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Barefoot young man
Going barefoot is the practice of walking without shoes or socks. This practice is a sensory experience but is uncommon in industralized countries and affluent societies where shoes are generally affordable.
Activities
Activities involving going barefoot have been devised.
Barefoot hiking
On natural soil, it is possible to take off the shoes and to hike barefoot. In the United States as well as in European countries some barefoot hiking groups (http://www.barefooters.org/hikers/) have been founded -- they announce shoeless excursions on the Internet. This kind of harmless outdoor adventure finds increasing interest and is also suited for school classes and sport clubs. In German-speaking countries, special barefoot parks have been established to offer ideal conditions for going barefoot.
There is one main book on the topic: "The Barefoot Hiker" (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0898155258/qid%3D954643538/104-7704880-8690340) by Richard Frazine. The book is also available online (http://members.aol.com/bhthom/hikertxt.htm). Here is an article (http://www.unshod.org/ebbfhike/asbh.htm) which captures the pleasure that many find in this activity.
Barefoot sports
Most martial arts are exercised barefoot, similarly many gymnastics and dancing disciplines. Beach volleyball and beach soccer have become the favourites of many young people. In addition, running and walking can be practised barefoot and improves the effect of the training.
Barefoot natural healing
Going barefoot and foot gymnastics act against flat feet and varicose veins by toughening and training the muscles of feet and legs. It builds up resistance against cold and cough, and relieves dorsal pain by improving the motion sequence of walking. For children, going barefoot is of particular importance because lack of exercise during growth would be a significant health risk.
Barefoot lifestyle
A significant fraction of population even in developed countries enjoys going barefoot and few of them are resisting to the taboo to do this in the public. They defend their barefoot lifestyle as completely harmless to other people and expect tolerance of their "life on free feet".
Religious and cultural aspects
Sign of godliness
Many religions consider removing shoes as appropriate when approaching holy places. In Exodus, Moses had to take off his shoes before receiving the Ten Commandments. Muslims must be unshod for praying or to attend services in a mosque. Some Christian churches practice barefoot pilgrimage traditions. In the Hindu religion, the preference to go barefoot is due to the worship of holy animals and the ban on wearing leather products.
Symbol of peace
In ancient times, shoes predominantly served as military equipment. Therefore Jesaia announced that all boots will be burned when the Redeemer will be born. Jesus advised his disciples to go out for preaching the Kingdom of God without taking along shoes -- and He is shown barefoot on most paintings to demonstrate His peaceful mission. Mahatma Gandhi, famous for his non-violent campaigns for human rights, is commemorated by a barefoot course around his monument. Even the Pope John Paul II paid him this honour.
Barefoot on stage
In dancing, theater and opera perfomances, bare feet are frequently used as a means of very directly expressing emotions, fears or vulnerability, but also a healthy down-to-earth attitude. Many singers and artists like to appear barefoot to create a familiar atmosphere for their performance.
Myths
There are many myths and popular misconceptions regarding regulations against bare feet. Almost none of these have any basis in fact.
Public spaces
Apart from a county in Massachusetts, USA, and certain boardwalks on the California coast, it is not illegal anywhere in the world to appear barefoot in public.
OSHA (USA)
Barefooters are sometimes told that customers without footwear in a business establishment are acting in violation of an OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulation. That is not true. OSHA regulates only employees, not customers. Even so, OSHA requires footwear only in special circumstances. When it is required, it must meet specific standards and criteria. Therefore, there is no general OSHA regulation preventing employees in many businesses from working barefoot.
Driving Barefoot
In the United States, widespread belief in the existence of laws against driving barefoot has been debunked as an urban legend (http://web.archive.org/web/20030618105020/http://www.urbanlegends.com/legal/driving.barefoot/driving_barefoot.html).
In Germany, a law from 1988 forbids to drive barefoot, with sabots or with any "inadequate footwear".
In Belgium, the driving code does not explicitely ban barefoot driving, but article 8.3 requires drivers to be "constantly able to perform any maneuver". According to the federal police, this implicitely bans barefoot driving.
in Hong Kong, laws require drivers to be driving with appropriate footwear. Driving barefoot, or with sandals, are not allowed.
Health Department Rules
Health department regulations always apply only to employees of an establishment, not customers. Even so, there are no known health department rules that mandate footwear. Signs that proclaim 'No Shoes, No Service, by order of the Health Department' are always fraudulent.
References
B.F., Tongs au volant : gare ! (http://www.dhnet.be/dhinfos/article.phtml?id=78001) in La Dernière Heure, August 6th, 2003
External Links
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