I was hoping to find an existing thread for this but couldn't find an appropriate location. So here we go. I'm always amazed/confused when I see stories/articles encouraging going barefoot despite society's frowning on the practice. A few months ago the big topic was running barefoot. Maybe that took the edge off some people's negativity at least for the short term. Personally I haven't encountered very many negative comments this year. Anyhow, this past weekend there was a short article in the "USA Weekend" magazine in the Sunday newspaper. It was near the bottom of the 4th page and was titled "The Joys of Barefoot Running." It talked a lot about all the minimal-soled shoe options available. What struck me was the last sentence, "Swap the old treads for barefoot shoes or go naked-footed to reconnect with one of the joys of childhood." Once again, the media seems to be encouraging going barefoot. I just hope society in general can come to appreciate that perspective.
maybe in the rest of the world but here in the snotty, snubby USA I would doubt it would happen, then again stranger things have happened
I want to go barefoot all the time... but afraid stores/etc. will kick me out when I go in them. I hate the "no shoes no service" policy *sigh*. How do you all cope with this?
What is the worst that could happen? You're asked to leave. But what you are really asking is something we all go through which is am a spectacle? Is everyone staring and judging me? So it sorta is a question of how much do I want to go into a store barefoot.....probably a lot. Start small like maybe a grocery store and work into it. Good luck.
I was just like you two months ago. Just go for it. Be ready for quick comeback lines. "where are your shoes?"...." In the car / at home etc"
i tried barefooting. i made it about a month until i nearly stepped on a syringe in the park. no more barefooting
I think your reaction is pretty standard for anyone starting out. My first experience was going barefoot to a Starbucks to get a cup of coffee to go. I figured I'd get busted and that would be the last time I tried. Much to my delight, nobody said a word! After a few more successful visits, I started branching out to grocery stores, etc. I was amazed at how few people care! The only way to get comfortable with going out barefoot is to give it a try. Don't act shy about it, just do your business the same as always. If you do get a rude comment, don't give up. I've been keeping tabs of where I've gone and have data that over 99.5% of businesses, etc. don't care if you're barefoot.
I have to be honest here and say that even though most stores don't even notice if your barefoot or not, I normally have a pair of flip-flops in my bag for emergencies. Never had to use them yet! My local bar doesn't even care if I'm wearing shoes or not. It very much depends where you live I think.
Maybe in Austin. That's hardly the case where I live. Some are immaculately clean; some are strewn with broken glass and nasties.
