Barefoot

Healthy feet and ideal footprints of a girl who regularly goes barefoot

Going barefoot is the practice of walking without shoes or socks. This practice is a sensory experience but is uncommon outdoors or in public places in industralized countries and affluent societies where shoes are generally affordable.

Activities

Barefoot hiking

On natural soil, it is possible to take off the shoes and to hike barefoot. In the United States as well as in European countries some barefoot hiking groups have been founded -- they announce shoeless excursions on the Internet. This kind of harmless outdoor adventure finds increasing interest and is also suited for school classes and sport clubs. In German-speaking countries, special barefoot parks have been established to offer ideal conditions for going barefoot. There is one main book on the topic: "The Barefoot Hiker" by Richard Frazine. Here is an article which captures the pleasure that many find in this activity.

Barefoot sports

Most martial arts are exercised barefoot, similarly many gymnastics and dancing disciplines. Barefoot beach volleyball and beach soccer have become the favourites of many young people.

=== Barefoot lifestyle === A significant portion of the population even in developed countries enjoy going barefoot and a few of them are resisting the taboo against doing this in public. They defend their barefoot lifestyle as completely harmless to other people and expect tolerance of their choice not to wear shoes.

Religious and cultural aspects

Sign of godliness

Many religions consider removing shoes as appropriate when approaching holy places. In Exodus, Moses had to take off his shoes before approaching the burning bush. Muslims must be unshod for praying or to attend services in a mosque. Some Christian churches practice barefoot pilgrimage traditions. In the Hindu religion, the preference to go barefoot is due to the worship of holy animals and the ban on wearing leather products.

Symbol of peace

In ancient times, shoes predominantly served as military equipment. Therefore Jesaia announced that all boots will be burned when the Redeemer will be born. Jesus advised his disciples to go out for preaching the Kingdom of God without taking along shoes -- and Jesus is shown barefoot on most paintings to demonstrate his peaceful mission. Mahatma Gandhi, famous for his non-violent campaigns for human rights, is commemorated by a barefoot course around his monument. Even the Pope John Paul II paid him this honour.

Barefoot on stage

In dancing, theatre, and opera perfomances, bare feet are frequently used as a means of very directly expressing emotions, fears or vulnerability, but also a healthy down-to-earth attitude. Many singers and artists like to appear barefoot to create a familiar atmosphere for their performance.

Myths

There are many myths and popular misconceptions regarding regulations against bare feet.

Driving Barefoot

In the United States, widespread belief in the existence of laws against driving barefoot has been debunked as an urban legend.

In Germany, traffic laws definitely do not forbid driving barefoot. For thorough study see this page on German traffic laws (in German language).

In Belgium, the driving code does not explicitly ban barefoot driving, but article 8.3 requires drivers to be "constantly able to perform any maneuver". According to the federal police, this implicitly bans barefoot driving.

In Hong Kong, laws require drivers to be driving with appropriate footwear. Driving barefoot, or with sandals, is not allowed.

No Shoes, no shirt...

In the United States, it is also frequently believed that OSHA regulations prevent people from going to stores, restaurants, and the like without shoes (or a shirt.) In fact, the law (such as it is) refers specifically to employees and is designed to protect employers from lawsuits. There are no state health codes that ban customers from going barefoot in establishments, as is demonstrated by a project undertaken by The Society for Barefoot Living. "No shoes, no shirt, no service" signs and the like can, however, be put up by an individual establishment, and each store, restaurant, etc. has the right to turn away customers based on perceived breeches of etiquette. Individual cities and towns may also require certain footwear in public places.

Health issues

There may be regional risks like poisonous animals, or intestinal parasites such as hookworm that may cause infections after walking on soil containing hookworm larva. Some physicians who espouse natural healing traditions recommend going barefoot as a measure against flat feet, varicose veins, and dorsal pain. This benefit is believed to counterbalance potential risks. In the Far East, reflexology paths have been established to promote public healthcare. Some evidence for the health benefits of going barefoot has been collected on the page Parents for Barefoot Children. People who promote a barefoot lifestyle, such as Richard Frazine and members of The Society for Barefoot Living claim that after a long time of going barefoot, feet become tougher and are less susceptible (though not immune) to commonly feared hazards; this is echoed by former NJ health commissioner Len Fishman.

Celebrities

MEN

• Model Travis Fimmel not only does most of his modeling in bare feet, but says he goes barefoot almost exclusively.
• Singer Henry Rollins often performs barefoot on stage.

WOMEN

• Actress Julia Roberts is known as a person who loves to be barefoot.
• Actresses Liv Tyler and Cameron Diaz is no "real" barefooters, but they are two of few that have walked barefoot on the red carpet at their own movie-premieres.
• Model Pamela Anderson is often seen in magazines, walkning around barefoot in her hometown.
• Singer Shakira is often barefoot on stage, as well as in her musicvideos.
• Singer Deana Carter is famous for the fact that she performs in bare feet.
• Singer Joss Stone another barefooter while performing.
• Singer Kelly Clarkson has performed barefoot occasionly.
• Singer Mandy Moore sometimes performs in bare feet.
• Singer Britney Spears is now known for that occasion when she went barefoot into a public bathroom
• Designer Genevieve Gorder just had to be barefoot during the series "Trading Spaces" on TLC
• Runner Zola Budd often ran barefoot in competition.

References

B.F., Tongs au volant : gare ! in La Dernière Heure, August 6th, 2003

External Links

• BeingBareFoot.com - New supportive and friendly Forum for meeting and talking about being barefoot
• Natural and Healthy Barefoot Activities
• Society for Barefoot Living
• RunningBarefoot.org
• Parents for Barefoot Children