This page lists the “What’s New In Barefooting” articles and links we featured in 2022 (shown in ascending order by date).
How to Gain Confidence Being Barefoot in Public / 3 tips – by LoserAna, Youtube video (December 23, 2022)
In this vlog, Ana discusses the topic of gaining genuine confidence. She specifically addresses barefooters, but her advice also applies to any aspect of life for anyone, barefoot or not.
Ana’s full list of barefooting Vlogs here
Putting to bed the anti-barefoot hysteria – by Victor Kamp, in The University News (University of Dallas), (December 7, 2022)
Also:
An apology for the shoeless – by Edward Gramling, in The University News (University of Dallas), (December 7, 2022)
Two well written rebuttals to a previously written student opinion piece (“The UD Barefoot Phenomenon,“ Nov. 16, 2022) criticizing students who went barefoot on campus. In the original opinion, the writer had stated, “Humans are not hobbits.”
Airlines Still Have Dress Codes for Passengers. Why? – by Victoria M. Walker, in Afar (December 2, 2022)
The author calls for rethinking many of the outdated and arbitrary (author’s term) “Contract for Carriage” dress codes–which often include prohibitions against bare feet.
Her conclusion: “Why care what other people who aren’t bothering you are wearing? …attire shouldn’t be a barrier to travel.”
This marathoner just completed his 237th barefoot marathon – by Marley Dickinson, in Running Magazine (December 1, 2022)
Story of Wu Jiase, a 65-year-old marathoner from China who trains 70 to 100 kilometers a week barefoot. A celebrity within the Chinese running community, he ran a leg of the Olympic torch relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and has a statue in his honor dedicated to his accomplishments.
I spent a day with barefooters – by Anthony Padilla, Podcast (Youtube) (December 1, 2022)
Anthony Podilla interviews three “Barefooters” to learn the truth about the benefits of not wearing shoes and connecting with the ground.
A cure for runner’s heel pain? Run barefoot on grass – by Dr. Peter Francis, in RTE (November 24, 2022)
Report on a new study finding that 19 of 20 runners had an improvement in a painful heel condition (plantar fasciitis) simply by running barefoot on grass for 15 minutes every other day.
Biologist Offers Insight on the Human Foot – by Brianna Barbu, in Discover Magazine (November 20, 2022)
According to research by evolutionary biologist Dr. Lieberman, the evolution of walking has everything to do with what makes us human.
Dr. Lieberman also addresses questions about when footwear came on the scene, how that changed our human species, and what he has learned from cultures who live barefoot, As Lieberman notes, “For millions or even billions of people in the world, walking barefoot is the norm — and their feet are healthier for it.”
14 Year Old Erwan Legrand Sends a 5.14 c Barefoot – by Aaron Pardy, in Gripped (November 20, 2022)
Two things made 14 year old Erwan’s rock climb worthy of attention: his age and his choice to climb barefoot.
Offering his reasoning for climbing the route sans shoes, Lagrand explained: “I’ve been climbing barefoot on my wall at home since I was little. but I’ve always climbed outdoors with climbing shoes. I had tried this route for three sessions, and I thought it might be easier by climbing barefoot…and it immediately felt better.”
‘Today I Was Me’: Why Christina Applegate Went Barefoot During Her Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony – by Korin Miller, in Self.com (November 16, 2022)
We’re sorry to learn of Christina’s MS diagnosis but congratulate her on receiving her Hollywood Walk of Fame Star. She attended the ceremony barefoot because, as she explains, “For some with MS the feeling of shoes may hurt or make us feel off balance. So today I was me. Barefoot.”
‘I find it liberating’: Woman living barefoot lifestyle hasn’t bought shoes in two years – by Lizzie Thomson, in Metro-Lifestyle/U.K. (November 13, 2022)
Around a year ago, El Robertson decided to ditch her shoes and opt for a barefoot lifestyle. She now lives shoe-less and says her feet have never been in better condition.
Prince Harry wants Archie to play ‘barefoot’ with African children – in Geo News (November 8, 2022)
Hey, if its good enough for a Prince, who wants to argue with that?
According to a quoted source, Prince Harry wants to honor his wife Meghan Markle’s roots and culture by bringing their son Archie up in Africa, running barefoot with African children.
Amazing feats performed while barefoot (Marathons, Slacklining, Walking on legos) – by Barefoot Homestead, TikTok/Youtube video (November 7, 2022)
Another quick slideshow video format from Barefoot Homestead displaying a variety of world class athletes performing their events barefoot (successfully!).
