Does going barefoot on the train look funny when everyone else is wearing work clothes?

Question

I am meeting some friends and need to catch the train during peak hour. I never wear shoes and wonder what people will think when they see me barefooted on the train during commuter hours. Is it strange to be barefoot on the train when everyone else is in shoes?

Answer 1

It's strange to be barefoot on a train at any time. Not to mention incredibly unhygenic and also a little risky - you could stand on something nasty and get TB, or other people could stand on your feet – which will happen a lot in rush hour.

Answer 2

Guard your tootsies. . .i luv going barefoot but out in public is risky . . .too many germs . . .the slightest cut and you could get blood poisoning. . .too many people sounds like crunch time cuz..busy people won't notice your feet ...take care

Answer 3

It is unconventional to go barefoot in public.  In days gone by, people who were barefoot in public were barefoot because they did not own shoes, not because they chose to be barefoot.  Nowadays, while people who go barefoot are not similarly impoverished, barefoot people are still frowned upon.

Some will say that going barefoot is not hygenic, but I assure you going barefoot does nothing to contribute to the spread of any disease.  It is true that one should be careful where he puts his foot down to see what it is he may be stepping on - what's a shame is that people in shoes often do not do so.

If you get funny looks, so be it.  There's no harm in what you're doing.  And I agree with Sheriam that the foot looks essentially the same from a standing neighbor when it's bare or in flip-flops.  People really have no reason to gripe.

So, to answer your question directly, I guess I would have to say it is strange in the sense that it is atypical, but strange has a negative connotation that I would prefer to avoid.  So, I prefer unconventional or atypical.  However, choose your own word.  And by all means, do what you like without caring too much about what's strange or not - life is way too short.

Thanks for the question.

Answer 4

get some shoes of some sort maybe sandals as my fellow answerer suggested... its just to risky to step on a rusty nail or a used needle... just looking out for your health... but hey people shouldn't judge you for letting your toesies go free... i love walking barefoot down my road... helps exfoliate

Answer 5

eww the trains are nasty i don't want you to catch anything.. well they probably will think some one stole your shoes they probably won't really care..

Answer 6

I'd say yes.  It's strange to me to see someone barefoot in any public place other than a beach or something in that area.  Get some flip flops or shower shoes, that way, your feet are out but not on the grown.

Try it.....

Answer 7

Yes.  Are you Mahatma Gandhi?

Answer 8

Yes.  I feel funny with the toes in my cast being uncovered while all passengers are dressed for work, even though some women are wearing sandals with and without hose.

Answer 9

You probably won't be allowed to on the train barefoot for safety reasons

Answer 10

I would be surprised if you were permitted to enter the train at all as many places of business don't allow bare feet for safety reasons.

Answer 11

What a sad lot of antibarefoot bias again :-( It will look a bit strange in the same way as any alternative dress looks a bit 'strange' or uncommon, but if you don't mind to stand out then go for it. It is NOT dangerous, unhealthy or gross to go barefoot even on public transport. I travel in rush hour on the train quite a lot, have done so for eleven years, and I get a tiny splinter maybe once a year. I have NEVER had a cut. Feet are much tougher than most people think! As for people stepping on my toes, that has happened plenty of times too, we're sometimes packed like sardines. Again, feet are tougher than people think, only one time I had a *very* slight scratch... also there are many people in sandals and flipflops all summer long, does anyone of the answerers above worry about them getting stepped on?

As for people who don't like the sight of bare feet, in flipflops you still see the entire foot looking down at it from the top! While for the barefooter, at least for me, the most important thing about going barefoot is feeling the ground underfoot, and even the thinnest sole does completely away with that, for anyone looking down at my feet such a tiny strap can hardly make a big difference.

Lastly, some people equate any alternative dress with disrespect, but I think that is an unfortunate thing. It is our differences that make life more interesting and colorful. And bare feet in particular can also be a sign of *respect*; think of how some cultures require bare feet in their temples, how some monks go barefoot as a sign of humbleness. To me, bare feet are the most soft, gentle and *respectful* way to walk, making me more aware of my surroundings and of Mother Earth. I certainly consider it more respectful than the careless, unfeeling step of a thick-soled boot, but if someone wants to wear those it's their own choice and I won't tell them to take their footwear off.

Answer 12

Germs!!! Yes it would seem strange to go bare footed on a train.

Answer 13

Yeah, kind of weird.  And you can get stepped on, or otherwise damaged.  Shoes are protection, not just fashion.

Answer 14

think about the amount of dirt, germs and c**p your feet pick up all day WITH shoes on...and now think about what you'd collect on your feet without shoes.  Then think about when you get back home, and put your feet up on the couch while you chill out and eat some chips...then you get sleepy and hop in the bed...

...all that S**t you picked up throughout the day will go to bed with you at night.  eeew.

Answer 15

why dont you wear shoes?

and yes it will look funny put shoes on you could stand on something or whatever argh.