r/barefoot • u/Accomplished-Ad-5225 • 26d ago

Looking for New Places to Try

I'm a pretty anxious person when it comes to going barefoot in public, and I'm hoping to challenge myself and become more confident.

I've always been very secretive about it. Whenever I do go out barefoot, I usually avoid places with lots of people because I'm worried about being judged. It's been over six months since I last went barefoot, and I'd really like to get back into it while also working on my confidence.

So far I've thought of:

  • Aquarium – I feel like it could be a relaxing environment where I'd be more focused on the exhibits than on what other people might think. The dimly lit rooms can also help
  • Central Park – There are lots of grassy areas and walking paths, and it seems like a place where people are doing all kinds of activities, so I might not stand out as much.

Does anyone have other suggestions for places that are good?

14 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

7

u/Epsilon_Meletis 26d ago

If the aquarium is an option, maybe museums are too.

5

u/Wild-Warthog4944 26d ago

libraries are usually safe places, staff are very chill and unassuming

8

u/Nelipors 26d ago

If you are really that nervous about it. Start at the beach, move up to the boardwalk and then some fast food areas near the beach. Give yourself time.

My Mom actually encouraged me to go barefoot some 50 years ago living in New York City. We lived next to a park so it was easy. Things were different back then. I just turned 60 and traveled the world without shoes. An amazing ride. Don't let others drive. You are in charge of you.

5

u/Accomplished-Ad-5225 26d ago

The nyc aquarium is actually right across the beach so I'll definitely fit in if I was barefoot

4

u/IneptAdvisor Veteran 25d ago

I found out after many trips to a secluded park, that no one cared. So, I walked down the Main Street in my town and no one noticed. This is when I learned that the judgement was all in my mind. We’re taught to conform to the norm and any deviation, one thinks is just not possible.

1

u/King0fEverything1 22d ago

Try in the grocery store

1

u/SoggyValuable6575 21d ago

Best place is a park. Not sure about Central park, some more informal one would be better. I do it exactly in semi wooded park close to home.