1 Year of Being Barefoot / How My Life Changed – by LoserAna, Youtube video (November 3, 2022)
In this vlog, Ana explains how her decision to adopt the barefoot lifestyle one year ago has changed her life for the better.
She explains why she fell in love with barefooting, how it changed her life and the 7 benefits she has observed. Any genuine barefooter will understand her experience and outlook.
What Can You Get From Trying Barefoot Running as a Veteran – by Samson Soria, in SPFREP (November 1, 2022)
Addressing the military veteran community, the article assesses barefoot running, concluding that, “running barefoot is something that will not only strengthen your feet but also give some unique health benefits.”
Is Training Barefoot the Secret to Unlocking Your Athletic Success? – by “Sports Performance,” in Trainheroic (October 28, 2022)
Spoiler alert: sure! As the article explains (in part), “Having stronger feet [developed by barefoot training] increases your proprioception, stability, and coordination.” But that’s just the start.
Oddly, the article concludes with a section promoting various “barefoot shoes.” But the main section addresses true barefoot training.
Barefoot costumes for Halloween – by Barefoot Homestead, TikTok/Youtube video (October 25, 2022)
A quick slideshow format displaying a wide creative variety of barefoot costume ideas. And why not? Halloween offers a great excuse to go barefoot (if you don’t already)!
Cooking the most delicious noodle soup with vegetables in the jungle – Youtube video (October 15, 2022)
Youtube channel installment created by father and daughter who regularly go barefoot in nature (the outdoors). In this segment they demonstrate cooking a delicious vegetable soup outdoors.
Their Youtube channel: Life, Love and Nothing Else.
The Long Brown Path – by Kenneth Posner, Blog (October 9, 2022)
Blog of author and outdoorsman Kenneth Posner, who recently hiked the entire Muir Trail
Posner’s accompanying website: barefootken
Top 5 Countries For the Barefoot Lifestyle – Video by Barefoot Homestead, TikTok/Youtube video (October 8, 2022)
As the title relates, a review of the top 5 countries (and a few more) for cultural barefoot acceptance. One of the countries includes a town that bans footwear!
This Is What Happens to Your Body When You Go Barefoot While Working Out at Home, According to a Physical Therapist – by Amber Sayer, in Well and Good (October 6, 2022)
The author asks a physical therapist to weigh in on the benefits and possible risks related to working out barefoot. Bottom line: leaving the sneakers behind offers numerous significant benefits in the majority of circumstances. This therapist gets it.
20-Year Old English Man Has Been Walking Around Barefoot for a Year – by Spooky, in Oddity Central (September 27, 2022)
Story about barefooter and TikToker George Woodville who, a year ago, began questioning the necessity of wearing footwear, researched the ‘barefoot movement’ and decided he was done with shoes for good.
Do you Drive without shoes? One influencer has gone viral over her barefoot freak out – by Hayley Taylor, in 7News.com/Australia (September 14, 2022)
Story of a TikTok influencer and British expat living in Australia, on her newfound love of going shoeless due to local custom.
How to Transition Your Kids to a Barefoot Lifestyle – by multiple authors (unnamed) in WikiHow.com (September, 2022)
The article asks: Do you have difficulty keeping your kids in their footwear? Then answers, Research shows you can actually be doing them a favor by removing their shoes and socks and letting them go barefoot!
Why Kids Should Go Barefoot – Avoiding modern foot binding – by Green Child Magazine
An excellent article on the many benefits of going barefoot, especially for the developing feet of babies and kids.
Disclaimer: oddly, the article concludes by promoting various shoe products for kids. Despite that non sequitur, the article, itself, contains helpful information.
Staying grounded: are shoes the most dangerous human invention? – by Chris Holt, in Physics World (September 2, 2022)
A science writer examines claims related to “grounding/earthing” and–not surprisingly–finds them coming up short (i.e., not “grounded” in good science).
Toddler has the sweetest reaction to walking in the rain – Yahoo.com/In The Know (August 30, 2022)
A short clip of a toddler’s sheer delight while dancing barefoot in the rain. We all get it. If only more adults could hold on to, and embrace, that delight for themselves into adulthood!
To borrow a phrase, “Go barefoot [or dance] like no one is watching.” It’s fun!
