Is it ever ok to go barefoot in public?

Question

Is it ever ok to go barefoot in public?

Answer 1

Yes, it always is! either based completely on myths and misinformation, on *very* slight risks blown way out of proportion, or on social values which are also biased since very flimsy sandals are fine even in formal situations, at least for women (less for men, etiquette seems to require closed shoes for them in formal cases, which is s*x discrimination, but that's another topic). There are NO serious concerns why you shouldn't go barefoot except for truly extreme weather -in which bare feet may still go a lot further than you think since I do go barefoot in snow and aboriginals are known to be able to handle the Australian desert.

Injury is very unlikely; I've been barefoot for eleven years, I get a tiny splinter maybe once a year, and I've NEVER had a cut.

Our skin is made to keep pathogens out, and unless you l**k your toes or put your feet on the dinner table, we're at far greater risk of catching something through our hands than through our feet.

Parasites aren't likely to be caught from going barefoot either; the hookworm can enter the skin, however it's been pretty much eradicated from the South since modern plumbing has replaced the outhouses and never was a serious threat in cooler climates.

There are NO laws against going barefoot in stores; unfortunately in the US many stores will set dress codes of their own, but those who claim their policy is based on Health Department laws are misinformed or plainly lying. Nor do insurance companies require or even recommend footwear for customers. In other countries -not just third world countries where health and safety rules are often ignored, but also Canada, Western Europe, Australia- signs and dress codes prohibiting bare feet are rare. I've never even seen a 'no shoes, no shirts, no service' sign here in the Netherlands, nor on my trips to Belgium and Scotland.

Athlete's foot needs a shoe to grow; it's very rare among barefoot populations.

Those who dislike the sight of bare feet either have a problem with flipflops too -from above, the tiny strap really doesn't make much of a difference. But really what's so bad about feet, they're more like hands than any other body part. They do NOT get nasty from going barefoot, they get nasty (corns, bunions) from wearing shoes!

The only real reason for not going barefoot is social; unfortunately many people equate an alternative habit or way of dress with lack of respect. However, I think our differences make life more interesting and colorful, and as far as bare feet in particular are concerned, I find the gentle, soft step a much *more* respectful way of walking than stomping around in a heavy shoe. It makes us aware of our surroundings and of Mother Earth, even on man-made surfaces. And think also of how some religions require bare feet in their temples, how some monks go barefoot as a sign of humbleness... Now if someone is barefoot, in dirty jeans with holes in them, unwashed/uncombed hair, etc, etc, okay that looks sloppy but don't judge by bare feet alone, to some they are the total opposite from sloppiness and disrespect! People who think it is not okay should be more open to different cultures and values, rather than judge everyone by their own.

Answer 2

F*** nooooooooo!!!!!!!!!  Unless you're at a beach.

Answer 3

Cut your toenails first.

Answer 4

Depends on where you are...if you're in a nice restaurant, no. If you are in a park, i think you can get away with it.

Answer 5

Do you wear flip flops or sandals? Basically you are barefoot when you wear those. All there is on your feet is something on the bottom to protect your feet from getting splinters, cuts, etc. I think that anyone should have the right to go barefoot anywhere.

Answer 6

i think it is up to you but not in public buildings  but on the beach  on the street  in parks  i dont see anything wrong with it  maybe not safe though

Answer 7

i see anything wrong with it

Answer 8

it is at the beach! :)

Answer 9

i certainly hope so, cause i'm barefoot all the time, except at work, afterwards the shoes come off! i keep pair of flips under my driver seat in case i gotta run in somewhere, otherwise i do driveups everywhere i can.

Answer 10

uhhhh nooooo  

Answer 11

Not really unless you are at the beach or a water park, otherwise it really is proper to have some sort of shoe on, even if it is a sandal.  

Answer 12

yea .some people cant afford shoes

Answer 13

Sure. I go barefoot at the beach all the time.

Answer 14

no

Answer 15

at the beach.

Answer 16

I not sure if it's OK but I do all the time

Answer 17

Some people can't afford shoes... my cousins in Korea go barefoot, but they are careful to keep their feet washed and in good condition.

Don't judge... :(

Answer 18

Yes at causal places no one will care, the beach, the park, at a party. It's more about the sanitation and safety issue that requires us to wear shoes.