Share Your Positive Experiences!

I thought it would be good to capture people’s positive experiences about the barefoot lifestyle. To someone trying to decide if barefoot living is worth the “risk,” I’d like them to hear the good stories. I don’t mean to be critical of the site or its contributors; it’s just often easier to focus on the downside rather than the upside. Reading some accounts, one gets the impression there’s a greater than 50-50 chance you’ll be denied service somewhere. I’m as guilty as anybody (see “Bummer at Target”). The reality is, this summer, I did most everything barefoot, went most everywhere barefoot, and only had two minor issues. I was stopped at Target once and told I had to wear footwear to shop there. On another occasion, a woman at a grocery checkout told me their safety policy required shoes (this was after I’d passed 10 or more employees who said nothing – in a chain I routinely visit!). She then checked me out without another comment.

Overall, I’d say well over 99% of the time (no exaggeration!), I’ve had no problem going somewhere barefoot. I’ve often found people to be friendlier and more accommodating. Deana Carter, the country singer who always performs barefoot, was quoted in the USA Weekend Magazine (September 19-21, 1997) as saying, "It's like when you go visit somebody at their home and they answer the door in their stocking feet. You just naturally feel a little more, like, chill."

I’d like people to contribute their positive experiences. Stories about places you’ve gone barefoot expecting negativity but were accepted. Some of the older folks on this site have told me that living barefoot has improved their gait and relieved joint pain. Personally, when shopping I find store employees seem a lot more hospitable. Living barefoot, I like the lightness of my feet, the feel of air circulating around my ankles and toes, the feel of the surface I’m walking on, etc.

So how about sharing some of your positive experiences? Maybe it will help some people undecided about barefoot living come around!

 

I live in the UK, which is very barefoot friendly. There are no ns3 signs, no problems with health & safety, or any restrictions on shopping or visiting museums or even cafes (including the local McDonalds!). This means all my bf experiences are positive, like other UK barefooters. I'm currently doing weekend voluntary work at a local nature reserve (litter, weeding & trimming, etc.) and the warden is impressed - and a lttle envious - that i can do it barefoot, as some of the paths are quite rough. The nearest thing to a negative comment i've had was from the passenger of a passing car who said "get some shoes on!" All other comments have been supportive. In fact, its not unusual to see "part time" barefooters when the weather gets hot.

 

I agree with Straight toes that we can be a bit negative (I'm guilty too) and it's time to redress the balance. Like John I live in the UK and have only once had real hassle (from a supermarket, see other post). I find that generally people hardly notice I am barefoot, let alone make any adverse comment. I just feel more comfortable and relaxed without shoes. I do wish more people would try it, the perceived dangers and downsides just aren't there. I agree that being barefoot often makes people more friendly to me, not less.

 

I've had almost no negative experiences. Where I live, Colorado, is pretty tolerant. Yesterday I had lots of errands to run. In the morning I went for coffee barefoot, came home to work (yes, I work from home for the most part!). Later, I had a few errands to run, so I went barefoot to the bank, grocery story, Walgreen's, post office, and a deli. I came back to the office to finish up the day. Later I went barefoot for a massage. No issues, no problems.

 

I agree with bfjohn and charlie in that the UK is definitely a good place to barefoot! Most people don't care, and the ones that do are probably the sort that don't like to make a scene so just glare at me and walk on by. If I do get comments, they are usually supportive, jealous (in a good way!) or inquisitive. Last week, I spent a day in Liverpool barefoot, yesterday I went to the hairdressers and shopping in town with not a single comment from anyone. A few inquisitive glances, yes, but I'm beginning to enjoy those now! After 2 years of barefooting for most of the time I'm not at work, my feet are now accustomed to most things. I love the freedom of feeling the ground beneath my feet and the fun of the different textures and surface temperatures on my soles that you simply don't get otherwise. My favourite is still walking barefoot in rain showers!

 

A day in Liverpool barefoot?! I was there in August with my dad for the Mathew St Festival. We stayed in the Hard Days Night Hotel, beautiful!

 

Over the past 3 days I've been to a coffee shop, Home Depot, and a mall (and other places that escape me now) in shorts and barefoot. No problems! The Customer Service guy at Home Depot walked with me to find the items I was looking for - no comments about my feet!

This past Friday I was out and stopped in at one of those huge, glitzy, warehouse-type liquor superstores. I walked past the checkout counter on my way in - no issues. I got what I wanted (a fine bottle of single malt scotch!) and went to the checkout. The women at the counter saw me coming and were uncharacteristically chatty and friendly. This is a common reaction I've experienced when barefoot. On my way out, one of the stock clerks asked if I was cold. It was obvious he was referring to my bare feet on the pavement. I said no, I wasn't cold. I commented that it was comfortably warm in the sun, and I had to enjoy the warmth while it lasted. He seemed happy with my response and he and I went on about our business. He probably wished he was in my shoes (or lack thereof!) instead of the heavy boots he was wearing to do his job.

 

The new Liverpool ONE shopping area is amazing - There's so many different surfaces in the one area; gravel paths, astroturf and real grass, metal bridges, stone floors, marble steps, not to mention the insanely clean underground carpark (with painted floors?!) and all the cobbles round the docks!

 

Bit cold out there though!

