Some of you may know me from different platforms. I’ve always loved going barefoot but have been raised in a family where footwear is very strictly enforced. Over the years, I’ve been socially anxious of being barefoot in public until this year. It all started with barefooting in a beach that led to a 10k trail with my wife, 4 days in Europe completely barefoot, wife accepting my barefoot lifestyle and then trying to go barefoot once a day if I can. Here’s a few things I’ve learned.

Myth #1 Going barefoot is ghetto and everyone thinks you're disgusting

The reality is some people actually envy you! I’ve encountered quite a few over the past few months! Your feet may get dirty but your feet never smell.

Myth #2 Everyone is staring at you

In reality, barely anyone notices! Think of it this way, sadly ur not that important. Most they’d do is give another stare here and there but it’s a great price to pay!

Myth #3 Filthy feet is a sign of a good barefoot day

Yes and no. I can get my feet absolutely filthy in an indoor parking lot. I can walk an entire day and my feet still look clean, even if it’s not raining. In general though, going barefoot indoors often gives you dirtier and filthier feet. Cement/Concrete/Gravel acts like a pumice stone and scrubs away your grime, leaving you clean feet. Grass is just a foot wash…

Myth #4 You will step on poo

Ok, how often do you step on doggy doo with your shoes on? Since the area that touches the ground when you’re barefoot is smaller than the soles of a shoe (unless you’re wearing point high heels), statistically the chances should be, lower? What if you step on poo? I’d much rather step on doggy doo barefoot than wearing shoes, feet are much easier to wash!

Myth #5 You will step on glass

Glass reflects so just watch where you’re going. It is especially visible with some light at night. And if you walk barefoot enough, your soles will be so thick that glass won’t penetrate through it!

Myth #6 Going barefoot is illegal, driving barefoot is illegal

False and false. In fact, I drive barefoot all the time. I have more accurate control of the pedals and it’ll be definitely better passenger comfort and fuel economy. Instead of using my ankle to control the force on the accelerator, I use my big toe and I have much more precise control.

Myth #7 It’s bad for your health

My wife’s chiropractor says that walking barefoot is like getting a spinal adjustment. Your posture automatically gets better! In fact, I suffer from scoliosis and barefooting definitely helps. After walking barefoot for a while, it almost feels like my body has a reading of how my weight is distributed. I can feel which side I’m unconsciously leaning towards and am able to compensate for it. After a long walk, I can usually feel the heavier side since my ankles will be unevenly sore.

All in all, I believe that for someone that isn’t brought up barefoot, there are social challenges that will need to be overcome. I cannot thank enough those that have encouraged me and gave me advice, comforted me when I’m anxious, and coached me into being confident walking around. I owe it all to you and I hope if you’re struggling that you can break out of your shell and one day, be comfortable with going barefoot.

To me, going barefoot into establishments is like a thrill ride. No idea what will happen but that’s what makes it interesting. In fact, it feels so cool sometimes if you’re the only one barefoot.

Also, feel free to comment any questions or PM me too! We’re all in this journey together!

After years of experiencing this lifestyle across different parts of the country, I'm sharing my list of the most barefoot-friendly cities, considering climate, infrastructure, social acceptance, and natural spaces:

1. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

• Well-maintained cobblestone streets
• Open international community
• Mild weather year-round
• Many cultural spaces with relaxed atmosphere

1. Sayulita, Nayarit

• Surfer and hippie culture
• Amazing beaches
• Community used to seeing barefoot people
• Many open-minded expats and tourists

1. San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas

• Alternative cultural environment
• Well-maintained pedestrian walkways
• Eco-friendly community
• Cool but pleasant climate

1. Tulum, Quintana Roo

• White sand beaches
• Strong yoga/wellness culture
• International community
• Many barefoot-friendly spaces

1. Valle de Bravo, Estado de México

• Close to natural spaces
• Sports/outdoor community
• Temperate climate
• Well-maintained pedestrian areas

1. Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

• Relaxed beach vibe
• Surfer community
• Organic markets
• Beaches for every taste

1. Tepoztlán, Morelos

• New age culture
• Natural trails
• Spiritual community
• Mystical and relaxed atmosphere

1. Todos Santos, Baja California Sur

• Magical town by the sea
• Artistic community
• Dry and pleasant climate
• Quiet streets

1. Bacalar, Quintana Roo

• Crystal clear lagoon
• Relaxed atmosphere
• Less touristy than other destinations
• Eco-conscious community

1. Cholula, Puebla

• University city
• Archaeological zones
• Well-maintained parks
• Young and cultural environment

Important considerations:

• These cities stand out for having clean pedestrian areas
• All have established alternative communities
• Weather is generally favorable
• Natural spaces nearby

Additional tips:

• Always carry sandals with you just in case
• Respect mandatory footwear signs
• Stay in tourist/cultural areas where there's more openness

What has been your experience in these or other cities? Would you add any to the list? Please visit r/BarefootMexico if you wanna join our community

Spent a day two weekends in a row at the Ohio renaissance festival. I was the only barefoot patron that I saw. The grounds have unevenly distributed gravel which was very annoying. Make it nice or make it dirt… Was fun though. Lots of people in disbelief. It’s hilarious to see people dressed to the nines in their costumes and then you look down and they’ve got sneakers on… I was the most authentic hobbit around.

