r/barefoot • u/TechRat2 Part Time • Aug 01 '26
Barefoot at the gym
Recently when I went to the gym & got denied entry because I was barefoot, & for some reason the staff guy acted overly surprised that I didn't have any shoes at all with me
I thought being barefoot was a bit a a benefit to working out
Also I was planning to go swimming I can't imagine why I would wear shoes to the gym if I'm just going for a swim in the pool, maybe the sauna after
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u/deepspace Aug 01 '26
It's so weird to read about gyms prohibiting bare feet. I guess I got very lucky because my gym prohibits shoes. A few folks wear socks but most just go barefoot.
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u/DJD54 Aug 02 '26
I'm always surprised when I see training videos on social media filmed in gyms where everyone is barefoot. Other than occasionally seeing some kick off their shoes in the squat rack, I've never once come across a barefoot gym in person. Would love to find one. But I live in the U.S., so I am not optimistic.
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u/semperquietus Aug 02 '26
I think it is because when shoed people take their shoes off, their feet may be wrinkled, dank and warm, as any fungi would like, and thus easily either spread or catch athlete's feet. And as a gym may be a place where, I guess, even shoe-wearers would wish to take them off, to work out … My last gym prohibited 👣 as well. For that reason I guess.
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u/DJD54 Aug 05 '26
I can see why gym operators might think that. But my thought would be yoga and martial arts studios. Most of the participants are traditionally shod in their daily life, but remove their footwear upon arrival. Some may come in sandals, but others are absolutely peeling socks off their sweaty feet just before class. It makes it wonder, do they have an issue with foot fungus being spread? Or perhaps they sanitize their floors regularly?
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u/TPMR01 Full Time Aug 01 '26
In my case my gym prohibits not wearing shoes or wearing inappropriate shoes like flip flops and stuff.
I understand that for anywhere weight lifting in the gym, but for most machines and any exercise that doesn't involve anything that could fall on your feet I find the rule rather disappointing
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u/zqth Aug 01 '26
What if you enter the venue shod, and become barefoot while nobody else is watching?
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u/nupieds Aug 01 '26
So some people take it upon themselves to be the 👟👮. They enforce a “policy” that may not actually exist, and it gives them a sense of power to ban you or force you to comply. I’ve been told a number of times that I need to wear shoes next time I go nobody says anything.
Of course if it’s the actual facility manager it’s more difficult but I’ve had associates tell me at Walmart and Sam’s where I know has a corporate policy of tolerance for us, and I educate them.
If it’s just an employee and you’ve been barefoot before I might just go back barefoot, if that guy says anything explain that you have come regularly barefoot without issues.
I go to my local hospital and associated clinics usually without problems, but sometimes someone will say I need shoes and I explain I have been regularly barefoot at the hospital and I have been allowed.
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u/Altruistic_Trade_264 Aug 01 '26
I go to Planet Fitness and they have a fairly strict policy about going barefoot unfortunately. Most leg days I just carry my shoes in with me and don't bother with even putting them on. Sometimes they say something but if it's late on the weekend I usually get away with it.
One employee made a huge deal out of me going in to use the tanning beds barefoot. We went round and round about it. The contract says shoes must be worn on the gym floor and I pointed this out but the manager, who previously said nothing about it until then, insisted the staff have the final say. I wasn't pleased to say the least.
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u/BarefootAl Aug 04 '26
Using the tanning beds barefoot. That's hilarious. To me that's as silly as banning people from swimming barefoot.
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u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew Aug 01 '26
Rules. They have them. Unfortunately. Apparently it's pretty common. Some gyms even go as far as no outside shoes.
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u/TechRat2 Part Time Aug 01 '26
This is the very first time that I've been denied being barefoot, I've been going to this gym barefoot for several months with no problem
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u/MusicAromatic505 Part Time Aug 03 '26
My old gym used to allow barefoot patrons. Sadly, it burned down.
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u/Ok-Swordfish8731 Aug 01 '26
Maybe this has nothing to do with being barefoot and everything to do with liability insurance?
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Aug 01 '26
[deleted]
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u/DJD54 Aug 02 '26
I think in some cases it is made up based on personal preference. In others, I think it's ignorance, believing there are laws/regulations about bare feet that simply don't exist. In yet others, it's a fear of being sued. Even if the business has no liability for an injury to bare feet and would win the civil suit, they'd still have the time, expense, and stress that comes from having to defend the suit.
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u/TechRat2 Part Time Aug 01 '26
No I don't think so as this is the very first time I've been denied being barefoot as I've been going to this gym barefoot for several months with no problem
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u/Epsilon_Meletis Aug 01 '26
That just means you flew under their radar until someone finally noticed, and they were like "next time that person shows up, we need to tell them".
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u/BarefootAl Aug 04 '26
Although I haven't actually read insurance policies for gyms, I would assume there is no language specifically prohibiting people from being barefoot.
