This page lists the “What’s New In Barefooting” articles and links that we featured in 2020 (shown in ascending order by date).
Christmas Cheer: ‘Running barefoot brought out the inner child in me’ – in Meath Chronicle/Arts & Culture (December 23, 2020)
The story of a bereaved father who took on the challenge of running a 50-mile barefoot marathon to honor a deceased son and also raise funds for charity. As Ian Lawton explained, “Running barefoot brought out the inner child in me which felt like a manifestation of my lost son and it really connected me with childhood and the childhood I missed out on with him. ”
Why going barefoot is good for your child – by Nur Atiqah Azman, in The Star/Malaysia (December 10, 2020)
Children learn about the environment not only while using their hands but also their feet–when given the opportunity. This article highlights five reasons why going barefoot helps in a child’s developmental process.
From ‘Pretty Woman’ to Cannes: Every Time Julia Roberts Famously Rocked the Barefoot Look – by David Quinn, in People Magazine (December 8, 2020)
Review of ways actress Julia Roberts has rocked the barefoot look in film and personal life.
The Nutcracker Suite in Modern Bare Feet Movie, Filmed in Flagstaff, in Flagstaff Business News (December 7, 2020)
With the current pandemic and social restrictions, Canyon Movement Company has made a FILM of their Nutcracker Suite in Modern Bare Feet! (Portions of the program performed by barefoot dancers.)
Anyone may watch it at home on Facebook Premier and/or YouTube from December until Christmas day, 2020.
More information and link to view it here.
Barefoot walking results, myths and benefits – My feet after 10 months of Barefoot living and trekking – by Kartika Dubey, Youtube video (December 5, 2020)
“I have been barefoot for 10 months,” Dubey explains, “and it’s been an incredible experience. …Our feet get so stressed staying stuck in shoes for long hours. …Being barefoot is essential for holistic healthy living so that our feet can keep all its mobility and strength. To me now I love being barefoot. It makes me feel centered, balanced and in sync with energies and environment around me.”
Prior video: I have been Barefoot for 10 months – Why and Benefits (Nov. 30, 2020)
Kartika Dubey’s Facebook page
Light on his feet: The unexpected reason a Colorado man is climbing the state’s 14ers barefoot – by Stephanie Butzer, in The Denver Channel (December 4, 2020)
As Jonathan Mather relates, “When I’m barefoot, my feet are feeling Mother Earth underneath. It’s just a sensory experience unlike anything else.”
The 27-year-old has summited 25 of Colorado’s 14ers (mountains above 14,000 feet) totally barefoot since 2018. “I don’t have anything to prove,” he explains, “It’s not about that. It’s just about enjoying it.”
Barefoot Running Is Fast, Fun, and Bad**s—But It’s Not for Every Body – by Kells McPhillips, in Well+Good (October 26, 2020)
The author relies on research and expert advice to explain the benefits of barefoot running, including advice on how and when to transition into barefoot running.
How “Stay At Home” Has Helped Your Feet – by Dr. Ray McClanahan (Podiatrist) and Golden Harper, in Podium Runner (October 22, 2020)
Staying at home due to COVID-19 has created numerous challenges, but it has also given many the opportunity to go barefoot more.
As this article by a qualified podiatrist and a record holding distance runner relates, that opportunity has lead to not only more comfort but also a positive transformation of our feet and improvements in foot health (despite what a few other recent articles have tried to claim).
Northborough woman inspires others with running – by Liz Nolan, in Community Advocate (October 20, 2020)
The story of barefoot runner Rebekah Tregger and the benefits and pleasures she has gained from it.
How Walking Barefoot Helped Me Experience Language and Culture – by Heather Markel, in HeatherBegins/Blog (October 15, 2020)
Traveling Blogger Heather Markel relates how a big part of travel is observing and trying local traditions different from one’s own. Thus, while in New Zealand, Markel describes her positive and even exhilarating experience with embracing a local Kiwi custom: going barefoot out and about.
Barefoot runner Blake Johnston runs 100km of NSW South Coast for physical challenge – by Justin Huntsdale and Nick Rheinberger, in ABC News/Australia (October 14, 2020)
The story of Blake Johnson’s barefoot run, including a helpful interview with podiatrist Tim Morris who notes that “human beings were born to run barefoot.” Dr. Morris also offers tips for transitioning to barefoot running.
John Daly Made A Hole-In-One Barefoot This Week – by Alek Arend, in TheSpun (October 8, 2020)
Video and report about legendary golfer John Daly making a hole-in-one while barefoot during a charity gulf tournament.
Another account of this event.