American ultrarunner completes barefoot trek of California’s John Muir Trail – by Ben Snider-McGrath, in Running Magazine/Canada (August 29, 2022)
New York-based ultrarunner Kenneth Posner completes a 22-day personal challenge to hike California’s 210-mile John Muir Trail barefoot. “Barefoot is simple,” he explains, “Natural. Intense. Every step is an adventure,” (although it took him several attempts to complete the full challenge barefoot).
How Feet Made Us Human – Video by the New York Times [paid by Birkenstock] (August, 2022)
A short video with expert interviews in how evolutionary changes in the human foot led to the ability to walk upright, and the advantages that provided. While underwritten by a shoe company, the content focuses on the benefits of walking barefoot.
Dare you! Would you walk barefoot on fire or Lego for Kettering hospice’s fundraiser? – by Alison Bagley, in Northamptonshire Telegraph/U.K. (August 7, 2022)
Kettering’s Cransley Hospice (in the U.K.) will hold a barefoot challenge and fundraiser on Oct. 15, 2022 at the Old Grammarian’s Rugby Club in Wellingborough. Participants either walk on hot coals or Legos. True barefooters should ace this one!
Wanted: desert island resort in Maldives seeks barefoot bookseller – by Donna Ferguson, in The Guardian (July 31, 2022)
Question: Passionate about literature, adventurous, outgoing, creative and happy to stay shoeless? Kunfunadhoo has the perfect job–work as a barefoot bookseller on this island resort where shoes are not allowed!
Related article by ABC News, San Diego (August 4, 2022)
Direct links to The Barefoot Bookseller in the Maldives: The Barefoot Bookseller and Barefoot Bookseller Facebook
How This Pro Slackliner Crosses Canyons – Video and transcript provided by Wired (July 22, 2022)
Video interview with professional slackliner Faith Dickey, who has walked across a canyon on a slackline barely 2 inches wide. How does she do it? Barefoot, of course!
Dickey notes that she has “all these crazy muscles in my feet that most people don’t have. These are all balance muscles that we just don’t get to use in everyday life.” Actually, we all have these muscles. It’s just that, as Dickey recognizes, shoe wearing inhibits their development.
The Barefoot Farmer: Barren County teen receives USDA grant to expand garden – by Kelly Dean, in WBKO TV News/Kentucky (July 5, 2022)
Local TV news segment about a 15-year-old barefoot farmer, referring to the nickname he earned from early on. Leaving natural footprints in the dirt complies well with the self-sustaining values instilled by his grandpa.
We Asked People Who’ve Chosen to Almost Never Wear Shoes: Why? – by Arman Khan, in Vice (June 23, 2022)
Interviews with various people (including one of our own SBL members) who have chosen to drop their reliance on shoes for a variety of positive reasons. (Note: the article contains much good information, although it does touch on the scientifically unsupported claims related to “earthing.”)
How to Build Confidence Going Barefoot – Youtube video by Barefoot Homestead (June 18, 2022)
“First start private and then go public.” A short video providing gentle encouragement for anyone wanting to begin or expand their experience with public barefooting.
‘Aren’t your feet cold?!’ What it’s like to go barefoot everywhere – by Amy Russell, in The Spinoff/NZ (June 12, 2022) [First published October 1, 2019]
In New Zealand’s Parliament in Wellington, policy advisor Amy Russell explains why she rarely wears shoes. Answer? (Spoiler alert!) She really likes feeling the textures, temperatures and freedom it gives. So simple. Though she offers added insights that any barefooter will appreciate.
Amy concludes, “The happiest and most interesting world is one in which everyone feels free to pursue their harmless quirks, and we all get to enjoy the diversity.” Wise policy advisor!
Backroads and barefoot with Bill – by Bill Steer, in Sudbury/Ontario Canada (May 25, 2022)
“Your feet will become your eyes,” writes Bill Steer. In this edition, Bill takes to the back roads without footwear and explains why it might be good for all of us. (Note: the article contains much good information, but refers incorrectly to “walking barefoot” as “earthing.” These two terms refer to different things.)
P.S., Thank you, Bill, for the shout out to, and endorsement of, the Society For Barefoot living!
Health & Wellness: Barefoot Training: A Big Impact on Small Footprints – by Jessica Scott, in Firehouse (May 16, 2022)
Madurai school students walk barefoot on hot road due to school’s ‘no footwear in examination hall’ rule – by S. Sundar, in The Hindu/India(May 5, 2022)
