Hi everyone, im new to the site. Im in my 20's and live in NW england, like alot of people here i wish i had courage to go out barefoot more often, but il just share a couple of my favourite experiences. A couple of years ago i was in edinburgh, the temperature was well above 20degreesC and i was waiting in the park for a friend who was having a job interview. Loads of people were barefoot on the grass, as you'd expect. After about an hour of 'should i, shouldn't i?' I put my flipflops in my rucksack and started walking out of the park. It was pathetic really, but my heart was beating fast, and I felt a combination of fear, embarrassment and excitement as I walked out onto the main street. I continued to walk down the high street, and didnt notice anyone looking down so far! As i stood at traffic lights a group of young girls noticed my feet and started laughing and gigling to themselves, i had a fantastic walk across main roads, pavements, through the shopping centres and eventually back to my friends house, where I put my flip flops back on before I arrived! This was the first time Id ever walked like barefoot in such an open public place. I didnt notice anything other than a few glances and there were no negative reactions. The second time I was in rhodes, Greece. if anyone has been to the 'old town' its a fantastic place for barefooting, its a huge outdoor market with smooth tiles that feel great to walk on. I wandered round for ages, I was actually disappointed with the lack of reactions from people! Feet were VERY black by the end. I didnt see anybody else barefoot in the market but almost everyone was wearing sandals of some description.
Hi Paulo and welcome to the select group of British barefooters on here! Yes, you do feel a twerp the first few times you seriously go barefoot, feeling very nervous and excited at the same time. You somehow imagine that everyone will laugh and stare at you, or that the foot police will appear out of nowhere and order you to put some shoes on sharpish. When none of these happen, you can relax and just be comfortable. As you've already discovered, hardly anyone notices nor cares. I actually find it better to just go out barefoot and not take any shoes. Somehow it's a continuation of being barefoot indoors, which surely no one can object to, and you then don't have to go through all that "should I, shouldn't I?" feeling you descibe. If you are barefoot from the start you are more relaxed and if you do suddenly get nervous you are forced to brazen it out. Anyway, welcome and have fun!
I understand where you're coming from Paulo. The first few times out in public, especially after getting bad comments, I was nervous inside about being barefoot. Now, I'm more confident about my bare feet, and no one seems to react too much. The nervousness goes away as you get used to barefooting and it becomes a part of your daily lifestyle. It's a great feeling, isn't it? Welcome to the hipforums! Definitely keep us updated on your barefoot journey through life!
as others have said welcome to hip forums. i sure you will enjoy the site. as you become a more experienced barefooter the anxiety will diminish. as you become more comfortable barefooting you will realize others really do not care.
Welcome to the forum, Paulo. I've been barefooting in the Hull and Barton upon Humber area (N.E. England) for years without any problems. Any comments are always positive, in my experience, and i've had no problem in shops or pubs. I'm currently doing voluntary conservation work at the Barton nature reserve (www.watersedgecountrypark.org) every weekend, bf, of course, which is great training for my bf hiking activities, and gives me plenty of opportunities to promote the bf lifestyle to the many visitors. No converts yet, though...
