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Here we feature new, recent or at least “new to us” items 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.
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.
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).
Q&A with Sr. Sabina Joseph, champion barefoot hurdler and lifelong PE teacher – by George Kommattan, in Global sisters Report (December 23, 2025)
A Catholic Nun and physical education teacher in India runs barefoot while clearing hurdles and finishing first in the Kerala State Masters Athletics Championship. Videos of the race went viral in India, drawing praise from Kerala’s education minister and thousands online.
New England Patriots’ Mack Hollins Enters Stadium Shirtless and Barefoot Despite Frigid Temperatures and Snow – by Toria Sheffield, in People (December 14, 2025)
Hollins, with his laid-back personality, unique pregame entrances and refusal to wear shoes in most situations, does it again ahead of the chilly Boston Patriots’ game against the Buffalo Bills on December 14
Try barefoot training to build strength, balance and healthier joints as you age – PTs explain how – Compiled by Kate Cheng, in Women’s Health (
The author consults two therapy experts to explain the benefits of barefoot training and how to get started.
Foot note in the outfield: Toronto’s Davis Schneider skips shoes a day before playing for title – by Ronald Blum, on apnews (October 30, 2025)
Before playing in a baseball game, pro ball player Davis Schneider goes barefoot in the park, a ritual shared by at least few other pro athletes.
Meghan Markle Goes Barefoot for Wellness—and She’s Not the Only One – by Anna Cafolla, in Vogue (October 25, 2025)
The Duchess of Sussex discusses her regular barefoot-and-jeans look and its emotional and health benefits.
Note: The article touches on the practice of “grounding,” which it describes as a practice for managing anxiety by employing all of one’s senses including putting one’s feet on grass or smelling the air to distract from feelings of stress and to make one more present. This non-pseudoscience definition we can embrace.
A Formidable Price of Comfort, How soft shoes weaken your bones – By Nara Petrovič, in Substack, the English translation (October 24, 2025) of the original article in Jana, a Slovenian magazine scheduled for publication on November 17, 2025.
Article addresses bone density and the value of going barefoot. Written in response to a children’s shoe ad promoting footwear as protection from “harsh everyday realities”–protection that comes with a significant long term cost.
Patriots wide receiver makes barefoot return to Buffalo to face former team – By Ryan Miller, in Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (October 5, 2025)
Hollins, with his laid-back personality, unique pregame entrances and refusal to wear shoes in most situations, has also launched a “Free The Feet” apparel line.
Sock it to the shoes: why more offices are going footwear-free – by Amelia Hill, in The Guardian (September 30, 2025)
British companies are testing no-shoes policies at workplaces as a way to improve focus, comfort and morale.
‘Alien: Earth’ Star Explains What’s Going on With Boy Kavalier’s Feet: “Why Would He Bother to Wear Shoes?” – by Meghan O’Keefe, in Decider (September 20, 2025)
Sci-fi character Boy Kavalier always goes barefoot and uses his feet almost like additional hands. The article explains the actor’s reasoning behind advocating for that preference.
Ultrarunner Ken Posner Explores Ego, Endurance, and the Catskill Mountains in Chasing the Grid – by Brian Mahoney, in Chronogram (September 12, 2025)
Ken Posner moved from a conventional-minded runner to a minimalist, mountain-climbing, adventure-seeking ultrarunner–and he does it barefoot. The article relates his story.
Link to Posner’s book, “Chasing the Grid”
My Parenting Style Is Apparently Everyone’s Worst Nightmare. I Won’t Change! – by Michelle Herman, in Slate (September 7, 2025)
A mom seeks advice about supporting her kids going barefoot. We support your parenting style, mom! No need to change.
Intentional Grounding: Robert Hunt’s barefoot strolls are walks of gratitude – by Darin Gantt, in Panthers.com (September 5, 2025)
Rules of the Road: Considering the pros and cons of barefoot driving – by Doug Dahl, Washington Traffic Safety Commission, in Bellingham Herald (September 1, 2025)
While still urging caution–as typical for these articles–this one also recognizes and promotes the benefits of driving barefoot. Now if only more of these articles also consulted the related resources available on our SBL website!
