Should You Be Able to Go Barefoot in Public?

YES

Quimora Grant, section editor

After a long day of being on your feet, perhaps in business-casual pumps that are half a size too small or in sneakers that are starting to have a slight sourness to them, all anyone really wants to do is rip off their shoes and walk free – without the restraints of a shoe-centric culture. But why shouldn’t you? Why is bare-footedness such a squeamish topic? And who does it affect the most? 

Among the many vagaries of culture, the freedom to walk shoeless in public places is a topic that has yet to make its way into the American mainstream. Who has the recklessness and (eccentricity?) to let loose? The Australians, of course! Australians and New Zealanders have embraced the barefoot life – it is common for them to go shoeless on walks to the grocery store, driving and even in pubs and restaurants. Many cite its positive effects on well-being, it being a way of embracing the laidback Aussie lifestyle and the fact that it simply feels nice to feel grass beneath your toes and soak up the warmth of the ground. 

Not only does going bare foot allow the freedom of experiencing the world through the soles of your feet, occasional grounding also has health benefits. Direct skin contact with the Earth has an antioxidant-like effect that can accelerate healing, fight inflammation and enhance immune system function. It also leads to overall stronger feelings of well-being. Similar to how swimming in a cool lake or smelling flowers and freshly cut grass on a breezy spring day can make you feel calmer and happier, walking barefoot outside has been shown to induce high levels of “psychological restoration” compared to walking with shoes. 

Maybe, the aversion to bare feet stems from hygiene concerns. However, there is no harm in a bit of dirt. After all, in modern times, there are countless methods of refreshing, sanitizing and manicuring. Having the choice to walk shoeless in public doesn’t mean that society needs to completely forget about shoes. There are also other options; “toe shoes” are rising in popularity, and are lightweight breathable shoes made to mimic the natural gait and structure of the human foot. 

We spoke to someone who has adopted bare footedness on why they are in support of it and how it has improved their life. Ben Schultz, an English teacher here at Johns Creek, offers some insight. 

When asked about how he feels about the idea of not wearing shoes in public, he said:  

“I think that you should have the freedom to do whatever you want. Maybe only in certain circumstances, but, you know, if people want to do it and they’re cool with it, that’s on them, you know?” 

Schultz also commented on the fact that he rarely sees barefoot people in public places. “Unless you’re at the beach,” he said, “I feel like I don’t see that many barefoot people around. Am I against it? No.” 

To those opposed to the barefoot lifestyle, Schultz has this to say:  

“Lighten up. What do you care? Just mind your own business, okay?” 

Again, this is not a call to completely ditch footwear. Of course, there are situations where protecting your feet is a must. In a sketchy public shower, the moist environment provides the bacteria with the perfect place to breed .  On a hot summer day, concrete can reach upwards of 120 degree Fahrenheit. But, if you ever feel the urge to feel the hum of the earth on your skin, be not afraid—kick off your shoes! 

NO

Hannah Bonner, staff writer

Going outside the house without anything on your feet- even just a pair of flip-flops- is very much against the social code. But why? Is this an unfair societal expectation, an oppressive norm formed by centuries of senseless tradition? Is it a symptom of a greater sickness in the hearts of man? No. Wearing shoes in public and outdoor places is an expectation people have that’s meant to protect our health, hygiene… and hairy little toes.  

First off, you’re more prone to injury when shoes aren’t part of the equation. Not that long ago, my friend Harrison was barefoot hiking with some friends. He stepped into a shallow hole in the ground, and that hole happened to have broken glass in it. Resultingly, Harry spent a month using crutches, but if he had just worn some tennis shoes or hiking boots, the worst he would’ve had to deal with is a torn sole.  That’s an extreme example; but think about it. The world is covered in gravel, hot asphalt, broken glass, fire ants, and an unthinkable amount of other things that can burn, cut, stab, bite and otherwise maim unprotected feet. How to solve this issue? Easy! Wear shoes. 

Now, while the visible dangers to bare feet are abundant, they pale in comparison to the invisible dangers. Fungus, infections, warts, the works. Seed/plantar warts are spread through direct contact with an infected person or HPV-contaminated surface, and they’re most often found on the soles of feet. They’re extremely painful, especially when they’re on weight-bearing regions of the feet. Things like thumb tacks can be dodged by watching the ground, but if someone with a plantar wart on their big toe walked right where another unsuspecting bare-footer does… that’s unavoidable, and a big problem.   

James Hurst with APDerm say that the “likelihood of infection [from plantar warts]… varies from person to person…. [It’s] influenced by factors such as… walking barefoot in public places.” What other diseases can be spread by walking around with no shoes? Centreville Foot & Ankle & Sports Medicine says fungal infections, viral infections, parasitic infections and bacterial infections. 

Another factor in the taboo of feet is social anxiety. While not as pressing a matter as personal health and public hygiene, it’s a real issue in the world today. People often find their own feet weird and ugly, and they don’t want others to notice a weird/ugly part of their body. Also, there are people out there who are REALLY WEIRD and notice feet a little too much, so some might avoid even open-toed shoes to avoid unwanted attention. 

It’s true that there are no laws against bare feet in any situation, but that doesn’t mean there are no rules requiring shoes. They’re needed to go into most restaurants and stores. No shirt, no shoes, no service. It’s a cleanliness thing. Worker safety codes also require closed-toed shoes in the workplace for protection and safety purposes. School dress codes require shoes. So, it’s safe to say that the social taboo around bare feet is fair: wear shoes!