hi ive been wondering where do you start with barefoot walking it sounds cool but how do you go about it and is it illegal in the UK
No not illegal, you'll actually find the UK quite a 'couldn't give a toss' type of place when it comes to bare feet. Sure you'll get the 'isn't it cold' and 'does it hurt?' from time to time but the worst you will usually experience is a blank stare. I'm in the South West, been barefoot for 12 years with no problems. I know personally two other full-time barefooters in the UK who also have had very few problems. Although I admit I'm not a city guy and live in the country. I've visited London and Birmingham a few times for a various reasons and only came away with dirty feet :2thumbsup:. As far as starting goes just do what you feel is right. Personally I just don't like to wear them rather than a statement. Just remember that most people worry more about what others think rather than the reality which is that they either think you're a bit mad or don't care at all. I find it kinda helps that you also don't look like you left your shoes at home instead it's all part of the image. I'm a typical dreadhead, crusty type, people just raise an eyebrow in a 'oh it's a hippie' kinda way. Another example is a friend of mine in Cornwall she is a full-time barefooter and works in a surf shop; it just fits the surfer steriotype. Good luck :2thumbsup: Madesh
My Mother would often go barefoot. At the start of Summer she would go barefoot on the pavement and it would scorch her feet and, I suppose, give her nice calluses that made barefooting easier for some time. Sometimes she would hop on the pavement because it was so hot. A few years back, I wouldn't go barefoot, but I'd just wear socks. That made my feet not hurt so much, but I still didn't have to wear socks.
Welcome, cjfc. A very sensible reply there from Madesh, if I might say so. It's certainly not illegal. The secret really is to be confident, as the main issue is worrying about what other people think, or what they might say. At the start I used to make the mistake of going out with footwear on, thinking I'd remove them when the moment was somehow "right". Of course, that "right" moment never comes and I ended up torn in my head between desperately wanting to remove my shoes, and chickening out as if it was some big deal. Just go out barefoot as though it's what you've always done. You'll be surprised (and even disappointed) at the lack of reaction from people who have other things on their mind other than what's on your feet. Remember they're your feet, and you're entitled to do what you like, and you're doing nothing wrong! Good luck, and keep us posted on how it goes!
ok i will keep you posted but with the weather here i don't think i will not be barefoot walking for a while
I find that people find it easier to do if their with someone else who more confidently goes barefoot. Otherwise, go out on a warm evening when you feel less conspicuous, and walk in places where there aren't a lot of other people. Once your foot pads start to toughen up you won't feel so vulnerable.
Instead of plodding along like normal, concentrate on stepping lightly so you can detect sharp objects under-foot and not put your whole weight on them . You'll learn to lift and lighten your step to prevent punctures and lacerations.
One common mistake people make when they first start going barefoot outdoors is overdoing it. They may burn their soles and swear off ever going barefoot outside again. Every person's soles adapt differently to their new environment. Start out S-L-O-W-L-Y! On a warm spring day try walking on concrete or hard ground for a little while. As soon as you may feel slightly uncomfortable, STOP. Try again the next day. Soon, your feet will adapt and build up strength and it will be second nature to you. I've had girlfriends who had uniformly leather-like tough soles, hard calloused soles and soft, tender like soles and none had any discomfort or care about barefooting with me on hot summer asphalt, gravel, etc. If we got small shards of glass in our feet we didn't even feel it. Everyone is different in how their skin adapts and how soon. Slow paced is the key!
well i did it recently i went for a walk barefoot and it was great but it was kind of sore on my feet.
Not Illegal per say - though beware the Health and Safety Vigilantes ! Manchester's Sunny streets see a number of barefooted Students around the Campus - as long as the temperature holds up
I do it year round in the UK. Today I went to the football in Wigan. (I live in London). I make videos of much of my barefoot activity. There'll be a full video from today soon, but here's a preview clip, and of course you can explore my prior exploits on my youtube channel. Straight from the game. Wigan vs QPR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrnBOUgVTnw"]Straight from the game. Wigan vs QPR - YouTube
I know this is old. Firstly take off shoes, then socks and look you are barefoot. Walk around the house and garden first, then take it to your own street and gradually work up to woods and parks etc...
Don't get discouraged, in the beginning I could barely make it a block. Ouch ouch my feet hurt, this sucks, why do they have to use such big rocks to make this stupid asphalt road mix !!? Barefooting makes walks so more fun, you learn to aim for the places with the nice textures, stuff that feels good to walk on and plot courses to avoid real rough spots. That ouch ouch my feet hurt road is no problem now, walk right down the middle all the way to the beach or where ever, I could do a mile on it easy. Its very similar to the gym, in the beginning that weight feels like it will crush you but you work up to it and in a few weeks it lifts pretty easy. The skin gets tougher I guess but I think its mostly changes in feet muscles like they are stronger between the bone and bottom better padding and also learning how to walk barefoot by doing it that makes this happen. Would have been nice to have taken a before and after pictures.