Portland veteran attempts Guinness World Record for walking barefoot on Legos – by Jenna Deml, in KOIN/6 News (August 31, 2025)
A man tries to break the Guinness record for walking on Legos. We wonder if an experienced barefooter might have better luck! We wish him well on his next attempt.
Links to New Zealand woman who set the record in January, 2025:
- Mum Makes Barefoot Lego sprint
- CBC Radio article on a New Zealand mom who set the record back in January, 2025
The Barefoot Manifesto: How I Stopped Wearing Shoes and Started Living,” book by Bunny Fitzgerald (Kindle edition, July 25, 2025 – posted August 8, 2025).
Based on a decision to shed her shoes and go barefoot, the author addresses themes of freedom, living non-apologetically and following a “barefoot philosophy” to choose one’s own way in life. It’s about living life authentically rather than for approval.
Is it legal to drive barefoot in New York? Here’s what to know, by Erin Jones, in Democrat & Chronicle (August 4, 2025)
This time of year numerous articles address this perennial question. Yes, it’s legal in all 50 U.S. states–enough said. In the weeks prior to this piece, we also found at least ten articles, nearly identical but with different authors, for other U.S. states.
Unfortunately, all of them, including this one (though its the best in the bunch) go on to reference the same two or three so-called “expert” sources that discourage driving barefoot based on inaccurate assumptions regarding risk (likely written by people without any barefoot driving experience).
Our SBL website “Driving Barefoot” page provides accurate information (https://www.barefooters.org/driving-barefoot/).
Review | ‘Viola’s Room’ featuring Helena Bonham Carter takes you on a moody, barefoot field trip – by Matt Windman, in AMNY (July 27, 2025)
In this “immersive theater” experience, audience members first remove their shoes, hand over phones and slip on headphones before moving through a labyrinth of narrow corridors and themed rooms guided by narration. Floor textures shift beneath ones feet, from soft carpeting to sand to cool tile. Theater using all of one’s senses!
Another article about this experience: I tried NYC’s new barefoot immersive theater show ‘Viola’s Room,’ and it was unsettlingly awesome,
UK man challenges himself to walk barefoot for a year: ‘It’s been really liberating’ – by Imogen Howse SWNS, In New York Post (July 7, 2025)
As the man, who goes by the name Bear Intentions, explains, “The barefoot challenge is part of me challenging myself to live with intention – and particularly to live authentically and stand up for what I believe in.”
Trainers Swear By This Controversial Footwear Method for Lifting—Here’s Why– By Danielle Zickl, in Men’s Fitness (June 4, 2025)
Doing strengthening workouts barefoot offers a number of benefits as listed in this article. Noam Tamir, Founder and CEO of TS Fitness notes, “For years we have been told to wear performance sneakers. Over the last decade, however, there has been science that has shown going barefoot or wearing minimalist sneakers has a lot of benefits.”
Hikers explore Barefoot Trail near Flagstaff– News report by Steve Neilsen, in Fox10/PhoenixAZ (June 4, 2025)
Video news feature by FOX10’s Steve Nielsen on a unique barefoot hiking trail in Bellemont, outside Flagstaff, Arizona.
Taylor Swift and Angelina Jolie did it, but is this trend for everyone? – by Mary Grauerholz, in Cape Cod health (June 3, 2025)
Despite a misleading headline (why?), a positive article on the benefits of barefooting for older adults–including a positive nod from a podiatrist.
Why barefoot dancing is so important to Boston Ballet’s “Roméo et Juliette” – video by Chris Tanaka, in WBZ TV / CBS News Boston (June 3, 2025)
Dancing barefoot can change and enhance the dynamics and expression of the dance. As one performer notes, dancing barefoot allows the dancer to, “give as much of her soul as she can give to the audience.” Though it does offer initial challenges to traditional ballet dancers.