Today I went to Oktoberfest at the local Hilton. It's pretty much the only one in Sri Lanka, and is considered a big deal.

I was walking in, and was just past the entrance when a lovely young local fraulein (she was dressed in what could pass for a dirndl if it was low light and you squinted) rushed up to me and said ... "Ummm ... sir ... you're ... ummm ... barefoot... and we may ... umm ... broken glass"

So I assured her that I had been barefoot for 24 years, and would not sue them if I got spiked.

I then proceeded to eat, drink, and dance for the next 5 hours

Urgh! I was catching up on this sub earlier and saw a comment from someone about "any clothes being stylish with bare feet" - something I tend to agree with as I think bare feet go well with just about anything as well. It got me doing some random surfing on keywords like "barefoot fashion", "bare feet style" etc on both Google and Bing. Sad to see that I couldn't find a combo of keywords that turned up any meaningful results about actual barefoot fashion (apart from the odd page) and the results were all saturated with stuff about barefoot shoes. I mention this because a few years back when I was looking into phasing out footwear there seemed to be a lot of suitable reading material but it's just getting lost in the search engines now. Ffs.

I'm pretty much new and curious on this world, wanted to know how it feels like and if it's possible to someone live 24/7 barefoot all the time.

I'm a 45 year old male from Los Angeles that likes to go barefoot but I never see other barefooters running errands. It would me nice to know other barefooters in my area.

I think part of it has to do with me being single and I know that finding a girlfriend when you don't own shoes is practically impossible. I'm not poor but I have to live like it so I don't actually become poor. I guess confidence is a luxury for me right now. But yeah I don't know what to do.

Hello, everyone. I'm pretty new to walking long distances completely barefoot. I've been wearing vibrams for years, & have always been barefoot when at home & walking around near my house..so finally felt I was ready. 1st, I took an old pair of Vibrams & pulled the souls off, so I was walking on judt the soft part. I wore holes in those, but kept wearing em like that, so at least part of the ball & heel of my feet would be directly on the ground. When I felt comfortable with that, I cut most of the soft part away, only leaving a strip of fabric across the arch part ofcmy foot, so the vibrams would stay in place. That way I can wear em to places where shoes are required. Now, I'm completely barefoot most of the time, & can walk for miles like this. The balls of my feet are starting to wear smooth & are a lot less sensitive to touch. I haven't noticed a huge change in my heels, except they're less sensitive, as well. I've also noticed my feet are stronger, & my toes don't hurt as much when I stub them (score!)

My only thing is that the balls of my feet are inflamed after a long day of being on them & walking barefoot everywhere I possibly can. I just wanna know if this is a normal part of the process, & has anyone else experienced this? Massage seems to help, but maybe there's something else I can do for them, or should I just stick it out like I have been? TIA! 😊

Ich habe früher mir oft einen Spaß daraus gemacht gelegentlich nur auf den ballen zu gehen, dabei berührt meine Ferse den Boden nie. Ich konnte dies sogar ziemlich hoch schaffen.

Jetzt nach meinen Fußbruch ist das bei meinen einen natürlich relativ schwer wieder zu erlangen.

Was ich mich frage ist, trainiert diese Art zu gehen bereits schon maßgeblich die Fußmuskulatur oder ist das eher unideal verglichen mit den üblichen Fuß-Übungen zum aufbau.

Ich nehme an die barefoot community hat da Das beste Wissen. Immerhin ist barfuß die beste Art zu gehen und solange ich nicht groß weggehe bin ich auch durchweg barfuß, selbst auf der Straße vor der Wohnung.

Tried mustering up the courage to take the trash out, going to my car, or simply hanging out barefoot. I just feel embarrassed. Im Mexican and last time my brother saw me barefoot he kept saying "are you white or something?". Its bad lol

Only times im barefoot are in the mornings when nobodys home or at night after i shower. Aside from that, I just find it difficult to not wear anything.

The other week however, i was envious! I saw a lady walking her dogs , barefoot around the block. It was a nice and sunny day. I was working at the moment and what i do at work is hugely physically straining and lots of walking. Having my feet out would have been a bliss that day, but damn. To live in a world where being barefoot is dirty and looked down upon in my household and area.

All is good though, what are your thoughts and perspectives?

I'm an Irish dancer and our dancing shoes are the furthest thing from barefoot, after I dance my toes are always sore from being so squished together! I usually put my toe spacers on after but can anyone recommend some good toe stretches that are good for after wearing tight shoes? Thanks

Trying again to connect with other barefooters here. I know you’re out there.

