To want to walk barefoot in the summer (including into shops)

[nomorequotes]

I don't understand why in this country it is considered so bad to be barefoot, I have been told I am not allowed to walk into Tescos barefoot, or Waitrose, they claim it is a 'health and safety issue' because something might fall on my feet. Well if that is the case shouldn't they be banning flip-flops too? Flip-flops are pretty dangerous things really, accountable for many broken toes, ankles and feet in the summer. I have a friend who broke his ankle so badly it was like he had been in a car accident and all he had done is twisted wearing flip-flops.

So why the intolerance to bare feet? They have been outside the same as shoes so it can't be a hygiene thing and they are much safer than flip-flops.

I am sick of having to have shoes in the car just so I can walk into shops, it makes no sense to me, if I want to be barefoot I should be allowed to be!

because its dirty and horrible and you might step on broken glass or dogshit or even both....?
how warm it is is beside the point.
If you went barefoot in Greece or Italy they would look down their noses at you because it is not that long since people could not afford shoes.
Same in certain parts of northern Europe now I think of it.

Move there then. I've been on a lot of those places and seen most wearing flip flops. Plenty of, 'No shoes, no shirt, no service,' when you're not on or near a beach. It's cold here, dirty pavements, and no one wants your filthy feet in their business. So put up or get out.

Both my granddads went barefoot as children because their families had so many children that they couldn't feed and clothe them properly.

They didn't have the luxury of choice.

I do and so I own lots of shoes and boots! Why go barefoot when you don't have to?

Of course it is attention seeking to wander around the UK in your bare feet in October! Why else are you doing it? It isn't for your health!

My grandmother in Bermondsey used to have to put up with other kids shouting at her 'Go 'ome yer muvva wants yer boots' because most of them only wore their shoes on Sunday, the rest of the time they were in the pawnshop.

Because she is free spirited, Latara, and trying to demonstrate that the UK is not and therefor morally inferior. Well, there is the door.

OP you are coming across like the irritating sister of the wife in Outnumbered

Something isn't better just because you've travelled and seen it elsewhere.

Given the state of our pavements going shoeless isn't really that great in the UK. Shoes are more practical, and in my experience generally are removed in other peoples homes. Especially homes with cream carpets.

YADNBU.

Have a look at Vibram Five Fingers and VivoBarefoot and Happy Little Soles for your wee ones.

They all sell more minimalist shoes.

I spent time in a hot country where very poor people saved for school shoes. Barefoot was to be endured until you could afford better.

Tourists in bare feet were viewed with astonishment. If you can afford shoes, why not wear them? Supermarkets, bars and shops banned bare feet for hygiene reasons.

I wouldn't walk barefoot in the UK if you paid me.

You must be awfully grubby, OP.

Have I misunderstood or did you also say you were taken aside because you sent your child to school shoeless? I'm not surprised, poor mite.

I'm imagining you with lots of string on your wrists for some reason.

Oh I bet your feet are filthy!

My feet look like boney zombie hands so I'd scare the kids!

If you saw some of the things that are spilt on supermarket floors you would never go barefoot again. Much worse things than food or drink need to be cleaned up when young children are around!

Nomore, are you sure nobody has ever objected to bare feet in the various countries you have visited? In Thailand it is considered the height of rudeness if the soles of your feet are visible. Perhaps people have been too polite to complain to you while you have unknowingly insulted them.

It's not about standing next to some one at the salad counter with these trotters !

Just stick a pair of shoes on and stop being such a tryhard. Uk pavements are grim.

Arggggghhhhhhh my eyes, softlysoftly, boak

Am finding the people telling me I am being irrational whilst shouting 'MOVE THEN' really quite comical.

I just don't understand the cultural differences thats all, there is lots different about this country to others (and vice versa) doesn't automatically mean one is 'better' than the other, just different.

I think the answer really lies in the perception that we wear shoes if we can afford them and that to not wear shoes is somehow displaying awful poverty. Which it really isn't.

Nor is it making a political statement about how 'free spirited' I am, I am pretty far from free spirited actually if truth be told.

Thanks its I am hoping to get some five-fingers for running if the running shop agrees that they are best for me and doesnt kick me out because I'm barefoot

You don't understand the cultural difference? Oh, c'mon!

Nope never had problems in Thailand being barefoot, it is offensive to show the soles of your SHOES to someone, not your feet AFAIK.

EEURRRGGHHH that picture!

People have been wearing shoes for 5,500 years because they protect your feet. Only the poorest people couldn't afford them.

I think the answer really lies in the perception that we wear shoes if we can afford them and that to not wear shoes is somehow displaying awful poverty. Which it really isn't.

Are you trying to argue that not wearing shoes is a sign of wealth?

Yes, I don't understand why it is okay to be barefoot in some countries and thoroughly frowned upon in others. That is a cultural difference I just cannot get my head around! Surely it should just be about what you are comfortable in?

Maybe the liability thing has some credence there too, because actually you are unlikely to sue someone in Thailand for stepping in something so they don't really care what you wear on your feet.

Well, surprise, surprise, another country has different cultural norms.

No Fleur I don't think being barefoot is a sign of anything except being barefoot. It isn't making a political statement or showing that you are 'free spirited' or anything like that. It is Just being barefoot

expat you seem awfully invested in this. Why does it bother you so much?

My old boss was famous for walking around with bare feet. She even used to stubb her fag out by treading on it with bare feet. And she would ride horses and walk round the yard like it too!
She did wear shoes in shops tho...

It's ok to hawk or gob in china and I won't be doing that!
My friends craps over a hole in Tanzania but I won't be doing that
I could go on.
I think what you do in your own home is your own business but I wouldn't like it in asda or organic vegetable market as is more likely.
I just think some things are worth making a point over and this isn't one of those.