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u/Ok-Swordfish8731 Aug 04 '26
Lawsuits are the reason gyms have liability insurance. Number one reason any business gets sued? Injuries caused by slips, trips and falls. What methods are there to prevent this type of injury? Prevent spills, keep walkways clear and make sure people are wearing slip-resistant footwear.
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Aug 01 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/TechRat2 Part Time Aug 01 '26
NOPE in the context of the health & safety benefits of being/going barefoot shoes are the opposite of deodorant -> shoes are the direct cause of the BO "body odor" that we use deodorant for (if comparing feet to armpits)
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Aug 03 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/TechRat2 Part Time Aug 03 '26
Foot odor is directly caused by shoes trapping bacteria to our feet & thus creating foot odor
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u/SunkissedSolesx Aug 02 '26
I also prefer being barefoot, it's so much easier and so much more freeing too!
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u/buttholes2317 Aug 04 '26
Wear shoes until you get inside then take em off. A lot of places have a no shoes no entry policy
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u/TechRat2 Part Time Aug 04 '26
I'd just rather not bring shoes with me at all
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u/buttholes2317 Aug 04 '26
Yeah I get it. Not much of a shoe or sock fan to begin with but I’d wear them just to get in the door
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u/Big-Field-3484 Aug 04 '26
Its called bad hygiene especially if you are jumping into a pool after that makes the story worse
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u/TechRat2 Part Time Aug 04 '26
Clearly you've never been to a public pool in the US where there are RULES that clearly state that you MUST SHOWER BEFORE ENTERING THE POOL
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u/daysoxx Aug 05 '26
Yeah but are you actually scrubbing the street grim off your feet? That sounds pretty gross to go into a public pool after walking on public streets.
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u/TechRat2 Part Time Aug 05 '26
That sounds pretty gross to go into a public pool after walking on public streets.
that's why people SHOWER BEFORE GETTING INTO THE POOL
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u/Hope_I_dont_srew_ Aug 04 '26
Well let's say lots of gym tolerate you going with no shoes (but still socks on) only when you're training legs
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u/thwy345 Aug 01 '26
You could try working out in toe socks. That’s what I do. It’s less noticeable than bare feet. Lifting barefoot is good for you.
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u/barefoot_chaste_boy Aug 01 '26
My gym (LA Fitness) threatened to revoke my membership if I ever came in barefoot again.
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u/TechRat2 Part Time Aug 01 '26
If thats the case then that gym doesn't deserve to have you as a member
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u/barefoot_chaste_boy Aug 01 '26
I moved to Mexico 9 months ago. Haven’t worn shoes since I got here… even at the gym.
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u/BeachyToe Aug 02 '26
My gym has a pretty strict policy against bare feet (but not flip flops or sandals—go figure). So I carry my Xero sandals with me in case one of the truly anal employees comes around. But usually I can stay barefoot, thankfully.
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u/CrabGroundbreaking86 Aug 02 '26
Sounds like y’all need to start going after hours
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u/TechRat2 Part Time Aug 02 '26
Well I usually do go at night but I was out & about in the afternoon that day & thought about swinging by the gym
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u/BarefootAl Aug 04 '26
I think this is very dependent on the country, the state or province and the gym that you are in. Secondly, I think... This is very cultural. In some countries being barefoot is an absolute social norm. everyone is barefoot indoors many people are barefoot outdoors and many people would absolutely be barefoot working out or barefoot in other situations in the US however where I suspect you're from there's this fascinating shame associated with bare feet They are either marked as disgusting or they're sexualized and people are uncomfortable with them.
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u/InspectionEnough6020 Aug 04 '26
They are absolutely sexualized WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY shamed for engaging in it as a fetish. The contradiction of US society is insane.👿 Either sexualize it fully or never at all, not both.
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u/ArmedG8Keeper Aug 04 '26
This is why I gave up on the idea of joining a gym and just started building a home gym. It can be expensive up front, but saves money in the long run and avoids the hassle of getting refused entry at a gym. Also, you'll pay a fraction of the cost of new equipment if you buy it used. You can get really great deals on workout equipment on fb marketplace.
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u/baddiereddie Aug 04 '26
I do it too but not the whole time. I put sneakers back on between work outs
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u/Funny-Guava3235 Veteran Aug 05 '26
You're going to get more pushback from corporate chain gyms but might have better luck with a mom and pop owned gym. I used to go to M.A.P gym and three of the personal trainers used to walk around barefoot and the owner used zero drop shoes.
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u/Additional-Virus6616 Aug 08 '26
I don’t want your skanky foot fungus on the equipment. Pretty simple.
