Comments on Barefoot and Grounded .com: Barefoot Season 2011: No Backup But The Doctor's N...

As to the effectiveness of a doctor's note to ...

2011-04-16T09:39:12.563-05:00

As to the effectiveness of a doctor's note to get you into Costco, I'd guess it might work on a temporary basis, all depending on who's at the door checking membership. I think if anyone, such as one of the managers, decided to check with their corporate headquarters on acceptance of such a note in order to grant you an exception to their policy, I doubt it would work. I see two issues right away with the note. First, it doesn't show a reason, in other words, a diagnosis of your condition that would require bare feet. Also, the fact that the doctor is not in fact a medical doctor might also work against their taking it seriously. Having said though, having something like that is better than having nothing at all - so I'd definitely give it a try and see what happens. You have nothing to lose.

The problem with Costco, as opposed to most other large chains, is that they are not a regular public entity. They only sell to "members." And they are also unique in that they do in fact have a written policy that requires shoes (most other large chains, such as Walmart and others, do not). That policy is in their membership contract, which is, in effect, agreed to by the member when he or she joins.

Back in 2003 and 2004, I exchanged some letters with Jim Sinegal, President and CEO of Costco, in which his final words to me were, "That is the choice we have made. It is not going to change, even though you disagree with it and even though you find inconsistencies in our reasons for it. And further effort on your part to push for a change in this regard is going to be a waste of your time and ours..." He further offered to refund my membership fee if I was not happy with their service or policies.

So, I simply stopped going to Costco, though my wife continued to shop there regularly. In your case, you may able to have better luck than I did - especially with the note. I hope so.

Forgot to say. This reminds me of the state I res...

2011-04-15T19:59:50.670-05:00

Forgot to say. This reminds me of the state I reside in of California, and the medical marijuana card. The card allows a medical reason to use marijuana without being harassed by the state, or local government.

I have some paper feet in my car, but frankly I ne...

2011-04-15T19:54:55.441-05:00

I have some paper feet in my car, but frankly I never need them for anything. To be fair though only one store bothers me, but I have found hours that I can shop at store barefoot cause I know when managers do not work.

I've had the same problem at costco. They get you at the door with your bare feet. I never really need a shopping cart. I found a method though that is working. I grab a shopping cart even though I don't need it. You basically use the cart to "hide" your feet behind. Also if you can walk in as other shoppers are walking in. I find the costco greeter is looking up at cards rather then focused on looking down at your feet. It works for me. Once your in I found everything is fine with no one bothering you.

I have found with each store shoe required policy. There is usually a work around to keep going barefoot.

At my last annual doctors exam I presented my new barefoot lifestyle to my doctor. Showing up bare foot, and all. She is very supportive of my new lifestyle. I actually considered asking for a medical note, but decided I wanted more time to experiment first. I think she would probably give me one. Though in my case for where I live I don't find it to be needed. With that said I may still ask her for one at the end of the year just to see what happens. So it is interesting you have already done this.

I will be interested in seeing what sort of results you have. So please let us know how that goes. I hope you truly test the note, and what reactions you get at known shoe required stores.

I wonder with a medical note if a store denied you access if this would provide clear legal grounds to sue them. If a store does not allow wheel chair access then the customer could sue. Maybe we could sue under similar circumstances. This type of note is not common within our society. So this may have to be challenged by both parties. Store not accepting it, and you pushing the legal limit of how judges would rule on it.

That has been my thinking for a while. As a possible loop hole. Though again it is not a huge issue for me in my local area. So it is not something I need to rush.

Do you have the ability to bring a lawyer into the conversation ? Would a store not accepting this type of note. Allow a lawyer to explore any positive results for a bare footer ?

It's good to create change with education. Though we may also needs some legal cases on our side to progress the movement.

I'm struggling with the backup flip flops,too....

2011-04-14T10:19:24.280-05:00

I'm struggling with the backup flip flops,too. I usually keep a pair in the car and in the basket under our stroller but it's becoming a pain to keep up with them. I'm still nervous about going into public buildings like the grocery store and library without shoes for fear of being told to put them on.

I like the idea of getting a doctor's note! I might have to look into that!

I like your attitude, Michael. Keep that up! I wil...

2011-04-14T02:06:53.793-05:00

I like your attitude, Michael. Keep that up! I will be eager to hear how the doctor's note had helped. I think the security will shut up seeing such a note :)

One really nice thing about being a college profes...

2011-04-13T20:27:54.140-05:00

One really nice thing about being a college professor is having summers off. From mid-May to mid-August my feet will be bare (last summer I achieved a six-month record because I was allowed to teach barefoot until late October).