If more people in Europe believe in the healthy aspects of barefooting, then why do Americans report?

Question

seeing more people barefoot in public?

Underground Man, check out http://www.barefooters.org

"Me," I refer to the fact that people who live in Europe who actively look to see if others are barefoot reveal that they don't see that many people barefoot. I don't think you are correct, based on the anecdotal evidence. Also, Pligrim, I'm an urban barefooter, and I walk on glass without getting cut. My feet are quite healthy.

coutterhill, that is quite a big generalization. I have spent much time in vatious parts of Europe, and my feet got much dirtier on the Parisian Metro than they have ever gotten in Dallas or Houston. I love Europe btw.

cout...I get the movie reference, too bad so many people think it's a health dept. code when it's not though<>!!!

Answer 1

Good question... here in the Netherlands most people just never give it any thought. It never once came up when I was younger, I was almost 29 years old when I first heard of the very option to go barefoot, until then I just put shoes on the same as underwear, I never thought about it because I had never seen another barefooter in my entire life. I guess the fewer people do it, the fewer people will get the idea.

And people here don't really like to stand out... we're known as a tolerant society but I've lived in the US for five years too (never saw a barefooter there either, btw; lived in suburban Dallas TX, Lamar Colorado & a few months in Wyoming). In the US I saw more extremes.... here in the Netherlands I don't really see that many people with a very 'alternative' look, Amsterdam has some more I guess but even Utrecht (not a small town by any means) where I pass through frequently seems to be pretty normal, it's rare I see someone who's covered in tattoo's or piercings, who's really goth or whatever. A little spiky hair or a skull t-shirt is the extend of 'alternative dress' for most folks. One of the favorite national sayings is 'act normal, that's weird enough', it seems most people do just that, sticking to the habits and fashions and not doing anything too 'weird'.

Btw, I don't think our streets are any cleaner! But skin is made to keep nasties out, and when you're a habitual barefooter callouses are thick enough to handle glass too.

Answer 2

I do not recall seeing anyone barefoot in public except on beaches and in some southern states (in the summer). Going barefoot in Paris doesn't seem too healthy (plenty of dog droppings all over the sidewalk).

Answer 3

I love walking around barefoot. But probably not in the city. People in America are generally dirty(no offense America) . I wouldn't leave my yard in bare feet, unless I was in the country or the woods.

Answer 4

Really interesting. I had not heard about this phenomenon, nor have I seen people going around barefoot in my part of the US. But I am getting tired of seeing people in their pajamas!

Answer 5

"Barefooting" is only healthy when outside city limits.

When I was a hippie I gathered any number of glass slivers, bull thorns and other debris in my feet.

But you're right, our feet are our "roots", they take in from the soil of the earth minerals and nutrients that contribute to our health.

Oh yeah, I got stung by a bee on my ankle once.

Answer 6

because in europe going barefoot is so common no one notices - in america it is unusual - so people notice it

Answer 7

The streets and parks are a lot cleaner in Europe than they are in America.
No shirt, no shoes, no service. Learn it, live it , love it. (ha!)

Answer 8

???

This debate rages on where exactly? I've never heard a word about "barefooting."

Answer 9

Well, America has too many germs and diseases just waiting to be stepped on by feet. lol Seriously, it's a bit gross

Answer 10

This is an insignificant matter.