Teen becomes youngest ever to run London Marathon barefoot – by George Jones / Talker News, in Watauga Democrat/Boone NC (June 3, 2025)
Cameron Jacob shown here after crossing the finish line barefoot.
Citizen Tribune – Another link to the same story
GoldenEye launches ‘Little Barefoot’ Summer Camp in Jamaica – by Sheri-kae McLeod, in CNW/Caribbean National Weekly (
The iconic Jamaican resort Golden Eye, once home to James Bond creator Ian Fleming, will host its first “Little Barefoot Summer Camp” program designed for children ages 5 to 10.
I tried barefoot running — here’s what no one tells you about doing it – by Bob McCullough, in The Manual (May 28, 2025)
The author, a converted barefoot runner, notes, “If you’re a runner looking for a change of pace, consider barefoot running.”
Barefoot Benefits: Ditch Shoes & Boost Your Health? – by Ivanhoe Newswire, in WALB/TV News (May 13, 2025)
“Simply exposure to soils may have dramatic health benefits,” explains Christopher Lowry, Neuroendocrinologist at UC Boulder. The news feature notes that, “Each year, 28 to 35 percent of people over 65 fall. Walking barefoot can help prevent this by activating foot muscles and nerves that improve balance and posture.”
Another link to this story on WGEM TV News (May 26, 2025)
The Barefoot Trail: A grounding experience in northern Arizona is back for its second season – by Nicole Gutierrez, in ABC15/Arizona (May 6, 2025)
News story about a Barefoot Trail in Arizona opening for its second season. As the founder notes, “The world comes alive […] when you experience it with bare feet and we’ve put things specially on the trail for you to raise that awareness…”
Barefoot man takes on rowdy alligator with just a trash can, Florida video shows – by Mark Price, in Miami Herald ( April 21, 2025)
A barefoot Mike Dragich, a licensed trapper, improvised using a trash can to remove an alligator from a Florida home. He’s done it before. And his shoe-less state seems to help.
- A more recent story: Barefoot Florida Man Wrangles Alligator Off Interstate (April 30, 2025)
- A previous story: Barefoot man recorded jumping on alligator in Florida highway. ‘Hold my sweet tea’ (April, 2024)
Edwina Tries… Barefoot Massage –
Writer described her visit to a massage therapy practice staffed by licensed therapists who offer a variety of services for pain relief to relaxation, including barefoot massage–in which the therapist provides the massage using feet instead of hands.
Why I Go Barefoot: On Resistance, Presence, and the Politics of Skin – by Bunny Fitzgerald, Blog post/Patreon (April 15, 2025)
An excellent essay. The writer concludes, “In a world that constantly tries to polish the edges off of us, to filter and soften and blur, going barefoot is how I stay sharp. It’s how I stay real. It’s how I stay free.”
Why I walk barefoot in the woods, Learning to ground myself both physically and emotionally at the University – by Rosie Strickland, in Cavalier Daily (April 6, 2025)
A college student describes how taking barefoot walks in the forest (“forest bathing” as she calls it) helps her slow down, ground herself, find peace and handle the stresses of academic life.
Val Kilmer Went ‘Barefoot’ & ‘Shirtless’ to Movie Audition – by Kevin Harrish, in Men’s Journal (April 3, 2025)
On April 1 news arrived of the passing of actor Val Kilmer at the age of 65. Here, a fellow actor relates the memorable impression he made appearing barefoot at his audition for his iconic role in the movie “The Doors.” A bold decision that worked. A lesson for others?
Walking in faith: Fermanagh minister’s barefoot mission – by Victoria Johnston, in The Impartial Reporter/Ireland (March 27, 2025)
A minister in Ireland has chosen to raise funds with a barefoot pilgrimage. But! He generally goes barefoot, not to deny himself but to enhance his life. As he explains, it’s not penitential but a model of servanthood.
The Curious Rise of Barefoot Fashion – by Natalie Michie, in Fashion Magazine (March 14, 2025)
The article asks, “Is footwear finished? Pop culture appears to be saying as much.” We can only hope.
