After barefooting for 3 years, I hate to admit that there are times and places when shoes are needed. Each one feels like a fail but, coming to grips with reality is important... and practical. Following are the main obstacles I encounter to barefooting:
1. Stores that require footwear.
Our town has one grocery store and I've been kicked out twice for barefeet! In the interest of time and efficiency, I now carry a pair of sandals with me. I should probably speak to the owner about the merits of barefooting, but I just don't have the time or energy for that one.
2. Dressy occasions.
Basically, I just think it looks too casual to go barefoot when wearing a nice cocktail gown. Of course at most weddings, the shoes eventually come off anyway, but I always start with feet shod. Church is another event where I regularly opt for shoes. I may not be wearing a fancy dress, but it somehow feels too casual for bare feet.
3. Golf.
I really like golfing barefoot. I think it actually helps with my game, but the amount of chemicals that are used on the grass of golf courses is too scary to risk. In Phoenix last year, I discovered that some courses even paint their grass in the winter! My feet were green (black really) for days after. That's when I finally decided it probably wasn't worth barefooting on the golf course.
4. Rocky terrain.
Sharp rocks and lots of big boulders all dissuade me from barefooting - at least for long periods or strenuous activities. Arkansas is an example of terrain that can be challenging to bare feet. All the seasoned barefooters say that your feet will toughen up and eventually be able to handle it, but I'm not there yet!
5. Desert terrain.
Sand is easy, but often desert areas have horrible stickers and burrs. I've emerged from a walk with gobs of goatheads stuck to the soles of my feet! It's both painful and inconvenient. If there are any kinds of burrs or thorns, I wear shoes.
These exceptions may change as I progress on my barefoot journey. I still am unable to backpack barefoot. But, if you too are transitioning to a barefoot (or mostly barefoot) lifestyle, don't loose heart if there are some instances when you need those shoes!
I'll give a run down of the barefoot/minimalist shoes I have in a later post!
