The Bare FAQs
A big part of the joy of getting into barefooting is the discovery of new experiences and letting your body explore its surroundings.
Here are our answers to some of the most common questions we encounter about this site, as well as about leading a barefoot lifestyle in general.
*You might also find this article interesting:
There’s a Lot of Assuming Going on…
Q: What is “Barefoot Planet”?
A: It is a site developed by yours truly (Barefoot Moe) in an attempt to shed some light on the benefits and pleasures obtained by baring one’s feet. I am also keen on sharing the “barefoot experience” first hand with anyone who is interested in joining me for some barefooting around tornto. Please contact me for more information.
Q: Why walking in bare feet?
A: Because it feels good and it’s healthy. Human feet are naturally designed to be bare — shoes are to feet what gloves are to hands, one needs them only when there are adverse conditions such as extreme temperatures, high risk of accidents, etc.
Q: Who walks barefoot?
A: Many people do all over the world. In fact in some countries (New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, some Caribbean Islands) it is considered common practise — and not only by the destitute or uneducated. There are actually some international associations for people who enjoy leading a healthy barefoot lifestyle. The most popular is: Society for Barefoot Living
Q: I have tender feet; is it dangerous for me?
A: No it is not dangerous for you! Everyone who walks in shoes all the time has tender feet; therefore I recommend shorter walks for beginners. Also take a look at our “Tips for Beginners“ Article. Feet get conditioned to walking barefoot very quickly: on an average, it takes about a week or two of practice — for periods of time varying from 30 min. to 1 hr. — for anyone’s feet to be in good walking shape. The only group who are not recommended to engage in barefoot walking are persons with special conditions such as: diabetes or specific foot problems (please note that many foot problems caused by tight or inadequate footwear, can be helped greatly by engaging in barefoot walking — for more information visit the Society for Barefoot Living)
Q: Can I catch a cold from going barefoot?
A: No you can’t. Colds are caused by different strands of a virus which is transmitted from human to human through casual contact (e.g. handshaking, kissing, hugging, etc.). It is actually easier to get a cold from touching something — which has been previously touched by someone else who has a cold — with your bare hands than from walking in bare feet. The reason being is that you are more prone to bring your hands near your mouth, eyes and nose than your feet!
Q: Isn’t it illegal to drive barefoot?
A: No it is not illegal to drive barefoot anywhere in Canada. Unfortunately this, like many other misconceptions about barefooting, have become common belief; so common, that even some police officers might wrongfully extend a ticket to someone who is driving barefooted. The good news is that, those tickets can be easily fought and dismissed in a traffic court since there are no laws against barefoot driving anywhere in Canada (and the rest of North America for that matter).
Q: Isn’t it against “Health Regulations” to go barefoot in Restaurants or other establishments where they sell food?
A: No, it is not illegal to go barefooted anywhere where food is sold. This is another “common belief”, so ingrained in our societies, that most people won’t even dare trying to enter a food establishment without footwear. In most cases, it is only a dresscode regulation, established by restaurant managements (just like asking for a jacket and tie) but this has nothing to do with any legislation from any Health Department — either Federal or Provincial.
