Is it a sign of poverty or a personal choice to live barefoot?

Question

I’m from Germany but I’m living in India – it’s almost six years now that I’ve left Europe for good – and I’m used to a life on bare soles: I haven’t worn shoes since December 2000 (with a few exceptions!) and I don’t think I’ll EVER imprison my feet again! INDIA – it still means: Bare feet EVERYWHERE, especially in rural areas and the South, but also in cities and parts of the North! And I don’t think that will change within a lifetime! Half of the people in my neighbourhood (a typical “mixed area” with modern houses and traditional enclaves side-by-side) are barefoot throughout the year! Dusty bare feet, immune to the heat of summer, to sharp gravel and other hazards are a common sight, so common that you’ll hardly notice them anymore after a month or so. It’s true: I’m still getting attention for my lack of footwear, but not because I’m barefoot but because I’m a FOREIGNER (“ferengi”) who is barefoot! And reactions are almost always positive… I don’t think my Indian neighbours are walking barefoot ‘cause they can’t AFFORD shoes: Flip flops are available for less than 1 Euro, and if those 50 Rupees would really matter for them - well, in that case you wouldn’t see people riding their bicycle barefoot! But there are many… My impression: It’s not about poverty, it’s their CHOICE to live without shoes – these people feel it’s UNNECESSARY to imprison their feet! Is there anyone from India, from Asia reading this? Or from any other corner of our world where kids grow up barefoot and don’t have to surrender to the pressure of a shod majority once they’re adults? Any expat who’s lucky enough to live in a place like India, a place where bare feet are still normality? What do you think: Is it a sign of poverty or a personal choice to live barefoot?

Answer 1

I believe it's a personal choice. I go barefoot as often as possible (except in the Winter as it gets very cold here in Wisconsin) and my feet are in very good shape. I don't like imprisoning them (as you also said) as shoes feel too tight. for winter, I usually get shoes that are a size and a half or two sizes too large to accommodate those lovely woolen socks and to give my feet room to spread.

Answer 2

Personal choice.

I have enough money to buy shoes, and I own several pairs of shoes and athletic trainers. But, I leave them at home and don't usually ever take shoes with me when I go places.

The people that know me have gotten used to it and never say anything about it. I know the think I am strange to be barefoot all the time, even in cold snow, rain, and on hot sidewalks. But, true friends can overlook all that and still be your friends. Besides, someday they might decide to try being barefoot even though I pretty much never suggest it. It's their choice.

Barefoot is a choice. It has nothing to do with money or education or intelligence or family upbringing.

Answer 3

Obviously it is not a matter of poverty in India to be barefooted. When living in a different area of the World where it is cold it is necessary to have appropriate footwear. I like to have bare feet at home especially in the summer; however, my feet do not get time to callouse up for walking on rocks or hot pavement and need to be shod.

Answer 4

It could be a sign of poverty nor a personal choice or both. In your case it is your own preference, right? Take the case of Indigents in Africa (Tribal People), both young and old, men and women are barefooted because of poverty. In Asia, people are classified as Elite, Middle, and the Poor. Poverty can be classified as Stiff Stage - people experiencing poverty due from poor income from poor job, Survival Stage - people who have no job and shelter, and Desolate Stage - worse stage of poverty. Homeless and Hopeless, dying, physically and emotionally incapacitated.

Answer 5

i think it's a personal choice... i would love to live barefoot if i wouldn't hurt my feet so much when i step on this! it would be great. maybe some people can't afford shoes, and others just don't care whether or not they wear them. it doesn't really matter. to those who go barefoot... shoes become an accessory, not a neccessity

Answer 6

I think it is a personal choice. HOWEVER, I do think that you should at least wear sandals if you are going into public places.... to me, it is an issue of public health more than anything. If you cut your foot, you are risking disease and infection.

Trust me, I live in the U.S., and I also like to let my feet breathe. I only wear closed toed shoes in the cold weather months. In the spring, I break out the sandals and flip flops.

Just be careful.

Answer 7

I think its personal choice. And lot time better for you feet to go barefoot because somes shoes, etc are bad for the feet.

Answer 8

can be both. to those accustomed to wearing shoes, it can be seen as protection for your feet, esp the soles. so if you are not wearing a pair, the logical reason would be that you cannot afford them.