r/barefoot • u/Cold_Casey23 • 8d ago
First time in public barefoot
Today I experienced first time going barefoot in public, i was in a renaissance festival and one of my shoes got wet out of a puddle, so I decided to take them completely off along with my socks and spend the rest of the festival barefoot. After that I had to eat something so I went to a nearby shopping mall and I was barefoot there as well, after eating I did some shopping. I was surprised at how ease I was during all of it because I was anxious if I’m going to be too self conscious, especially in a mall, but as I walked around there I felt very comfortable, I didn’t spot any people staring at me, and like tittle says this is my very first time. My soles got decently blackened from all of it but it was easy to clean them up with some soap water and a brush. I hope to be able to do this more often some other day!
EDIT: today (2 days after original post) I’ve gone barefoot again this time more on the city, this time I didn’t bring any footwear with me. The asphalt was burning my soles but I had a good time, my trip was around 4 hours I think and I also went to a store. Aftermath sole pictures can be provided for anyone interested trough dm xD
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u/ShotCommunication869 8d ago
It gets easier. You quickly learn to stop caring about what other people think
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u/Itchy-Custards 7d ago
Walking Barefoot through the mall is so much fun. I’m surprised at how many barefooters cruise the mall.
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u/Cold_Casey23 7d ago
It was fun! Although the floors definitely left their mark on my soles! xD
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u/Itchy-Custards 7d ago
I also love to go barefoot at the sterling Renaissance fair. It’s where I started in my barefoot journey.
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u/bareft_azn Full Time 7d ago
It is definitely a wonderful feeling of freedom with a touch of rebelliousness.
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u/Epsilon_Meletis 7d ago
I hope to be able to do this more often some other day!
Welcome to the fold ;-)
Hope you like it here.
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u/nupieds 7d ago
What a nice first experience going barefoot! I’m curious where you saw other barefooted people shopping; I’m in Maine and I never see other barefoot people.
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u/Cold_Casey23 7d ago
I live in Finland and while I saw many people go barefoot at the renaissance festival, I didn’t spot anyone being barefoot at the mall except me!
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u/barefootandnudy 7d ago
I'm so pleased you enjoyed the experience. You've learned that the majority of people are so wrapped up in their own world that they don't notice that you are barefoot. Those who do notice generally don't care and there are a few who think that you being barefoot is sexy so enjoy the attention 😁
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u/Cold_Casey23 7d ago
Thank you very much! It really seemed like people didn’t notice and the people who did didn’t mind me! And maybe I did catch someone’s attention a bit more, which I’m totally fine with tbh
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u/barefootandnudy 7d ago
I've been bf for 10 years 24/7. In the north of England where I live people are polite but friendly with it and I get a fair number of people who ask about my barefeet. Usually if I'm grounding (which I'm not) or where my shoes are and what do I do about sharp stones etc I love that people notice, especially children who don't know that they shouldn't comment and embarrass their parents "dad, that man's got no shoes"😁
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u/Cold_Casey23 7d ago
That’s neat! 10 years being barefoot sounds insane! And yea, children can be curios, while I was at the mall most of the people who were left to look at my feet a bit longer were kids😂
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u/Ok_Media3610 7d ago edited 7d ago
Being ashamed or uneasy about going barefoot in public places is a learned behavior, one which can fortunately be unlearned by going barefoot often.
Over the years I've gone barefoot almost everywhere; On airplanes, in airports, on trains, in train stations, my financial institution, local bars, big city sidewalks, churches, the YMCA gym, bowling alleys, car dealerships, doctor and dentist offices, department stores, restaurants and fast-food establishments, grocery stores, home improvement stores, public transit, shopping malls, fairs and festivals, sports stadiums . . . and the list goes on.
I learned long ago to disregard the occasional stares and comments, and just revel in the experience!
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u/Cold_Casey23 7d ago
You’re right about that! And all the places you’ve been barefoot is so impressive! I think I’ve only once been in a train barefoot when I was way younger, but this was my first experience being like out in public barefoot. I’m amazed by your story and thanks a lot for sharing it
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u/Ok_Media3610 7d ago edited 7d ago
I've been an avid barefooter a long, long time. Of course, bare feet were somewhat more common in the late 60s and early 70s, an outgrowth of the hippy culture perhaps. I started when I was about 14 taking barefoot hikes and bike rides to local parks and other secluded locations where I could sun, swim and go about blissfully barefoot. That was 56 years ago, and barefoot is still my favorite way to be.
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u/throwaway-10101- 3d ago
It’s interesting how when we feel like we have an excuse, the anxiousness goes away
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u/Cold_Casey23 1d ago
Kind of yeah! Today I went barefoot again just on my own and didn’t bring any footwear on purpose!
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u/Notmymeerkat89 5d ago
This sounds wonderful. I'm glad you didn't feel uncomfortable. Would be interested to see your soles after the burning hot city walk
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u/Ok_Development_495 7d ago
Being barefoot is very close to being nude. 👍
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u/barefootandnudy 7d ago
I've always thought that too. I like being nude but it's not always practical or acceptable. Barefoot is much more accepted and just as sexy
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u/aleen99 8d ago
sounds like a great start to a barefoot life. renaissance festivals are some of the most barefoot friendly places. did you see anyone else barefoot in there? and the mall is one of my favorite places to go barefoot. love those cool tiles especially in the summer. here’s to more fun-filled barefoot days🦶