Has anybody else decided to live barefoot?

Question

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! I’ve been walking barefoot since my schooldays, but not every day, not everywhere… It was a winter morning back in 2000, just after Christmas: I was ready to board my flight to India. My feet were already bare while I was waiting for the train which would take me to the airport. The air was a bit chilly, and I noticed a couple of people, staring at my feet, obviously unable to believe what they saw: A pair of bare feet, decorated with a leather-anklet and a shiny little toering… I didn’t know that I was about to leave Europe for good, returning only occasionally for short visits. But I was ready for the big adventure: Spending many month on the road, exploring almost every nook and corner of India on my bare soles – from Kanyakumari to Gangtok and from Gujarat to West Bengal… It was SO much fun! I didn’t even carry any shoes in my backpack, and soon, my soles were tough as leather! Finally, the unexpected happened: I managed to settle down in India! I’ve been able to live my life barefoot ever since… Has anybody else decided to live barefoot, to stop wearing shoes, never wearing them again?

Answer 1

I am new to the barefoot lifestyle so I am still a tenderfoot. But I try to go everywhere barefoot. In the USA, it's not so easy. It is just not accepted as normal behavior.

I have been asked to leave several retail stores and a few times I have done so without making my purchase -- I leave the unpaid items with the person who chased me out. Somehow I don't think that really makes an impact, but one never knows for sure.

I was questioned about being barefoot by my doctor recently. I guess even in a clean doctor's office being barefoot is not considered normal. Whatever.

I helped my father do some sawing, cutting, and sanding of lumber for a whole afternoon in his workshop recently. I was expecting to get a few wood splinters in my feet, but never did.

I now do all my gardening barefoot. The soil here is heavy clay which means soil compaction and slow to dry after rain. If wearing shoes, one must stay off the soil for a day or two after heavy rains. BUT, being barefoot, I can work in the garden when the soil is still wet and cause no damage or soil compaction. Because of this, I am now a BETTER gardener as a barefooter because I can complete tasks quicker (such as pulling weeds when they are still young seedlings).

I hope I never have to go back to wearing shoes, but I fear that day is coming. Soon I plan to get a new job and return to the world of the working class. I am sure any job I get will require shoes. DRAT.

Answer 2

Not me!