2008 Woodie Awards
Not wearing shoes rare to some, but comfortable, normal for two
By Jessica Rupell
Rocket Focus Editor
Issue date: 9/21/07 Section: Focus
"I always have them (shoes) with me in my bag, just in case," she said.
At home, she wears shoes in restaurants and her church, though she mentioned the church she attends here is a bit more laid back and she can get away with no shoes.
Freshman psychology major Sarah E. Smith, 18, is another who often walks barefoot around campus, and said her reason for not wearing shoes is that she simply doesn't like them.
As a left-handed person, Smith said that it took her forever to learn how to tie her shoes and that she would always get in fights with her parents about wearing them.
She said that from the time she was old enough to tell her parents she didn't want to wear shoes, she has chosen not to wear them.
"I think I was about eight years old," Smith said. "And I would not wear them all summer because it was comfy."
Like McNeill though, she isn't completely rebellious when it comes to footwear.
"I wear shoes in classrooms and other public places," Smith said. "Mainly because I respect that people don't necessarily like feet."
The weather does bother Smith some, she said, and in addition to being in buildings, cold weather is the only thing that makes her put on shoes.
Smith said she gets comments about her feet, but with purple hair, she is used to comments about her looks and said they don't bug her.
"I'm so used to it by now," Smith said. "There's not much I can do. If they want to stare, let them stare."
McNeill said she also gets comments from people who see her on campus.
"People make comments all the time and say things such as 'why is this crazy hippie not wearing shoes?' and 'aren't you cold?'" McNeill said.
She said that while she gets such comments all the time, she has just started to ignore it.
"I'm a very opinionated person and more than willing to share my opinion," McNeill said. "People have assumptions about me-some correct and some not-but there would be assumptions about me regardless of how I dress."
At home, she wears shoes in restaurants and her church, though she mentioned the church she attends here is a bit more laid back and she can get away with no shoes.
Freshman psychology major Sarah E. Smith, 18, is another who often walks barefoot around campus, and said her reason for not wearing shoes is that she simply doesn't like them.
As a left-handed person, Smith said that it took her forever to learn how to tie her shoes and that she would always get in fights with her parents about wearing them.
She said that from the time she was old enough to tell her parents she didn't want to wear shoes, she has chosen not to wear them.
"I think I was about eight years old," Smith said. "And I would not wear them all summer because it was comfy."
Like McNeill though, she isn't completely rebellious when it comes to footwear.
"I wear shoes in classrooms and other public places," Smith said. "Mainly because I respect that people don't necessarily like feet."
The weather does bother Smith some, she said, and in addition to being in buildings, cold weather is the only thing that makes her put on shoes.
Smith said she gets comments about her feet, but with purple hair, she is used to comments about her looks and said they don't bug her.
"I'm so used to it by now," Smith said. "There's not much I can do. If they want to stare, let them stare."
McNeill said she also gets comments from people who see her on campus.
"People make comments all the time and say things such as 'why is this crazy hippie not wearing shoes?' and 'aren't you cold?'" McNeill said.
She said that while she gets such comments all the time, she has just started to ignore it.
"I'm a very opinionated person and more than willing to share my opinion," McNeill said. "People have assumptions about me-some correct and some not-but there would be assumptions about me regardless of how I dress."
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
Charlie Strohm
posted 10/03/07 @ 12:27 PM EST
As an older adult(56)I find it refreshing to see young adults opening their eyes and baring their soles. From my early days of childhood to present I personally feel in touch with the world when I can touch the ground beneath my feet. (Continued…)
Chris
posted 10/03/07 @ 2:48 PM EST
As another barefooter in the state of PA, I think it is wonderful that these ladies have learned that shoes are not necessary under most normal circumstances and bare feet function quite well as nature intended. (Continued…)
Sunfire
posted 10/03/07 @ 4:20 PM EST
I am always glad to read people's reasons for going barefoot. Personally, I just feel more connected with the Earth. I have heard of others doing it for health reasons. (Continued…)
Barefoot in Bellevue
posted 10/04/07 @ 12:32 AM EST
Wonderful article, I am a barefoot minister influenced by Jesus commanding his evangelists to go forth shoeless (Luke 10:4) and God commanding Moses to remove his shoes (Exodus 3:5). (Continued…)
John
posted 10/04/07 @ 4:13 PM EST
I'm always glad to hear of other barefooters my own age. I rejected shoes for most of the same reasons two years and have been happier ever since.
Barefoot Guy
posted 10/11/07 @ 6:23 PM EST
I've always enjoyed going barefoot everywhere. It may not be for everyone, but the comfort and freedom is very nice. I've seen many women with deformed feet due to ill fitted shoes. (Continued…)
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