant at breakfast but I haven’t really pushed the boundaries much.

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

Best reaction is that nobody takes any notice. Worse, as above but I find it difficult to field questions…just wish people didn’t care.

How do you go about feet care?

Moisturise with coconut butter after showering and check for cuts or blisters.

Do you wear foot jewelry?

No.

Have you dealt with fetishers?

No.

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

I will try most surfaces, draw the line at urine covered floors in public toilets (restrooms)

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

Probably a couple, smooth, slightly warm concrete and soft bare earth.

What are the worst things you’ve stepped on?

Thorns, a slug.

Have you had any mishaps?

Stubbed toes but that’s mostly indoors.

How do you handle cold temperatures?

I don’t really enjoy having cold feet so wear shoes.

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

Here in the UK, definitely the summer. Its more comfortable and slightly more socially acceptable.

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

I work from home, my office at end of the garden, in the summer I can go pretty much 24/7 barefoot. My ex wife didn’t really approve .

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

No my feet have hardened up and I’ve been wearing “barefoot” shoes for several years, very little physically. Socially it’s challenging but it has helped my confidence to go put barefoot and not worry what others think.

What are misconceptions about being barefoot?

Dangerous, there is broken glass and discarded needles everywhere, our feet are too soft to walk around barefoot and it’s dirty.

What are your fears that stem from being barefoot?

Being refused entry or service somewhere or being considered weird by friends and family.

What advantages of being barefoot have you experienced?

It has improved my wellbeing, I don’t have ankle issues or aches in my big toe where it broke once (in shoes) and it has helped my confidence not worrying what other think. I was seriously ill last year and , though can’t evidence it, think that grounding/earthing sped up the healing process.

What disadvantages of being barefoot have you experienced?

They really are entirely about social acceptability.

What are things to NOT say or do to barefoot people?

Where are your shoes ? Why are you barefoot ? Be careful ! Tbh anything really, why make a big deal of 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 not particularly negative but perhaps the sensationalalising of things like people doing barefoot runs makes it a bigger deal than it should be. Much of our culture though still associates it with extreme poverty.

What would you like to say to barefooters?

Keep at it but don’t be judgmental of others if you don’t want to be judged yourself. If someone prefers wearing expensive Nikes or high heels that’s up to them. Also, accept that un some places there are things like dress code and convention – its crap but some places insist on a shirt and tie, shoes are just another clothing item you have to wear in these situations.

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

Take it slowly at first, blisters are easy to get when you start, it can take months to years to adjust properly.

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

Just not make a big deal of it – do people comment on the footwear somebody has ?

What would you like people to know about being barefoot?

We evolved without shoes, they are a useful tool in some situations but for the majority of our daily lives we really don’t need them at all.