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Here we feature new and recent entries related to barefooting. We invite you to let us know if you have a link that might qualify for this page (use the “Contact Us” link on side bar).
Links below appear in published order with the most recent at the top. (Some links may also appear on other topically related SBL sub-pages). Archives for previous year’s pages linked at the bottom.
KISS OF LIFE Claims First Place, Performs Barefoot on ‘The Show‘ – by OSEN/(Jang Woo-young), in Chosun/Korea (August 12, 2026)
The four-member South Korean girl group “Kiss Of Life” fulfills a pre-comeback pledge and celebrates with a barefoot encore to honor fans and staff.
How Sandie Shaw Became the ‘Barefoot Pop Princess’ With a No. 1 Hit at 17 – by DeAnna Janes, in Parade (August 8, 2026)
Shaw, one of the most successful British female singers of the 1960s, always performed barefoot. It became one of her signature aesthetics, leaning into the “stylish underkill” and bohemian look she preferred.
Take a Walk on the Barefoot Trail in Flagstaff to Enjoy Nature – video by 12News/NBC Arizona (August 3, 2026)
Betzy Spiro, park supervisor, discusses the joys of walking the trail barefoot and also participating in outdoor Yoga surrounded by nature.
Another article about this trail: Embark on a Sensory Barefoot Trail (Aug 10, 2026)
Patriots receiver Mack Hollins’ barefoot escapades reach a new plateau in second New England season – by Armando Salguero, in FoxNews/OutKick (July 28, 2026)
In his second year as a New England Patriot, Hollins’ habit of walking barefoot continues to gain local acceptance. Why not?
He explains his shoeless preference thus, “I think shoes are a tool and people have made them a part of their body. I wouldn’t walk around with a hammer just because I might need a hammer sometimes.” Well put.
Mack Hollins Says New England Restaurants Let Him Enter Barefoot Because They Know He’s Patriots WR – by Andrew Peters, in BleacherReport (July 26, 2026)
Hollins avoids wearing shoes citing its health benefits, including foot strength. And, as the article notes, due to his fame, businesses welcome him. Well, why not?
My Feet Were Destroyed After 40 Miles in the Grand Canyon. This Barefoot Trail Saved Them (video and article) – by Madison Dapcevish, in Outside online (July 20,2026)
After a punishing 40-mile trek through the Grand Canyon, the author ditched her hiking boots to test America’s first barefoot park. To her surprise, her feet loved it. We’re not surprised.
Ocracoke could be called Barefoot Island: shoes optional – by Connie Leinbach, in Ocracokeobserver (
The North Carolina Island called Ocracoke offers its residents a shoes optional barefoot paradise.
Shakira Takes the Barefoot Trend Literally During World Cup Halftime Show – by Katie Abel, in WWD [Women’s Wear Daily] (July 19, 2026
Shakira has performed shoeless for decades. This year she continued that trend during the 2026 World Cup Halftime Show.
Barefoot, Unbroken and Back in the Ring: Hannah Wicklund Returns to the Rock Stage – by Adrian Hextall, in My Global Mind (July 17, 2026)
Performing barefoot has become Wicklund’s live signature. It’s about connection and comfort. She explains, “I am from a very hot, humid island in South Carolina… I’ve been playing barefoot since I was ten years old. I feel equal parts graceful and clumsy at the same time, and so when I am barefoot on stage, that is the best way for me to be grounded and rooted.”
Why Australians love going barefoot – Video by Kirsty B. Carter, in BBC.com (
Going barefoot typifies one aspect of Australian culture. This reporter explores why, including noting some health benefits associated with the practice.
Barefoot On Rusk – Six Hikers, One Damp Catskill Adventure – by Michael Bongar, in The Catskill Canister (July 1, 2026)
A Catskills hiking group describes their barefoot hiking experience with barefoot hiking enthusiast Ken Posner, author of the book, Running the Long Path: A 350-Mile Journey of Discovery in New York’s Hudson Valley.