Barefoot: The Mark Baumer Story – on Yahoo Entertainment (October 7, 2020)
[Note: Link above no longer works. Try this one by Christy Lemire (October 27, 2020)]
Promotional video of the movie Barefoot: The Mark Baumer Story, produced by filmmaker Julie Sokolow, celebrating Mark Baumer, an activist who traveled America barefoot to protest climate change.
In 2016, author, poet and environmental activist Mark Baumer took a break from his Brown Univ. job to film himself walking barefoot across America to bring awareness to the threat of climate change. Baumer had studied barefoot running, and trained to build up his feet.
Note: while Baumer took steps to ensure his safety, his journey ended in tragedy in Jan. 2017 when, after 100 days on the road, he was struck and killed by a car in Florida. News report here.
Meet the Yakima man who strived to walk barefoot across the world – by Jim Dever in King5.com NBC news, Seattle, (September 30, 2020) – Article and video
The story of Hippolyte Martinet, a Yakima cabinet maker who, one hundred years ago (in 1920), set out on a barefoot journey, walking from Seattle to New York, sailing across the Atlantic and continuing to walk through France, Egypt and India, living 100% off the kindness of strangers.
Can bare feet work at home? – by Katy Bowman, article on her Blog page NutritiousMovement (September, 2020)
Short answer: of course. Bowman, an internationally recognized biomechanist and author, responds to supposed foot health concerns due to increased barefooting at home during the COVID-19 quarantine. Bowman also offers helpful exercises to promote healthier, stronger feet.
Incredible barefoot runner completes 385 mile Three Peaks Challenge – by Natalie Morris, in Metro.co.uk (Sept. 9, 2020)
The story of barefoot runner Tony Riddle who ran more than 450 miles from Mt Snowdon in Wales to Scafell Pike in England, and Ben Nevis in Scotland.
“I’m now a natural lifestylist“, states Riddle, “I look to ways of living that are more in sync with human biology. …People look at me and think it’s completely crazy for me to be barefoot, but if you look at biomechanics and you understand our physiology and anatomy, then you’ll be able to relate to it.” The article explains why.
The World After – Bare Feet – by The Lady in Blu in Global Cosmetics News (August 14, 2020)
Has the COVID-19 lockdown, along with renewed interest in nature and more open air socializing, resulted in a trend towards bare feet? This writer says yes and identifies five influences encouraging the bare feet movement. We hope she’s right!
Barefoot Cycling: Why Is it Good For You – by Max Shumpert, in Bikes Reviewed (August 6, 2020 – update [original: July 11, 2019])
This helpful article notes reasons to ride barefoot and outlines techniques to make it workable and fun–including creative ways to modify uncomfortable peddles.
Olympics Flashbacks: the science of barefoot running and winning gold – by Ali Pattillo, in Inverse (August 4, 2020)
Science and barefoot running: Olympic Marathon winner Abebe Bikila’s barefoot victory has inspired runners to leave their sneakers at home. The article draws on the work of experts including Dr. Daniel Lieberman, who has studied how human walk and run.
Six benefits of walking barefoot – by Rachel Murugi, in Eve (August 3, 2020)
As the title suggests, the article outlines six health benefits of walking barefoot and making it a lifestyle. Simple, clear and to the point.
That barefoot feeling – by Rick Houser, in The People’s Defender (July 23, 2020)
The author reminisces fondly about his bygone, carefree barefoot days as a child. Sadly, he now seems resigned to a shod life. But it doesn’t have to work that way. At any age, going barefoot can offer a great, natural and no cost way to keep feeling young. Carpe Diem!
How ‘wild schools’ can help kids understand nature – by Sarah J. Szabo, in ABC Life/Aus (June 16, 2020)
Barefoot, khaki-clad and carrying a backpack full of twigs and sticks, Steve Aldridge finishes an ‘earth’ school session in Perth, Australia with his young charges. His classes allow kids to learn and teach themselves through observation, play and exploration of ecosystems–including with bare feet!
As one parent puts it, “How can you learn to be compassionate about the environment if you don’t have a very direct relationship with it?”
No shirt, no shoes, what’s the risk? (Musings on COVID-19 transmission) – by Dr. Stanley Sack, in Key West Weekly [Florida] (June 16, 2020)
During this COVID-19 pandemic, some local municipalities have developed posters to encourage behaviors that reduce virus transmission (social distancing, washing hands, wearing masks). But three localities we know of (Key West, FL; Knoxville, TN; Cape Cod, MA) have added misleading information, linking shirts and shoes with the need for masks–resurrecting a discriminatory and unfriendly phrase that most businesses wisely avoid. Shame on them.
One health professional has aimed to correct the misinformation. And for those wanting a catchy slogan, the good doctor in Key West suggests: “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problems…but please wear a mask!” Smart. (Or simply “Please wear a mask.”)
