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
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In fact, according to the Reuters Web site, "a poll of 1,057 women by the Consumer Reports National Research Center for shopping magazine ShopSmart found U.S. women on average own 19 pairs of shoes."
However, shoes aren't important to everyone, such as Alex McNeill, 20, a junior political science major.
McNeill, who is known around campus for her political T-shirts, long skirts and strong opinions, is also known for something else: she doesn't wear shoes.
"The campus is just so beautiful," McNeill said. "There is so much green space and I just like the way it feels."
McNeill said her non-shoe wearing days began during the summer of 2006 when she was working at a Girl Scout camp.
She said it was like a home away from home, and she began to feel so comfortable there that she ended up not wearing shoes except for hikes.
Since then, she often chooses not to wear shoes at all and said the only places on campus she will wear them are the dining halls and the health center.
This means that even classrooms aren't off limits for her.
"Only one professor has ever asked about it," McNeill said. "But just out of curiosity, not because they were trying to stop me."
Even the weather doesn't stop McNeill.
McNeill said that she loves to walk or run in the rain and that she actually gets better traction in the rain without shoes than with her flip flips. Not even snow can stop her.
"I only start to wear shoes when snow actually starts to stick to the ground," she said. "But even then I usually wear flip flops and take them off when I get inside."
Though she prefers not to wear shoes, McNeill doesn't do it be rebellious and will respect a shoe policy in any public place.
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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