Can walking barefoot improve longevity? – by Six Minute Mile Staff, in Six Minute Mile (
Short answer: Yes. The article offers a brief summary with links to resources addressing the benefits of barefooting to boost not only foot but overall health.
(Note: One key link provided no longer works. Use this link instead.)
Kick Off Your Shoes It’s National Go Barefoot Day – by (unnamed), in South Florida Reporter (June 1, 2026)
National Go Barefoot Day (June 1st) offers a convenient excuse to kick off your shoes and run barefoot through the cool grass (or wherever!)–assuming you don’t do it already!
2 Years Running Every Single Day (Mostly Barefoot) – by Dr. Cody Dakota Wooten, in Motivation (June 1, 2026)
The Strange Trend Of Barefoot Golf – by Tyler Allred, in MyGolfSpy (May 27, 2026)
Reporting on an apparent social media fueled trend to play golf barefoot, the author gives it a try, highlighting pros and cons.
Wild world record broken by barefoot B.C. runner – by Jennifer Smith, in Mapleridge News (May 18, 2026)
- B.C. runner sets barefoot 50K world record – in Running Magazine/CA (May 19, 2026)
- Wild stuff: Local runner sets unofficial 50 km barefoot run record – in Vernon Matters (May 19, 2026)
- Okanagan runner shatters barefoot 50 km world record – in Castanet.net (May 19, 2026)
Is the Naked Shoe the New Naked Dress? – by Matthew Velasco, in Elle (April 29, 2026)
The Chanel’s cruise 2027 fashion show featured a new no-sole, heel-only shoe design. The new trend in footwear? Perhaps a step in the right direction.
The Detail in Kate Middleton and Prince William’s New Family Photo That Shows They’re Doing Royal Life Differently – by Meredith Kile, in People (April 29, 2026)
The Prince and Princess of Wales celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary by sharing a new photo showing the full family relaxed and barefoot.
Exploring barefoot trails on 2 continents as a way to connect with nature this Earth Day – By Kelvin Chan and Cheyanne Mumphrey, in AP News (April 22, 2026)
An excellent review of the growing number of Barefoot Trails existing across the globe that offer environmental as well as health benefits.
This 2026 Boston Marathon finisher ran the whole race barefoot – by Carson Lyle, in Boston.com by (April 20, 2026)
Terrence Concannon, 17 years old, ran the full 26.2 miles of the 2026 Boston Marathon barefoot–the youngest runner in that race to accomplish that feat.
Australian photographer wins at world photography awards with ‘barefoot volcanologist’ image – by Ima Caldwell, in The Guardian (April 17, 2026)
Elle Leontiev named open photographer of the year out of more than 430,000 submissions for portrait of Phillip Yamah (the “Barefoot volcanologist”) standing barefoot at Mount Yasur in Vanuatu. His moniker comes from his habit of exploring the rugged volcanic terrain without shoes due to his size 20 feet which make finding fitting footwear nearly impossible.
Sunita Williams to run 130th Boston Marathon, returning after barefoot teen run and historic space marathon – by Sports Desk, in Times Of India (April 17, 2026)
Her connection to the Boston Marathon goes back to when she was 17 years old. In that race she had no running shoes, just high-top sneakers. But they hurt her feet. So she ran barefoot.
A former US Navy captain, Williams, a 27 year veteran at NASA, logged 608 days in space over three missions, including her final mission in March, 2025 which lasted 286 days due to issues with the spacecraft’s thrusters.
The lost art of barefoot culture at Eckerd – by
Reflections of a student who appreciates the campus’s historic barefoot culture. She concludes, “…we need to find joy in the small, weird things in our lives, such as being barefoot at our little beach college. I promise you, the feeling is so freeing.”
The unlikely appeal of barefoot hiking: ‘It makes you feel quite primal’ – by Rosamund Brennan, in The Guardian (April 6, 2026)
From clay trails in Seoul to remote Australian coastlines, positive coverage of a small but growing number of hikers are hitting the trail unshod.
