If it's just a comment, ignoring them is always an option. If they ask a question, ignoring them is still an option. However, being polite usually helps and some barefooters have gotten into some interesting conversations. Maybe you can even make a few converts!
The responses (in italics) get nastier or weirder the farther down the list they are. It depends on your mood at the time. (Some of the responses can be used in response to more than one comment.)
Hey – did someone steal your shoes?
Of course not … but if it's any consolation, you're not the first person to ask. Actually, you're not even the 100th. This question seems to be the universal calling card for smart-alecks trying to be hilarious. Next question.
So why do you do it? The short reason is, it's pretty fun. There's something inherently joyful about running around shoeless; it's like pushing a magic 'boost' button to amplify the childlike pleasure of running by a magnitude of 100. Some people do it after a history of injuries with shoes, and others try it to give the muscles of their feet and lower legs a unique workout – but for most of us, it's all about the joy.
But doesn't it hurt?
Yes … and no. Barefoot running takes a LOT of getting used to, and you have to start in very small doses. When you first begin, you'll feel every little crack and pebble in the road, and 99% of them will be uncomfortable. Even after a year, there are definitely some surfaces I try to avoid at all costs – gravel fire roads and chip and seal asphalt come to mind – because they just hurt too much. After a while, your feet grow resilient to a variety of surfaces, from asphalt to concrete to grass and groomed trails, but there's always an additional caution factor that barefoot runners exercise.
Aren't you afraid of broken glass?
This is far and away the most common 'You're gonna shoot your eye out!' warning barefoot runners hear. Certainly we're concerned about broken glass, as well as rusty nails or pieces of scrap metal – but those hazards aren't nearly as common as some people imagine, and you'd be amazed at how effective your eyes are at spotting trouble spots on the road before you get there.
Do you get blisters?
Yes … and no. New barefoot runners will certainly develop a few blisters when they get started; they're your body's built-in warning system to ensure that you progress gradually to prevent long-term injury. Experienced barefoot runners eventually become more resistant to blisters – the soles of your feet become a bit leathery – but even so, we'll often get blisters if we run a lot farther or faster than usual.
Don't your feet get cold?
In some conditions, sure. It's much harder to be a barefoot runner in the winter than in the summer. A handful of hardcore folks run barefoot in snow or freezing temperatures, but the vast majority of us spend the cold seasons in various types of minimalist footwear – no heel, no cushion – like Vibram FiveFingers, Soft Star moccasins, or other styles from other manufacturers. Thankfully, minimalist options are growing like crazy, and it's not very hard to find some basic foot coverings to get you through the winter. But when you're fortunate enough to live on the Monterey Peninsula, the climate is amenable to barefoot running almost year-round, so you've got plenty of opportunities to give it a try!
You're barefoot!
You're not!
You're observant!
You're right!
Thanks for the tip.
No shit, Sherlock.
Why aren't you wearing shoes?
Don't like 'em.
They make my feet sweat/stink.
My feet like the fresh air.
My feet were hot.
One less thing to do in the morning.
Why aren't you wearing gloves [hat]?
To annoy people like you.
Why do you care?
I'm allergic to them
I'm not wearing a tie either.
I'm off-duty.
I'm opposed to wasting petrochemicals/leather.
I'm performing a scientific foot-toughening experiment.
If I don't keep in contact with the ground, I build up a static charge.
My feet were jealous of my hands.
I'll give you three-thousand guesses.
They are a conspiracy by multi-national plastic and leather merchants.
I knew I had forgotten something!
Why are you barefoot?
I like the way it feels.
It's much more comfortable.
I think it looks cool.
I want to toughen my feet.
It's good for my feet.
Because feet are beautiful.
It gives me this wonderful feeling of freedom.
I want keep in touch with the earth.
Because I'm not wearing shoes [duh!].
Try and work it out.
Because I m not concerned with your contempt.
Dunno.
Because you don't pay my salary.
I'm in a time-warp from the '60s.
Where are your shoes?
At home [where they belong].
I don't know. [Have you seen them?]
Somewhere else.
What do you mean? These are God's Reeboks.
On vacation.
Don't have any.
My what?
What are shoes?
Up there. [Said while pointing up.]
Aliens took them.
Aren't your feet cold?
Not unduly.
No...My feet are COOL!
Obviously not.
Aren't your feet hot
Nice shoes.
Thanks.
Very comfortable too.
Do you like them? My parents made them for me.
