Likely barefoot. Why do some people hate to wear shoes (even minimal ones)?

Some people wear shoes, some people don’t. Shoes are a true cornerstone of human civilization: for ancient Romans, they were a status symbol to distinguish civilized societies from barbarians. In medieval times, shoes were for the rich; everyone else was always barefoot.

A very useful tool in extreme weather and on unsafe surfaces, or for long walks without any problems. But are they truly essential? In some cases, they are not.

Exposed and alive: Why even minimal shoes are not enough for some people

In some cases, the problem is simply shoes that are too tight, have a bad texture, or are too harsh, so minimal “barefoot” shoes can do the job. But in other cases, it’s the constant feeling of something on one of the most sensitive parts of our body, along with the unnatural thermal and tactile insulation with every step. So, even minimal 3mm sandals can feel like overdressing and may be perceived as heavy-duty boots. If it’s not obviously risky, why not just go without anything on your feet?

Resilient and designed to do their job

If urban hygiene is not too compromised and the weather is not extreme, there’s nothing wrong with walking barefoot through the city to carry out daily activities. For a neurotypical person, it’s like walking in flip-flops on sunny days—except it’s even better because it’s more ergonomic.

I repeat: if urban hygiene is not too compromised in itself, and if you pay just a little attention (and every experienced barefooter is naturally very cautious) and take care of your hygiene afterward, it’s not dangerous. Experienced barefooters can even walk easily in less hygienic or thermally extreme contexts, but it’s not reasonably safe, and I would not recommend it.

A true barefooter is not reckless, so don’t worry about their safety

Barefooters are aware of their own limits. If you see someone walking barefoot through the city, it’s probably not their first time doing so in uncontrolled environments. If there’s no reasonable suspicion about them, they’re neither dangerous nor engaging in exhibitionist behavior— so just let them live their life.