Whats your way of explaining barefoot life to those who live mostly in shoes?

I have told my story here many times here how years ago when the barefoot running craze hit the internet I clicked on and read an article about shoes bad for your feet and running barefoot is better and all the science of it.

Wasn't really into jogging or running but said hey lets try this and see if I can toughen up my feet, adapt like the article explained. Started venturing further and further from home and got more and more used to and comfortable being barefoot. Broke the habit of putting on shoes as part of morning routine. Got this idea of keeping them in the trunk of the car to not run in look for and fetch them before going out that seemed to really break the habit.

Then at some point 3 or 4 weeks into this I just really really didn't like wearing shoes anymore, when I 'had' to it was just like bummer I can't feel the ground and feet all squashed up.

At some point I had a shoe relapse got used to them again and had to somewhat get used to being barefoot again, it took a few days but I forgot what that was like.

So anyway now when ever someone asks about my bare-footing I try and explain that when I'm barefoot it doesn't feel to me the way it feels to you, Im used to it and adapted. Its not in the front of my mind that I don't have shoes on like in the beginning. Just like I don't have constant awareness I'm not wearing gloves.

I say bare-footing is a sport. You have to train to get good at it and recover from years in shoes.

 

I tell them I story and also tell them the health benefits of going barefoot.

 

I just can't stop being an activist. I guess I'm like the ex smoker who preaches at people who still smoke cigarettes to just quit. Those shoes are ruining your feet!

 

I tell people all the time the shoes ruin your feet

 

Unless I'm asked or it's someone I'm going to interact with a lot I don't explain, most basic reason is that it's more natural and I'm comfortable

 

I'm from South Africa so most people don't question it. If I'm asked it's because I like feeling the ground and shoes are restrictive

 

I don't need to explain anything to anyone. If people are interested, they ask. I just answer their questions truthfully. Everyone only asks as much as they are interested in my barefoot lifestyle. I always tell people that it's comfortable, healthy, very pleasant, and it's been my habit for many years. Usually, that answer is enough for everyone. And those who are interested ask more questions, and we usually have a pretty nice conversation.

 

I love to tell them the awesome benefits of going barefoot and the bad thing about wearing shoes.

 

What I really find interesting is people won't go barefoot outside because they believe it's not sanitary. On the other hand, they would never have a problem going barefoot on a beach with all of the bacteria, wet sand, seaweed, mud and dead fish around. Go figure....

 

That’s true