Subject: A Case for Bare Feet
Date: Mon, 19 Feb 1996 20:27:00 -0500 (EST)

As warmer weather approaches my particular area of Appalachia, many 
people turn their thoughts to vacation, recreation, and other ways to 
cope with the often hot summer weather.  As for me, this means liberation 
from dreaded shoes.  They say we all have "the little kid" in all of us.  
Mine prefers to go barefoot.  Like so many treasures of the past, 
barefoot seems to have gone out of style, considered by many to be both 
bohemian and dangerous.  No one stops to consider that for generations, 
early man went barefoot all the time.  Nature has developed the perfect 
device for traversing earth's radically varied terrain.  As late as the 
early '60's you could expect to see some students attending rural schools 
barefoot in warm weather.  In the Amish communities, it is very common to 
see kids going to school without shoes.  

For me, going barefoot is one of those glories that can't be rivaled.  
Bare feet allow a person to get to know the world in a much more intimate 
way.  Bare feet on the sidewalk give you the sensation of warm, glowing 
tendrils climbing through you.  Bare feet in the grass can really cool 
you down, as though you've just opened a valve to drain off excess heat.  
Bare feet don't sweat or smell.  I like to work in the garden barefoot.  
The soft, powdery soil feels warm on top, and cool underneath.  Days off; 
barefoot.  Vacations; barefoot.  Driving; barefoot (as a driver's ed. 
teacher, I am often asked the "B" question, and am glad to answer 
"yes").  Visiting; barefoot.  Once a friend of mine commented on my 
shoeless state, declaring:  "That's great!  Shoes are so restrictive and 
uncomfortable.  I hardly wear them myself.  Bare feet are comfortable, 
natural, and sensible.  Really, the best way to go."  Despite her 
exhortation on the subject, I have yet to see HER bare feet.  

Bare feet are perfect in the rain.  Unlike shoes, which must avoid grass 
and puddles, bare feet allow you to walk right through.  Shoes take a 
while to dry, and usually shrink.  With bare feet, a quick rinse and the 
water just rolls off, leaving them to dry in minutes.

After a period of toughening up, I begin to widen my barefoot treks.  
Gravel paths and drives are no longer avoided.  Walking barefoot through 
the woods is an adventure, but not a dangerous one once you learn the 
technique.  Padding across fallen pine needles gives a peculiar soft, 
smooth sensation.  Climbing over fallen trees or over large rocks is made 
much easier because bare feet most readily conform to the different 
surfaces.  

Creeks!!!  Bare feet and creeks are synonymous.  Who hasn't enjoyed 
wading in the creek on a hot summer's day, sinking their feet into the 
soft mud, then washing it off in the cool, clear water.  Where I live, 
there are two hollows, each with a waterfall.  After a session of creek  
exploring, bare feet are a particular boon for climbing up the steep 
banks.  Ten toes, like extra fingers, give extra traction as they sink 
into the soft ground.  Shoes wouldn't help here.  

"No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service" signs are a great bane to the 
barefooter.  One begins to view the world in sections; those where bare 
feet are permitted, and those where they are not.  Generally, as you move 
away from the more populated areas, places become less particular about 
shoes.  I tend to frequent the smaller, more isolated towns.  I know well 
the places that I may frequent while barefoot.  Occasionally, I'll 
encounter other barefoot patrons, which is always nice.  Only twice have 
I encountered barefooters who weren't patrons.  One was a cashier, and 
the other was an owner.  

It is unfortunate that people tend to label barefooters with negative 
stereotypes.  In truth, barefoot people are a breed all their own.  They 
are usually easy going, open minded, and less likely to be judgemental.  
It is ironic, then, that they rarely get to meet their fellow 
barefooters, and discuss their mutual interest.  Often shunned and looked 
down upon, many prefer to keep their barefoot revels to themselves.  

Fortunately, there are others who are combating this, and showing some 
SOLEidarity.  Since first logging onto the 'net, I've noticed barefoot 
hiking groups, the Dirty Sole Society, and the alt.lifestyle.barefoot 
newsgroup.  There's still some hope.