why is it so wrong to go in public in barefooted?

Question

i go to the grocery store barefoot all the time. people sometimes give nasty looks. people say it's because "no one wants to see your feet" and then they follow it up with "at least put on some flip flops!". with flip flops you can still see the whole foot, so why is it wrong one way, and not wrong the other?????

Answer 1

For your own safety you should wear something on your feet.

Answer 2

It's disgusting and inappropriate in a public setting. Mostly it is unsanitary and harmful to your personal health. You can't even begin to imagine how dirty and what kind of germs and bacteria are on the street and in stores. The fact that you go barefoot to the grocery store is completely repulsive, trashy, and inappropriate. If you are not worried about your own health at least spare the general public from seeing the dirty, disgusting bottoms of your feet when you walk. Learn some manners. The fact that anyone has to ask this question makes me want to give up home for all mankind.
Yes with flip flops you can see the whole foot, but flip flops are socially acceptable in informal public settings, something is still on the bottom of your feet at least protecting you from direct contact with streets/floors. And people are not going to give you nasty looks for wearing flip flops.

Answer 3

It's liability when it comes to the store... You could cut your foot, or stub your toe...

You're violating a social norm- thus why you get the dirty looks.

I know that back in the day it used to be offensive to show the bottom of your foot to another person (this is still offensive in some Muslim cultures)- I think that's where this all stems from- it just carried over that you're not supposed to expose the bottoms of your feet.

Today I think it's just a matter of respect. If the store owner/manager requires a shirt and shoes for service then that's what you need to have on to be served... I'm curious to know if you find someone walking around topless in a grocery store appropriate?

Answer 4

There are lots of reasons. First of all, injury to yourself is a concern. Slip and fall problems, stepping on harmful objects, etc. They will be held accountable if you get hurt in their store, therefore, they make rules to make this less likely.

There are also types of bacteria and parasites that you get through your feet, which can make you very ill.

Also, you can spread athletes foot and other funguses through your feet. So it's also for the safety of others.

I think it's your skin's contact with the floor that's a problem...thus, flip flops at least prevent this even if they don't cover up much of your foot.

Answer 5

You really should not be going into any stores without footwear on. It can be very dangerous if you slip on something, or get cut, or even step on anything that may be on the floor. A lot of stores have a policy that states that you are not allowed to go into the store without footwear, and that is a good policy. They also may be afraid of lawsuits if you were to get hurt. I would not be walking barefoot in any public areas, yuck. You can get severely sick from a very tiny cut on your foot, so it is probably not the best idea.

Answer 6

It is wrong because the establishment could be closed down due to your lack of basic hygiene knowledge. The health department says you can not go in a store or restaurant barefoot. This is unclean behavior. I would likely not shop again in an establishment that allowed such behavior. You likely have fungal infections and hookworm that you will transmit to others if you do this regularly. You are a liability, as well as uncouth.

Answer 7

Technically you shouldn't go in to an establishment without shoes. Have you heard the phrase "NO SHIRT, NO SHOES, NO SERVICE. Learn this. Most public places do not let people in without shoes on. Feet can contain fungus that you are spreading with each step you make. Another reason, you look like a bum when you walk around with no shoes on. Why don't you wear shoes?? Have you ever stepped on glass or a rock? Have you ever stubbed your toe? Wouldn't this prompt you to wear shoes??

Did you walk to the store or did you drive, if you drove then it is illegal to drive without shoes on.

Just put on some shoes man.

Answer 8

That is the nastiest thing I've heard. Barefoot in a public place? Do you know the crap that is on the floors? People don't take care of the floors at a public place like they do at their own homes. Plus you are bringing germs in with those nasty bare feet. If you walk around like that then you have germs on the bottom of yoir feet and you bring them around others. GROSS! Be curtious and put on something. I'd rather you wear houseshoes or something.

Answer 9

It dangerous. There are lots of things that you could step on that will damage your feet, not to mention the bacteria you could spread or pick up. Warts are spread by virus contact to your skin. If you step on a small bit of glass and open up a slight wound you could contract a staph infection. Shoes seem like a small thing but in today's world why take the chance.

Answer 10

First because your feet are a very dirty place. They touch a lot of nasty things and usually get a lot of sweat. Next when your in public...its more that if you step on glass or anything like that...then you can sue them...and they dont like the thought of that. I dont htink its just your feet being out in the open...i think its a health reasons and legal reasons.

Answer 11

I was going to write that it's against the law - no shoes, no shirts, no service, then I found it it wasn't. That law is actually intended for employees, as far as OSHA is concerned. However, stores CAN set their own rules.

go to wikipedia, and search for "barefoot" and you'll see a whole article about barefootedness and myths

Really interesting, and I'm glad I read it. I was going to blast you about it, but then I learned the facts!