I would appreciate to know since when & what kind of reactions you did experience from your surroundings?
I am a fulltime barefooter, living in the centre of Europe and my life is very exposed, due to the jobs I am doing!
My personal experiences are mostly positive and not only regarding my family & friends, but also customers & officials, once they have noticed “it’s his lifestyle”! Most people I met don’t worry and simply don’t care. Some find it even cool and courageous!
So I like to know whether it’s just me, or if there are others with the same positive experience, or if you had a lot of unpleasant situations!
2007-12-06 23:34:01 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
I've been barefoot for over ten years, and I mostly curious questions (isn't that cold? doesn't it hurt? did you forget your shoes?), occasional positives (it's very healthy.. looks comfortable...) and some negative comments usually from teenage kids hanging out in groups (put on some shoes! hippie!) -but I must add the last category tends to comment on anything out of the ordinary, when I have my hair dyed red I get called 'hey, red' or 'light house' by them just the same. It's very rare I get negative comments from adults or even from teens when they're alone and not in a group trying to act cool.
Fortunately there's little anti-barefoot bias here the way there is in the US; hardly anyone believes in the myths that it's unhealthy, dangerous or even illegal to be barefoot in public, including stores and restaurants. 'No shoes, no shirts, no service' signs don't exist here, I've never seen one here in the Netherlands, nor on my trips to Belgium and Scotland. Btw, for US folks: it's not illegal to go barefoot in stores in the US either. Stores can set their own dress codes but the signs claiming Health Department laws are FALSE. See source.
Well I'm off to work (barefoot as always!)...
2007-12-07 16:56:35 · answer #1 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a full time barefooter and have been for about a year and a half now. I live in the Chicago area so lengthy stays outdoors in the winter means I sometimes have to put on shoes but for the most part I stay barefoot. My encounters have been mostly good. There have been just a few very close minded or foot phoebic people out there. Most of the people I meet would like to be barefoot but just can't get past the social norm issues and settle for barefooting at home or on the beach. My friends and family are fine with it and just a few needed a short period to get used to it but all is well now. I love barefooting and will probably be a barefooter from now on. By the way are you familiar with the website and group at www.barefooters.org ?
2007-12-07 05:52:16 · answer #2 · answered by Peter F 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Good for you !!! Most people have a servere overdependancy on shoes these days. When you first start barefooting more you will probably notice a little muscle soreness. Since all shoes have arch supports in them, the muscles in your feet are not used to doing thier job. The immobility from having your feet encased in shoes also will tend to leave some muscles weakened. For the first few weeks build up your muscles slowly, just like you would if you decided to do weight training. The other development you'll have to contend with is the toughening up of your soles. they will probably be tender from being protected by shoes all these years. Apply a lotion to keep the skin supple. They will start to thicken but should not callous. After a while you'll be able to walk on anything. Good luck, you're on your way to having much healthier feet and you'll love experiencing all the freedom, relaxed feelings and textures waiting for barefooters. Check out some of the links below if you'd like to find out more about barefooting and enjoy.
2016-04-07 23:29:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I live in the southern US, Texas, and our winters are not extremely cold. I go barefoot almost all the time. At home, I'm usually nude, "barefoot-all-over"
When I do have to wear shoes, It's just flip-flops/thongs, and when it gets cold, I'll wear some Birk slip ons (Boston).
I go to stores, restaurants, work all barefoot. Rarely do I get any flack from anyone.
Barefoot-n-Nude in Texas!
2007-12-07 03:45:44 · answer #4 · answered by Barefoot Tex 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi Steve,
I go almost always barefoot. I live in Costa Rica, and if I don't have to, I don't wear shoes (or better said, flip flops, because that's what I wear when I am not barefoot). I love it and by now have very tough feet. I love your groups by the way; hope you keep up the groups.
Thanks,
Willy
2007-12-07 02:03:29 · answer #5 · answered by willynl2000 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Like I said in previous post I do. I had to wear shoes in Executive position, but that is about it. I most always am barefoot. I live in Texas and am barefoot year around. I do not respond to comments to the negative. I wear bright red nail polish and strut on like it is perfectly normal which to me it is. I feel stifled in shoes.
2007-12-09 01:59:54 · answer #6 · answered by Shelley C 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In my surroundings my wife get questions about my barefooting. She doesnot like that. On my work they have forbidden me to go baredoot. But if I am on my way I go barefoot.
2007-12-07 08:51:53 · answer #7 · answered by bfrob20012000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We weren't born with shoes on. I love to go barefoot
2007-12-06 23:39:23 · answer #8 · answered by jasmine 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
i like being barefoot, but not in the cold!
2007-12-06 23:58:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes!
2007-12-07 19:06:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