Barefoot running: Why you should consider it to prevent injuries – by
The author writes, “…a growing body of evidence shows running shoes might actually be doing us more harm than good.” And, “Our latest review suggests that wearing shoes changes the way we run and weakens the foot in a way that can contribute to many common sports injuries.” An interesting read.
Related summary article: Why barefoot running may help prevent common injuries – by Courtney Kueppers, in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (June 5, 2020)
Greeley’s Barry Wells known as Barefoot Barry on city golf courses – by Anne Delaney, in Greeley Tribune (June 2, 2020)
69-year-old Barry Wells golfs barefoot two to three times a week. “It’s better for my swing,” he explains, “I get grief when I show up with shoes.” (The article notes that pro golfer Sam Snead also had a reputation for playing barefoot to improve his game.)
Chris Hemsworth’s Byron Bay trend goes global – by James Weir, in News.com.au (May 24, 2020)
This Australian opinion piece comments somewhat whimsically on what the author views as a possibly growing trend in popular culture: celebrities and others navigating public spaces while barefoot.
Why This Man Goes Barefoot on His Annual BWCA Trips – Hannah Torkelson, in The Minnesota Monthly (May 18, 2020)
Mark Zimmer goes shoeless during months-long northern Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) visits. He does it to up his game and as a tribute to his grandfather. But he also finds advantages to the practice. In his words, “It provides support while portaging that shoes cannot.”
Barefoot Football in the Territory of Hawai‘i – by Hank Sobolski, in The Garden Island (May 10, 2020)
From the mid-1920s into the early 1950s, barefoot football occupied a special niche among sports in Hawai‘i. Players 15-30 years of age wore no shoes and donned only T-shirts, rolled-up denim trousers and sometimes sailor hats. Punting played a significant role, with kickers routinely kicking 50-yard plus barefoot kicks. Shoes would just get in the way.
Is it okay to exercise barefoot at home? Study reveals shoes may weaken our feet – by Katherine Scott, in Coach.Nine/AU (May 1, 2020)
With people spending more time at home–and thus more time barefoot–during the COVID-19 quarantine, the coaches respond to questions about whether or not it’s ok to work out sans shoes around the house, and how to go barefoot safely.
How A British Adventurer Ran 90 Barefoot Marathons — And How She’s Tackling The COVID Lockdown – by Elizabeth Broomhall, in Forbes (April 30, 2020)
Interview with inspiring British barefoot runner Anna McNuff, who in 2019 completed her shoeless adventure, Barefoot Britain, running the equivalent of 90 marathons across the U.K, while stopping along the way to hold inspiring talks with young girls.
Why I Walk Barefoot and The Benefits of Being Barefoot – video by Rob Greenfield, (April 30, 2020)
Greenfield (also featured on our SBL “People” page) talks about his barefoot life – why he goes barefoot, the benefits and what you could get out of a little barefoot walking too.
Barefoot in the park: the joy of walking over rocks and roots – Ailsa Ross, in The Guardian (April 26, 2020)
Writer Ailsa Ross, who recently moved near Banff, Alberta, Canada, describes her transition to barefoot hiking to better experience her outdoor environment–inspired, in part, by a glamorous early aviator named Beryl Markham, who also went barefoot.
Barefoot hiking helps her recognize and appreciate the smaller details underfoot, along with the larger vistas of mountains and lakes that surround her.
Running shoes may cause injuries – but is going barefoot the fix? – by Prodita Soborini, in The Conversation (April 23, 2020)
Spoiler alert: the answer is (often) yes. Citing research, the article relates how a growing body of evidence shows running shoes might actually be doing us more harm than good.
A Love Poem to Our Earth – Lindi Nolte, TEDx Talks video (April 6, 2020)
“I grew up as a barefoot kid in South Africa …” begins spoken word artist, Lindi Nolte, with her inspiring poem about where her love for nature was born and why the beauty of our planet is vital in our lives.
Bare feet are much less a risk for COVID-19 than shoes are – blog article by Kriss Sands in Born to Live Barefoot (April 2, 2020)
Wondering about going barefoot during the coronavirus pandemic? This blog article reviews current authoritative information about COVID-19 concerns as they relate to footwear and bare feet.
Health benefits of walking barefoot – by Republica, in MyRepublica/MyCity, (April 2, 2020)
Among the benefits listed: “Researches have shown that walking barefoot in the grass can help decrease anxiety and depression by 62 percent.”
What a simple–and free–means to help us all reduce stress as the world deals with the coronavirus, COVID-19.
Why Running Barefoot on Pavement Will Help Prevent Injury – By Tanner Garrity, in InsideHook (April 1, 2020)
The headline explains itself. Based on authoritative research the article describes the advantages gained by running barefoot, with proper preparation, of course.
