Why are bare feet not allowed in some shopping centres?

Question

My girlfriend and I were recently asked by security to leave a shopping centre because we were both barefooted.
As we were escorted out my girlfriend said she thought it was because the soles of our feet were dirty and this may have caused offence.

Answer 1

People will give you all kinds of excuses from safety to health to insurance reasons, but the only *real* reason is that people just don't like the sight of bare feet. Contrary to popular myth, it is NOT dangerous or unhealthy to go barefoot, and insurance companies don't require any kind of footwear.

Feet get very tough very quickly so injury is unlikely; I 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. Just in the rare case it does happen, tetanus has had a vaccine available since the 1920's, which everyone should keep up to date since there are other ways of catching it apart from stepping on a rusty nail barefoot. There certainly isn't any greater risk to bare feet than to high heels or platform shoes, I'd personally say those two are *more* risky. In many of those stores that require shoes for 'safety reasons' I'd be perfectly welcome wearing 6" heels. Safety? I think not, they wouldn't single out bare feet if that was their true concern, it'd be better to tell people to take heels over a certain hight *off*!

Disease is unlikely since our skin is made to keep pathogens out; unless you put your feet up on the table or lick your toes, the more visible dirt on our feet is far less risky than the less visible but no less germy stuff we pick up with our hands from door knobs, railings, handle bars, etc. Even if we wash our hands after using the restroom and before dinner, there's still more chance to transfer those germs to our food and/or face where they can enter our body; on our feet, the dirt just sits there until we wash it off.

Btw, you'll only find these kinds of rules in the US; here in the Netherlands I've never even SEEN a 'no shoes, no shirts, no service' sign, nor on my trips to Belgium or Scotland. It's just a non-issue with stores and restaurants what you wear or don't want to wear on your feet.

Answer 2

In the 60's or the "hippie" movement, many social norms were challenged, one of which was dress standards. Prior to this many people would wear suits and dresses as every day wear. Many hippies pushed for clothing and or shoes optional. The whole movement was seen as a attack on our social structure and may places had signs "No shirt, no shoes, no service."

Today, society as a whole is much more relaxed towards clothing and hair, but shirts are still expected to be worn in most restaurants and stores. Shoes on the other hand also carry a liability issue in that a store could be sued if a shoe-less person were to be cut or injured on its premises.

Evidently the anti barefoot social norm is still alive in some people.

Answer 3

Myth: health department reasons *unless* in a food service kitchen or behind a food service counter. Insurance policy: could be, but they probably don't have it ready to present to a customer. Simply because it's their business policy and they own or manage the business: barefooters are not a protected class, if they mop their floors frequently they might not want dirty feet—they do trap more dirt on and in the soles than shoes (even though others want to insist otherwise), and water releases much of the sole dirt onto the floor.

Answer 4

They threw you out to cover their arses with their insurance company. they're worried you'll sue them if your toes get severed by a rouge shopping trolley Shame is they can throw you out because it's private property. Not like a town square.
Guy wouldnt let me on a bus the other day for the same "safety issue " reason. ( their insurance company's financialsafety )I believe,if we were meant to wear shoes we would have been born with them. Keep 'em on their toes .. X andy

Answer 5

B/c theres gunk on the floors in shopping centers that can make your feet sick like athletes foot. They don't want to get sued if your feet get damaged.

Answer 6

It is because of liability. if you were to step on something and hurt your foot, there is a possibility of you suing the center. (not that YOU would sue but there are those that don't take responsibility of their own actions...remember the lady that sued McDonald's because of hot coffee...DUH..It's HOT)
So they prevent that by not allowing bare feet.

Answer 7

Because it's the only place on your body that would make direct contact to the floor and the floor could have broken glass or many other sharp or dangerous objects that could seriously injure someone.

Answer 8

Why in the world would u walk into a store without shoes thats nasty....You dono whats been on the floor and ur willing to step on it, wow! The same reason they dont allow u in stores without shirts....its tacky

Answer 9

All the answers with broken glass and other items and bare feet being usafe are correct.

Answer 10

think u may sue if you get a foot injury