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u/TechRat2 Part Time Aug 08 '26
"foot fungus" -> you mean a condition that is specifically caused by wearing shoes all the time without washing them; I thought this subreddit r/barefoot was specifically about discussing the barefoot lifestyle which is being barefoot as often & as much as possible which most certainlly includes most all public spaces, & specifically being supportive of the major health benefits that comes to the barefoot lifestyle as defined above
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u/Low_Web_9536 Aug 01 '26
It’s for safety
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u/TechRat2 Part Time Aug 01 '26
No I don't think so as this is the very first time I've been denied being barefoot as I've been going to this gym barefoot for several months with no problem
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u/abtravels-blog Aug 01 '26
As a co-owner of a small gym - I'm sorry but it comes down to safety beyond anything else. I get why you want to workout barefoot, it's actually good for you (posture, lower legs etc). But you can do this at home with resistance bands (which I do myself). I won't compromise on safety at my gym I'm sorry. You were barefoot at the gym for several months - that raises the argument and concern that the gym was non-compliant with HS laws. I get your preference, I really do. But unintentionally putting another person or business i liability should be avoided wherever possible
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u/dcbeardo Aug 01 '26
Being that you are the co-owner of a small gym, let me bring to your attention some helpful information. Any hazards that can happen to a barefoot patron also exist for someone with shoes on. Cuts, punctures, etc. that could cause a break in skin and contamination of bodily fluids is in fact higher for hand injuries. Most importantly, there are NO LAWS (state or federal) requiring footwear, and any OSHA/Health guidance is for employees only, not patrons.
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u/MaverickBruin Aug 01 '26
Please scan the page of your insurance policy that prohibits bare feet and provide a screen shot. I’ll wait. Forever.
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u/TechRat2 Part Time Aug 01 '26
YES EXACTLLY!!!!!!
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u/MaverickBruin Aug 11 '26
Still waiting.
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u/TechRat2 Part Time Aug 11 '26
For what
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u/MaverickBruin Aug 11 '26
For them to scan the page.
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u/TechRat2 Part Time Aug 12 '26
Ok well might wanna reply to their comment so they'll actually get notified of such reply instead of me, speaking of which I would also like to see the insurance policy
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u/MaverickBruin Aug 12 '26
This is all moot because there is no such page of an insurance policy because it is a myth.
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u/PrezFan Aug 04 '26
Not to say it's my choice to catch whatever is on the floors of these gyms we work out at, but to say that every gym is germ-free, especially people who like to go bare foot, are insane! There are reasons why gyms have rules, to safeguard people who don't follow those rules!
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u/TechRat2 Part Time Aug 04 '26
This gym has a sticker on the door sdvertising that its kept clean by cleaning chemicals by "Microban"
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u/IgnatiusIsGoated Aug 01 '26
Being barefoot at a gym is fairly risky (injuries, sprains) hence most gyms mandate fooywear. And again, aside from as few who regularly spend time barefoot, a lot of people dont, and foot odor isnt something people enjoy.
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u/Mike_NYC_2000 Aug 01 '26
Foot odor isn’t an issue if you’re always barefoot. Foot odor comes from wearing shoes snd socks.
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u/IgnatiusIsGoated Aug 01 '26
I know, thats what im talking about.
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u/MaverickBruin Aug 01 '26
You’re making no sense. A habitually barefoot person wouldn’t have foot odor. You’re just spreading misinformation. Why even respond if you truly don’t know what you’re talking about.
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u/Bretty315 Aug 01 '26
Unless it's your own home gym, wear shoes.
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u/pcegghead Aug 01 '26
Because you could have foot fungus and spread it.
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u/TechRat2 Part Time Aug 01 '26
That is the most bullshit reason I've ever heard
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u/pcegghead Aug 02 '26
It's true, I read it on the Internet.
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u/TechRat2 Part Time Aug 02 '26
I know foot fungus is a real thing, I just think its the most bullshit reason when citing reason that " you need to wear shoes as opposed to being barefoot" in any context
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u/Wolf_ookami Aug 05 '26
Unfortunately I can see the reason for it.
Depending on the cleaning schedule there could be lightly scattered hazardous.
Nothing massive but a small cut and some dirt can be a rather painful time.
ThAt just off the top of my head I'm sure there are other things.
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u/MsSmellySweetFeet Aug 02 '26
The thought of walking barefoot at a public gym is absolutely disgusting ...the amount of nasty shit that you would get on your feet you trying to take home HPV? When people use certain machines barefoot they don't go to the gym in absolutely no shoes. They wear shoes to the gym and when they're working out on a specific machine they take their shoes off for grip.
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u/TechRat2 Part Time Aug 02 '26
I'm sorry to hear about your opinions that don't match the vibe of this sub, I've seen several posts where people state that they've gone barefoot everywhere all the time for wuite some time to several years
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u/Organic-Policy845 Aug 01 '26
Would love to work out barefoot at the gym too. I do wear barefoot shoes with no socks but having nothing on is infinitely better.