I was either in socks or barefoot, would you think that is just wierd or would you just think, hey whatever floats your boat. Reason I ask is because I hate shoes. I've hated them since grade school and can't stand to wear them. I'm ok with sandals sometimes but they still tend to annoy me and I'm just more comfortable without anything on my feet. So are most people in this country ok with that or do most people just find it wierd to see someone in public in there socks or barefeet?
2007-07-16 17:10:46 · 22 answers · asked by Kyle K 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Whatever floats your boat. There are more important things to worry about than if someone wants to wear shoes or not.
2007-07-16 17:12:58 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
It really shouldn't be a problem to go barefoot! All the objections apart from 'it's unusual and thus not done' are based on misconceptions and myths. It's NOT against any Health Department laws to go barefoot, insurance companies don't require or even recommend shoes, and it's NOT against the law to drive barefoot. While some stores in the US have signs requiring footwear, there are also many that do not have such signs and don't care if you're barefoot.
It's not dangerous or unhealthy to go barefoot either. Injuries are very unlikely; I've been barefoot for ten years, never divert my step no matter how much glass I see, and I get a tiny splinter maybe once a year. Never had a cut, never had even the slightest splinter indoors. Diseases from going barefoot are very unlikely; our skin is made to keep pathogens out & while the dirt is far more visible, unless we put our feet up on the table or lick our toes, it'll just sit there on our soles until we wash it off. With our hands however we touch things many others touch (shopping carts, railings, doorknobs, money) and are covered in germs, even though they may appear less dirty, and then we transfer those germs to our face & food where they can enter our body... but you never see these same people who are so afraid of bare feet wearing gloves in stores.
Hookworm is extremely rare in the South since modern plumbing has replaced the outhouses and never was much of a problem in cooler climates.
The only real argument is indeed the 'appearance' question, but then put a tiny itty-bitty strap of a flipflop across the foot and for far most folks it's suddenly fine... for the wearer there's a much greater difference; feeling all the different surfaces underneath is a great pleasure of going barefoot that I'd be derived of just so people looking on can see that tiny strap. I am for good etiquette most of the time but I also think freedom of dress is more important to the wearer whose *physical* choice & comfort is affected than the comfort of bystanders who're just looking on.
And contrary to what one earlier poster said, I don't know where in Europe you've been, it's a big place... but here in the Netherlands and on my trips to Belgium & Scotland I can only recall one older guy who claimed my barefooting was anywhere near 'uncouth'. Most people believe it's quite healthy, although they also seem to think it's uncomfortable so few people actually do it.
2007-07-16 18:53:55 · answer #2 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'd wonder if the reason why you're not wearing shoes is that you don't want to or that something came up (someone stole your shoes or they got damaged or you don't have any in the first place) and you are kind of forced to walk without any shoes on.
I don't mind if people walk around barefoot or wearing socks only. If they're more comfortable like that they should just go ahead. I prefer walking around barefoot at home and in my garden, but I prefer to wear shoes when I go elsewhere because of dirt and the risk of stepping on something sharp.
2007-07-17 00:05:24 · answer #3 · answered by undir 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would depends somewhat on where and the weather.
On a beach or holiday place, I'd just shrug it off. In the city, I'd wonder if you were OK. In hot weather I'd just say ok, in cold I'd be wondering IF you had any shoes at all, or if you weren't a little bit nuts.
But no socks without shoes, at least outdoors - that is just weird.
Inside (at home) I often go round in just my socks.
2007-07-16 17:23:55 · answer #4 · answered by Barb Outhere 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I am not okay with it unless you are in a beach, at a resort, on nearby a hotel pool, sauna, jacuzzi, spa. You get the picture.
If you go by the rule "anything goes" or "what toots your horn", there wouldn't be any need for etiquette whatsoever. In my country, the only ones who would go barefoot in public are those who cannot afford shoes. In Europe, you would be considered uncouth. It really depends where you're at. But don't do it in a public place and presume to have etiquette. It's not appropriate.
2007-07-16 17:19:56 · answer #5 · answered by Trillian 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I say lose the shoes. Barefoot is best. Do what you want to do. Only you can live your life. Have fun!
2007-07-17 12:12:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know that a few Australians don't mind going barefoot in public places !
2007-07-16 18:20:45 · answer #7 · answered by f6b 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I usually remind people that they need to wear shoes when they come into our store. First off, it is a health code violation, but the main reason is that I would hate for them to step on something and injure themselves.
2007-07-17 15:39:08 · answer #8 · answered by SubwayGirl 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would think you're really cool! I would be glad that you'd joined me in enjoying the freedom of being barefoot!
Barefoot Tex
2007-07-17 10:21:54 · answer #9 · answered by Barefoot Tex 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I respect you but I personaaly hate feet...their ugly and they smell and they get black from dirt if you dont have socks or shoes on and lastly cut those toenails...gross
2007-07-16 17:13:56 · answer #10 · answered by dracoornamatique 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