Fijian Barefoot Massage with Mettler Center – WCIA-TV / Champaign, Ill. (March 11, 2020)
Licensed Massage Therapist, Cassandra Griffith, with the Mettler Center, joins the WCIA-TV crew to discuss and demonstrate what a Fijian Barefoot Massage entails.
‘Barefoot: The Mark Baumer Story’: Film Review | Cinequest 2020 – by
Review of Julie Sokolow’s documentary portrait of Mark Baumer, the late activist, who embarked on a shoeless trek to raise awareness of the climate crisis.
Note: Scroll down to November 4, 2019 for more links about this movie and Mark Baumer. Baumer’s journey ended in tragedy in Jan. 2017 when, after 100 days on the road, he was struck and killed by a car in Florida. News report here.
Why Giada De Laurentiis Walks Around Barefoot While Entertaining (and 3 Other Tips for a Great Party) – in Yahoo Lifestyle (March 2, 2020)
Restaurateur, chef and TV star Giada De Laurentiis knows how to host an epic home party. Among her four hosting tips: “Keep it causal and go barefoot.” The article details why her advice “makes total sense.”
Off the beaten path – by Simran Ahuja, in The New Indian Express (February 26, 2020)
The story of barefoot marathoner Thomas Bobby Philip. “I want people to know that it is okay to be barefoot,” explains Philip, “Think about 100 years ago… Everyone even went walked to school barefoot. We’ve just been brainwashed that it’s necessary to wear shoes…”
Muskoka Barefoot Sue; Why shoes are a problem and How to Biohack your Cold response with Bare feet ** – by Sue Regan Kenney, in Muskoka Post/Canada (February 20, 2020)
** Link no longer works
Kenney, an experienced barefooter, writes about the joys and also benefits of winter barefooting. Done right, it works.
Meet the Saskatoon men who walk around barefoot or bare-legged, even if it’s –31 – by Chelsea Laskowski, in CBS News/Canada (February 19, 2020)
The stories of Fred Chlan who goes without shoes, and Kody Manson who wear shorts, even in Saskatchewan winters.
The strength, mobility and health of your feet is important to your whole body – by Amanda Loudin, in Washington Post (February 16, 2020)
The barefoot grandma who ran to save her husband – Video by BBC Marathi’s Nitin Nagarakar and Halima Qureshi, in BBC/UK (February 10, 2020)
When her husband fell ill and needed an MRI scan that the couple couldn’t afford, Ms. Kare, from India’s western Maharashtra state, entered running competitions to pay for it. The decision would completely change her life – and inspire a feature film.
Fighting ‘bad’ fire with good: Australia revisits an Aboriginal tradition – by Martin Kuz, in The Christian Science Monitor (February 7, 2020)
A barefoot Aboriginal fire practitioner demonstrates the technique indigenous Australian communities use to set low-intensity burns that help prevent larger bushfires.
Cultural practitioners will wear T-shirts and shorts and walk barefoot to better gauge the heat of the flames and direction of the wind. We “read the land, not spreadsheets,” explains Mr. Webster, “The data is right here.”
Of course! The data is right under their feet–when not impeded by footwear.
Twice she ran barefoot through Miami for five hours. She’ll do it for 13.1 miles Sunday – by Susan Miller Degnan, in Miami Herald (February 4, 2020)
The story of 45-year old barefoot marathoner, Nilima Pai, who came to the U.S. from India five years ago. Nilima has gained a reputation, demonstrated by her exuberant photo, for celebrating every mile of her run rooted in the joy of feeling the earth.
Vanderburg: Give those aching feet some love – by Helen Vanderburg, in Calgary Herald(Canada) (January25, 2020)
How much attention do we give to training and caring for our feet? We put them through a lot! Vanderburg offers some excellent suggestions for maintaining strong and healthy feet. A helpful and consistent component: going barefoot as much as possible.
Louisa Branscomb Debuts Video for “Barefoot Girl” – by Ryan Baltz, in American Songwriter (January 20, 2020)
(** Note: The link to this article no longer works)
“Barefoot Girl” is the third single off Branscomb’s latest album Gonna Love Anyway which has hit No. 2 on the Folk DJ charts. As Branscomb explains, “I wrote the original ‘Barefoot Girl’ many years ago about the innocence of childhood, the magic of carefree country days, first love, and adventure out into the world that seemed so big back then…”
And those joyful barefoot images don’t need to reside only in the past. We can embrace them any day, and any age!
New Year ‘Footers’ again to dip feet in Lake Norman – by
The 43rd annual Lake Norman New Year’s Day Barefoot Water Skiing Tournament took place on January 1st in North Carolina.
Yes, what better way to “kick off” the New Year than to kick off your shoes!
For 2019 “What’s New in Barefooting” archives
For 2018 “What’s New in Barefooting” archives
For 2017 “What’s New in Barefooting” archives