I'm from the Chicago are also, I will have to agree that this city (and its surrounding burb's) makes me feel like I'm the only barefooter here. I sometimes see people taking off their shoes for a while to walk in the grass at a park, or hang out in front of their homes, but I have never, in my 4 years of full time barefooting, seen another barefooter out in public or in a store or office. Where are all the barefooters in this uptight town???
I live in Spain and no one really notices if you've got shoes on or not. I did mention in another thread though that in the summer some sort of footwear is a must because any paved area after 9 am is hot enough to burn your feet.
Also from the Netherlands,but as far as you can get from the German border. Living on a beautiful island called Texel. As this is a holiday destination for many people you often encounter other barefooters here,and this summer there seem to be more of them around than last years.
Can go barefoot in some places but because I'm black I can't without major insults directed my way. My people my people why must you stay enslaved to the man (shoe salesman that is) Just the thought of wearing a hoody and Timberland boots make me cringe. I'm ridiculed for wearing flip flops I've been called gay and everything else they say black men don't wear sandals where I got news for This one does and i even get a professional pedicure. Now What