 

Well you might think so, kw, but I went barefoot shopping round town at the weekend and was perfectly fine in the autumn sunshine. But maybe it's colder in the US.

 

positive experience:

getting outta the plane on the way back from Honolulu; lady behind me notices the lack of footwear, smiled, said "I like your style."

At the daughter's doctor's office; the doc sez - 'You've no shoes! Cool!'

I'm just flat tickled at the increased circulation; the reduced pain (a middle-aged thing). Not making a statement - just enjoying the 'feel' of it all.

Positive? how about overall comfort? Works for me!

 

I've just started venturing out more barefoot. Last year I was over a friend's house and his dog showed on my only pair of shoes (flip-flops). That night we went to the movies and just went barefoot. I think my friend was kind of shocked but I didn't get any reaction from anyone. The next morning we went to a diner, and I was barefoot and again no one said anything. This was when I lived in PA, but I'm now temporarily living in MA. Just yesterday I had the day off and didn't wear shoes the whole day. I went grocery shopping and to the mall with no incident... except for one of the employees in the grocery store kept staring at my feet - I think he was checking me out ;-)

 

Today I had to have some bloodwork done. I went to the lab barefoot. I checked in and the phlebotomist took me back to draw the sample. We had a pleasant chat. I'm sure she noticed my feet, but never commented or made me feel uncomfortable. Afterward, on the way out, there was a 50-ish, hippy-ish woman waiting to go for her draw. She looked at me, smiled big, and softly said, "No shoes." I thought it was pretty cool.

 

I've finally ventured beyond going barefoot outside and around campus. Here's where I've been barefoot:

Micro Center, Walgreens, Quik Trip, and all over the place downtown Lawrence! No one really batted an eye.

In fact, I went into The Third Planet (hippie store) and saw a worker there barefoot!

 

Some one told me they liked my shoes

 

OK positive experience for me today. Had a day off work and went down to my local town. Went into Woolworths and bought a couple of model cars (I'm an avid collector, sad I know!). The girl at the check out saw me approach and whereas she served everyone else with hardly a word, she started chatting to me about the toy cars she had as a kid, etc etc. I noticed she gimpsed my bare feet as I approached, so like to think that had something to do with it.

 

I had that one today too! In fact, there must be something in the water around here as I've had lots of people asking questions over the last few days. Either that, or people are noticing the lack of shoes in the colder weather we're now having. Over the weekend I was in our local supermarket and went up to one of the workers to ask where something was - she asked if my feet were cold and we chatted as she showed me to the right section. In our local sells-anything corner shop one of the workers asked if I was alright - I said yes, and she said oh, it's just that you have no shoes on...! And tonight in the pet-shop had the guy at the check-out ask me where I got my shoes from! I just smiled and shook my head!!!!

 

Holy crap!

I was denied service at a local Office Max yesterday because I was barefoot (Bummer! I was on a roll! And it might have been the last warm day till spring). No confrontation, but read what I submitted to the corporate office and the response I got! I put this down as a positive!! I had to edit it a bit to protect personal info, but,...

HERE'S WHAT I SUBMITTED:
I want to follow-up on something that happened today and get your feedback. I was running errands and remembered I needed to get an under-desk keyboard tray for my computer. I was near an Office Max and stopped in. As is the norm, I was barefoot at the time, but that’s never been an issue. Colorado is a pretty laid-back, casual state. I went into the store, and there were three salesmen, not busy, casually talking by the door. In fact, I may have been the only customer. One asked if he could help me. As I started to explain what I wanted, one of the others jumped in and said, “but you’ve got to be wearing shoes”; he sort-of smirked at me. I was taken aback, but I wasn’t going to argue. I said “okay” and left – no confrontation. I drove a short distance to a Staples. I went in, still barefoot, and a sales person asked if he could help me. I explained what I wanted and he walked with me and showed me what I wanted. How courteous! Realistically, being barefoot has never been an issue at Office Depot either (two local locations). The reality is, when I got the response at Office Max, I wasn’t going to drive home, grab a pair of shoes, and go back. Rather, I found a business that appreciated my business. While Staples made a sale, the Office Max store had three guys standing around, turning down business, and billing their time to overhead. I shop where I feel welcome. Staples and Office Depot seem accommodating. What’s the Office Max corporate response to how I was treated today? If I must wear shoes, I’ll go elsewhere – as I did today. Thanks!

I RECEIVED THIS RESPONSE:
...I am the store manager at Officemax you visited yesterday. I want to apologize for the service or lack there of that you received on 11-04-2008. We had a couple of new associates who told you that our policy was no shoes no service and that is not our policy. We hope you give us another chance to serve you in the future. I would like to offer you a $25.00 gift card and it will be in the manager's office whenever you have time to come pick it up. Again I'm sorry and hope for another chance.

Geez! I may just have to go back! This is an open invitation to shop there barefoot!

 

Now Thats The Way It's Done.....

CONGRATS.....:cheers2:

Keep Em Bare....


Cheers Glen.

 

Thats great they got back to you so quickly and nicely. It's not too often nowadays companies will do the right thing.. I say go back, whether you take the card or not, just to clear the air and make sure there are no hard feelings. Who knows maybe you'll catch the manager barefoot!