Barefoot Autism Challenge celebrates ten years – by Megan Reuther, with WHO13 TV News, Des Moines, Iowa (April 1, 2026)
Local TV news interview with Barefoot Autism Challenge founder Tyler Leech who explains why he started the Challenge. Footwear can feel restrictive for those living with autism. Ditching the shoes can help understand this sensory aspect for some on the spectrum.
Interview: After Bombe Bleu (5.15b), Erwan Legrand shows us how – by Steven Chua, in Gripped (March 31, 2026)
Legrand explains how the average climber can get started and benefit from climbing without shoes.
Why is He Barefoot? – by Carmen Álvarez Cuadrado, in RomeReports (March 31, 2026)
Answering the question: “Why the Pope will be barefoot and ringless on Good Friday?” the article and accompanying video explains, “The liturgical norm in the Ceremonial of Bishops says that the bishop—the pope—should remove the chasuble, take off his shoes, go barefoot, and venerate the cross as a gesture and a sign of true adoration of God in humility and in the humbling of his person.”
Ryan Seacrest Explains Why He Decided to Appear Shoeless on American Idol for First Time: ‘I Want to Show Them Off’ – by Desiree Anello, in People (March 31, 2026)
“I just saw [contestant] Kyndal and I thought, I’ve never hosted a show in my bare feet,” explained Seacrest after contestant Kyndal Inskeep’s barefoot performance on the reality TV singing competition show “American Idol.”
Barefoot Walk: Mothers’ Call for Peace Continues to Inspire Global Action Following March 24 Mobilization in Rome – in Vital Voices (March 29, 2026)
Mothers’ Call for Peace brought together Israeli and Palestinian mothers in a demonstration of unity and urgency as they walked barefoot through the streets of Rome on March 24.
Additional coverage of this event:
Hiking Health: Hiking the Barefoot Trail in Flagstaff – hosted by Kristen Keogh, “Trail Mix’d” video segment, PBS/Arizona State Univ. (March 19, 2026)
Host Kristen Keogh visits hiking trails in the Sedona, Arizona area, including the “Barefoot Trail” in Flagstaff–fashioned after similar European barefoot trails–where Keogh and the founder explore the benefits of hiking barefoot.
Feet First – People stare & question my parenting as kids go everywhere BAREFOOT even on the train and in KFC – it won’t kill them – by Martha Cliff and Lulu White, in The Sun (March 19, 2026)
Story of a British mom who has gone barefoot all her life, explaining that shoes are “unnatural” and “unsafe”. Her husband and children often join her in the practice. She notes, “If you walk barefoot, you can move easier,” adding, “Footwear is a social construct and going shoeless is healthier.”
Additional articles on this story:
Barefoot Autism Challenge 10th Anniversary – reported by Des Moines Arts Center, in Desmoinesartscenter.org (March 18, 2026)
In recognition of Autism Awareness Month in April and created by Des Moines local Tyler Leech, the museum invites visitors to participate in the Barefoot Autism Challenge. As a sensory activity for autism awareness, the museum invites visitors to remove footwear to immerse themselves in the environment and enjoy a guided visit.
Florida runner takes barefoot Boston Marathon training to extremes – by Cameron Ormond, in Running Magazine (March 18, 2026)
Terrence Concannon uses fork stabs, dumbbell kicks and toe-knuckle sprints to become the youngest person to complete a shoeless Boston Marathon
For 35 Years, The World’s Best Climbers Couldn’t Send [sic] This Route. A Barefoot Teenager Just Did – by Owen Clarke, in Climbing (March 17, 2026)
10 Rare Times Royals Slipped Off Their Shoes In Public – by Hannah Rice, in The List (March 17, 2026)
As the title relates, even British Royalty will sometimes go barefoot–generally as a show of respect in certain locations.
