My Barefoot Code of Conduct

Going barefoot goes against the grain of a lot of society's thinking. Having followed a Twitter search on the subject for a long time, I can tell you that many people find the idea of going barefoot to be gross, if not repulsive. Seeing someone barefoot in a store or with their bare feet up on the dashboard of a vehicle is enough to make some folks tweet very negative things and use some very harsh language.

Since I began going barefoot, I've developed my own sort of "Code of Conduct." It's my own guidelines of how I will act and present myself when going barefoot. It helps me to be comfortable going unshod and assists with the "mental comfort" of others. By following these "standards," I can feel more secure in living a barefoot lifestyle.


NOTE, April 12, 2011: I have updated this list for 2011. Changes are colored in brown.

The Barefoot Code of Conduct: Michael Edition

I Will:

• Go barefoot on my own property whenever practical and generally safe.
• Go barefoot to public places whenever comfortable, practical and generally safe and not prohibited by posted policy or signage.
• Wear minimalist footwear whenever possible when going barefoot is impractical, including to my place of employment.
• Wear minimalist footwear, whenever practical, to places where bare feet are prohibited by policy or signage.
• Carry on my person or in the immediate vicinity a copy of a letter/email from the local health department stating that going barefoot is not prohibited by law or code and present said letter whenever necessary to dispel applicable myths.
• Carry on my person or in the immediate vicinity a doctor's note from my chiropractor stating that I should be allowed to go barefoot.
• Walk barefoot on grass or other natural ground coverings whenever possible.
• Drive barefoot whenever practical and convenient.
• Keep "backup" footwear in my vehicle or closer when visiting public places barefoot.
• Keep "backup" footwear in the immediate area whenever I drive barefoot.
• Keep baby wipes accessible in case they are needed to clean my feet of significant dirt.
• Wipe my feet of minor particles on grass, pavement or ground mat prior to entering a home or business.
• Clean (using baby wipes) my feet of significant dirt before entering a home or business.
• Kindly and courteously discuss the benefits and dispel the myths of going barefoot if challenged or questioned by other persons.
• Encourage others to explore the benefits of barefooting.

I Will NOT:

• Go barefoot into someone's home if they request that I wear footwear.
• Go barefoot into a public place if posted policy or signage prohibits bare feet or requests footwear.
• Go barefoot if doing so would put my feet at high risk of injury.
• Walk shod on grass or ground coverings if other paved or stone walkways are reasonably available to get to my destination.
• Continue to go barefoot in a public place if law enforcement or other authority demands I put on footwear.
• Argue the benefits of barefooting to the point of disturbing the public peace or putting myself, family or friends around me at risk of being expelled from a public place or arrested by law enforcement.
• Go to bed at night prior to wiping or cleaning my feet of minor or significant particles or dirt.

Please note that "public places" refers to any outdoor or indoor area where the general public is invited or accepted to gather and/or do business. This policy is subject to future change as necessary and I welcome your feedback in the comments section below.

Last Revised: April 12, 2011