Q&A for How to Go Barefoot Safely

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  • Question
    How should I start training for barefoot running?
    Francisco Gomez
    Fitness Coach
    Francisco Gomez is the Head Coach at the FIT Potato Gym, a training gym established in 2001 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Francisco is a former competitive runner who helps endurance athletes train for major marathons like the Boston Marathon. Francisco specializes in Injury Rehab, Flexibility, Marathon Training, and Senior Fitness. He has a B.S. in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology & Running.
    Fitness Coach
    Expert Answer
    Only go short distances when you start so you get used to the pace and feeling running barefoot. As you get more comfortable, try increasing your distance by 10% every week to condition your body.
  • Question
    Can going barefoot prevent foot odor because my feet kind of smell?
    Zoey
    Community Answer
    It will. Your feet get stinky in shoes if you wear no socks or if you exercise a lot, because your feet are one of the sweatiest parts of your body and that sweat has nowhere to go inside shows. Going barefoot can help a lot.
  • Question
    Why does going around barefoot feel good?
    Zoey
    Community Answer
    Fresh air is going on your feet instead of them being trapped in shoes all hot and sweaty. It's also the natural state and walking barefoot allows the feet to flex properly.
  • Question
    How can I go barefoot without my parents knowing?
    Community Answer
    Ask them to go outside, put your shoes on, go outside, then take them off. However, you need to know why they don't like you doing this: if they don't like dirt in the house, clean your feet first; if they don't want you to get stung by bees, don't walk on grass, etc.
  • Question
    What is the best surface to walk barefoot on?
    Community Answer
    Grass, dirt, and other soft material is best. Once you're used to those surfaces, you can try roads, gravel, pavement and sidewalks.
  • Question
    What outfit would you think a barefooter would say goes perfect with bare feet?
    DancingFox
    Community Answer
    Barefooters can wear any outfit. Some barefooters like wearing anklets or fake barefoot sandals that make them look like they are wearing shoes to avoid harassment.
  • Question
    Can your feet get bigger from being barefoot frequently?
    DancingFox
    Community Answer
    No, nothing can make your feet grow bigger than your genetics allow. However, wearing normal shoes may compress and deform feet in a way that makes them smaller. Your feet may widen, but they cannot grow bigger.
  • Question
    I don't like wearing shoes, because my feet are pretty big for my age, so how can I not draw attention toward my feet?
    DancingFox
    Community Answer
    The sight of a barefoot person is very rare, and will cause people to turn their heads no matter what size your feet are. Give them a smile and a wave as people walk by.
  • Question
    What if my feet don't smell good?
    Community Answer
    Foot odor is a pretty common condition; your feet get smelly in shoes if you don't wear socks or if you're always active, as feet are among the sweatier parts of your body, so that sweat won't go anywhere. Washing your feet daily can help, and also try using antiperspirant or rubbing your feet with scented lotion to make them smell nice (and sweet, too!).
  • Question
    What can going barefoot say about a person?
    Community Answer
    Barefooters can be described as being friendly, kind, polite, relaxed, and fun-loving. They only want to spread the happiness that comes from freeing their feet. If you want to be a barefooter, then take off those shoes and socks. It always feels good, especially when you want to relax. Feel free to wiggle your toes, too!
  • Question
    Where can I make friends with other barefooters?
    Community Answer
    Try going to barefoot-friendly areas, like parks or beaches. If you should happen to come across barefooters, greet them and show that you are interested in living the barefooters' lifestyle. You can ask questions and they can offer you tips on how to bare your feet in more places and social situations.
  • Question
    Can going barefoot help relieve sore feet? I'm overweight, so I go barefoot a lot to relive myself.
    Community Answer
    You may want to be careful. Your feet will have the unfortunate task of having to carry your extra weight, so rest them often. Also, give them a massage or have a friend or family member massage them for you, and carry a pedometer with you so you can lose weight.
  • Question
    Why does taking off my shoes and socks feel so good?
    Community Answer
    Taking off your shoes and socks feels good because you're freeing your feet after a tiring day at either work for school. Feel free to wiggle your toes or rub your feet if you want to relax yourself.
  • Question
    What outfit would a barefooter say goes well with bare feet?
    Community Answer
    As a barefooter, you can dress however you like, but keep your feet bare. Barefooters are very friendly, relaxed people, so try wearing relaxed clothing, like a T-shirt with blue jeans.
  • Question
    What shoes should I wear before going barefoot?
    Community Answer
    No shoes are required for going barefoot, hence the word "barefoot" means wearing nothing on your feet.
  • Question
    I've been taught since I was young that going out barefoot is very dangerous. Can I start out with just socks to get more comfortable with the idea?
    Community Answer
    Build up a level of self-assurance you are comfortable with. Like any other physical activity, going barefoot can hurt your feet if you try to do too much of it, so only go barefoot for short amounts of time, in familiar environments.
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