Similar articles:
The times the royal family unexpectedly went barefoot in public, from Princess Kate and Prince William to Meghan Markle – by Eleanor Dye and Isabelle Casey, in HelloMagazine (March 6, 2026)
Kate Middleton Breaks Royal Protocol and Goes Barefoot to Partake in Activity She Says Her Kids Would “Love” – by Rachel Birchfield, in InStyle (March 5, 2026)
Barefoot Mardi Gras on Padre Island breaks records with largest parade in its 16-year history – by Drew Bishop, in KRISTV (February 28, 2026)
As they note, “Beads on and shoes off — that’s the Padre Island way of celebrating Mardi Gras.” Sounds perfect.
‘Let the Record Reflect’: This Congressman Went Barefoot – by Shirley Halperin, in Rolling Stone (February 17, 2026)
On Feb. 4, 2026, to honor the passing of Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, California Congressman Jared Huffman took off his shoes and socks, stepped to the podium and stated, “Mr. Speaker, let the record reflect I delivered these remarks barefoot in honor of Bobby Weir. I think he would appreciate that.”
San Fransisco Chronicle on the same story
Tiny Michelangelo sketch of a foot sells for more than $27 million, an auction record – by
A simple drawing of a foot sold for millions. Of course, a famous painter created it. It still shows that bare feet have legendary status!
Kesha Goes Barefoot at First Grammys in 8 Years in Fluffy Dress That Looks Like a Blanket of Snow – by Christina Perrier, in In Style (February 1, 2026)
She’s not the first. But apparently, Kesha wanted the focus on her dress. So no footwear. Or maybe it’s just more comfortable. Either way, it makes sense to us.
Super Bowl-bound Patriots follow in Mack Hollins’ bare footsteps – by Hallie Grossman, in ESPN.com (January 31, 2026)
Yup, he’s the Superbowl-bound New England Patriots’ fearless, popular and “outside the box” football player Mack Hollins. He’s generally barefoot off the field. And apparently his example has inspired other teammates to follow his example.
(Scroll down to see other articles on Hollins.)
These 20 Caribbean Resorts Define the Barefoot Caribbean Vacation – By Karen Udler, in Caribbean Journal (January 17, 2026)
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy: Holly Hunter Explains Why Nahla’s Barefoot, Among Other Things – by Vanessa Armstrong, in ReactorMag (January 15, 2026)
Man walking entire length of Europe – completely barefoot – by Lauren Beavis, in SWNS (January 14, 2026)
Story of Irishman Eamonn Keaveney, a 33 year old civil servant who used a career break to embark on an epic barefoot journey from Istanbul to Ireland to break a Guinness World Record for longest barefoot journey.
Going barefoot depends on personal health and well-being – by Eva Glazier, MD and Elizabeth Ko, MD, in UCLA Health (January 12, 2026)
An “Ask the Doctor” article, responding to the question, “Is it ok to go without shoes?” Their answer: “There is no universal guidance on the practice. The answer is based on each person’s health and well-being. …For most healthy people, going barefoot indoors does not pose a health risk.” They also list some clear benefits.
Suited and Barefooted! Ultramarathon Runner Ken Posner #7 – by Australian Podcaster James O’Rourke (January 11, 2026)
Interview with SBL member Ken Posner, a legend within the barefoot community and an inspiration to all to live more in tune with our anatomy. In his 60’s, he is training to run 100 miles in 24 hours Barefoot.
Would You Work Harder If You Were Barefoot? These Companies Hope So – By Luis Prada, in Vice (J
A growing number of startup companies have chosen to go shoeless, encouraging employees to ditch their sneakers at the door as they would at home–for comfort and better workplace productivity.
To Stay Healthy in the Super Shoe Era, Go Barefoot – by Adam Chase, in Run/Outsideonline (January 6, 2026)
Lake Norman New Year’s Day Barefoot Challenge Results – by Tom Hyslip, in WHRI AM radio (January 2, 2026)
Barefoot water-skiers may or may not go barefoot generally, but competing in a New Year’s Day outdoor event in winter can still impress.
How Bad Is It To Walk Around Barefoot At Home? Doctors’ Answers May Surprise You – by Anna Rahmanan, in HuffPost (January 1, 2026).
For 2025 “What’s New in Barefooting” Archives
For 2024 “What’s New In Barefooting” archives