Another article about this fashion trend… Doechii Steps Out at Paris Fashion Week Barefoot as She Rocks Bohemian Look for Chloé Runway Show – by Michelle Lee, in People Magazine (March 6, 2025)
New Patriots receiver Mack Hollins explains why he likes to go barefoot – by Matt Geagan, in CBSNews/Boston (March 14, 2025)
Hollins explains how going barefoot benefits his health and durability on and off the football field.
Sports Illustrated article about Hollins’ barefoot preference
I loved dancing barefoot around a cauldron with my neighbours – by Kiran Sidhu, in Prospect Magazine/KU (March 5, 2025)
The author explains how ritual, which for her includes going barefoot, enhances her connection with her natural surroundings.
Why I have lived Barefoot for 8 years in Puerto Rico – Youtube video by “Radically Wild” (March 3, 2025)
Video by a self-described “barefoot environmental activist” in Puerto RIco. He went from the concrete jungle of Brooklyn NY to becoming “radically wild” by connecting deeply to nature, which included rejecting footwear. In this video he explains the benefits of that footwear decision.
Other videos by Radically Wild
Why Does Raye Perform Without Shoes? The Story Behind Her Barefoot Signature – by Michael Piwowarski, in Chemical City Paper (February 3, 2025)
Also…
Why Does Raye Perform Without Shoes? – by Sara Delgado, in Teen Vogue (February 2, 2025)
Both articles relate that singer Raye’s signature move includes performing onstage barefoot–as she did again during the 67th Grammy Awards, Feb. 2. As she explained, “I feel like when I’m wearing shoes, I’m thinking about wearing shoes. Is that weird?”
Writer Michael Piwowarski, in the first article above, notes, “No, it’s not weird at all. It actually makes total sense. Performing barefoot makes her feel more connected to the stage, more in the moment, and free to move without distraction.” We agree.
Crystal Coast of North Carolina / Samantha Brown’s “Places to Love” – Travel show hosted by Samantha Brown, PBS TV (January 30, 2025)
At 7:20 Samantha features Wade McVey, known as “Barefoot Wade,” who performs as a solo musician with a full band sound in the Outer Banks of North Carolina (USA). He uses his feet to help play his multiple instruments.
How a ‘barefoot trail’ aims to better connect people with nature – Mason Carroll, TV news reporter, on WLBT3 News (January 17, 2025)
Video news feature on a unique barefoot hiking trail in Flagstaff, Arizona, modeled after similarly themed trails in Europe.
Christchurch mum runs 100 metre sprint on Lego barefoot – by 1NewsReporters, in 1News/NZ (January 16, 2025)
One woman’s “bucket list” included setting a record for sprinting over Legos barefoot! She succeeded with flying colors and no serious repercussions.
CBC Radio article on her accomplishment
Why does Mack Hollins go barefoot? Experts from Melbourne Muscular Therapies explain their ‘shoeless’ advice to Bills WR – by Gilbert McGregor, in Sporting News (January 12, 2025)
Pro football player Mack Hollins, one of the most interesting people in the league, also goes barefoot almost always. Why? Because of its benefits to his health and durability.
Article on barefoot Collins in Fred Flintstones costume arriving for a play-off game – in Democrat & Chronicle (January 12, 2025).
(See more on Collins in December, 2024 listing)
The Kelly Clarkson Show – Youtube video (January 7, 2025)
Singer and talk show host Kelly Clarkson chose to conduct her January 7, 2025 show barefoot. As she explained, she didn’t want to wear shoes, felt tired of heels and hey, she’s the host. Makes sense to us.
Somatic barefoot movement – Nia – brought to Worcester – by Theo Gardner, in WorcesterNews/UK (January 2, 2025)
The practice – Nia – is a fusion of dance, martial arts, and mindfulness practices. Using a system of 52 moves practiced barefoot, the workouts promise full-body conditioning, mental clarity and emotional balance.
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