Bioshock 2 Multiplayer (Barbara Johnson and Mlle Blanche de Glace)

League of Legends (Many character skins or default design)

Dota 2 (Many character skins or default design) Street Fighter Franchise

Overwatch (Many character skins or default design)

Dead by Daylight (Many character skins or default design)

Friday the 13th game (Spring Break 1984 Clothing Pack)

Conan Exiles

I would like to go to school barefoot next year next summer because I live barefoot every day. But I would like to have advice from people who have already done this I go barefoot outside from time to time. But I would like to be barefoot day to day 7/7 24/24

Hello, after 18 months of barefoot I am looking for exercices to improve individual toe mobility. Up to now i was just wiggling things around but now i would like to follow a proper routine. I can currently move the big and little toes around, but the other ones are pretty much stuck together. Any advice welcome, thanks !

Every time i am barefoot my feet get cold. And than i am feeling cold in my whole body. Does anybody have tips?

I think I'm fine but gravel trails are really tough.

It’s also affected my inner knee (no damage on MRI) which makes a loud pop when I squat.

Every time I flex my quad (depending on how I’ve positioned my leg), my knee clicks.

What do I do?

I shouldn't think so right?

I want to make it a habit to strengthen my feet and ankles everyday but when I’m looking up strengthening exercises, I get overwhelmed by the amount of strengthening exercises out there. If I can find 3-4 exercises I do daily, it would feel more manageable. What foot/ankle strengthening exercises do you find most helpful?

A question for the participants from China. How is barefoot walking treated in your country? Are there any parks or paths where you can walk barefoot? How will they react to a barefoot person in the city? I have heard that there is very negative perception of this activity in Chinese culture. How much of a myth is this

So my local Circle K gas station has 2 managers that are foot phobic. They never had a sign on their store for the 3 years I’ve lived here. Just within the last couple months, they have seen my bare feet in the store and tried telling me I need to have shoes next time. I told them there is no sign on the door, to which they ignored me and didn’t wanna look at me, like they had nothing to say.

After it happened another time, I told them once again, there is no sign on the door, and I pulled the Circle K policy up, showing that there is nothing that says anything about shoes, or feet.

Fast forward to just this past weekend, I was pulling around the store from the back way, like I always do, and one of the managers that has had an attitude with me ever since my ex MIL quit (from neglect and abuse from the managers), for reasons that have nothing to do with me, rushed in the back door. I got inside, and to their surprise I was actually wearing flip flops that day.

Wouldnt of had any issue, I was going about my business grabbing products, and then I hear that manager talking shit about me and the times I’ve been barefoot in there. I said in a loud voice “I know you’re talking about me”, to which she tried to walk off and ignore me. After I went to the fountain drink area, that is next to the counter exit, I look directly at her and say “I know you’re talking about me, you guys have no policy or sign.” She tells me there is, and tried to show me a sign on the front that she went out of her way to get, specifically because of me. I told her the actual policy has nothing against bare feet, and that it’s not right that she is trying to bend the rules. She tells me she works there, she knows what she is talking about.

After not being able to prove me wrong, her and her employee tell me it’s a health safety hazard. I explained that since I’m barefoot, I know what’s on my feet, I watch where I’m stepping, and I wipe and clean my feet. They said “we don’t know where your nasty feet have been!” With a loud attitude. I responded back by saying “people walk through shit, blood, chemicals, and whatever diseases and have no clue or don’t care, because they have shoes on, and they track that in your store, so for you to tell me that MY FEET are the problem, is fucking bullshit and you know it.” I walked out after that, haven’t been there since.

I followed up the next day by trying to contact corporate, but there is no direct contact. All circle K has is a contact request form that directs your form to the store, and the managers call you. No, I don’t wanna speak to the very store that’s discriminating against me, I want a word with whoever is above them.

Do I pursue this, as it’s the only 24/7 gas station near me, or do I move on and deal with it?

Ever since starting to actively venture further outside barefoot more often all I’ve had was warm concrete/ asphalt to experience and if I’m being honest sometimes that heat and texture combo can be a bit over stimulating. Today was the first day of a pretty chilly cold front and I made sure I was outside early before it warmed up even slightly. THIS. This was way much more enjoyable. A little cold at first but cake after a minute or two. The ground felt amazing! Nice and cool, I could’ve walked for hours without problems. I’ve seen a lot of others mention the warm surface to cool surface experience but I think cool to warm surfaces is way better. Do you guys have a preference of season or surface temp. specifically cold to warm?

As the amount of time I spend barefoot increases I’ve noticed the fat pad underneath my calcaneus getting larger too. It’s so thick now I can hold my foot still at the ankle and move the pad around on top of the bone.

Is this an indication of poor gait - am I heel striking too much? Or is this just normal adaptation and I should relish in my natural cushioning?