Businesses that are cool with barefooters
In your experience, what businesses seem to be more accepting of barefooters than others? Speaking personally, no one in a Starbucks or 7-11 has ever had a problem with my bare feet. I always feel comfortable being barefoot in either of these places, and needless to say, they get a lot of my business as a result!
When it gets warmer, I'm going to try some of those places. I like being barefoot but in the past wore flip flops in public most of the summer. Always thought shoes were required everywhere. KC
A lot of people are afraid to go barefoot because of this misconception. But don't be! Nine out of ten places won't notice or care.
I now have a couple more to add!
REI - This is a camping/hiking/sporting goods store that I've now been to several times and to several locations without trouble! They seem barefoot-friendly. I've bought soccer equipment and camping gear pretty frequently, and the salespeople have always been helpful without making a fuss about my bare feet.
Elevation Burger - This is a burger chain that we have here on the east coast, and the staff has not only accepted, but complimented my barefooting! SUPER barefoot-friendly. They're known for using all natural/organic ingredients, so I think going barefoot is pretty in line with their Earth-friendly ideals.
Still having great experiences with 7-11 and Starbucks, too. :)
The big department stores have still been kinda tough. I tend to stick with Target and Kohl's, since they usually don't bother me. But it mostly depends on who's working that day. You run into the wrong person, and suddenly you aren't welcome. I've stopped going to WalMart altogether because the "greeters" are usually rude and intolerant of bare feet.
I had to go to the cable company office yesterday. Walked in wearing only shorts, literally. No comment at all.
On Sunday, son and I stopped at the grocery store. He asked if he needed shoes and I said probably not. He decided to put them on anyway. He could easily become a full time summer time barefooter. When I picked him up, he cake out barefoot and put his shoes in the trunk.
KC
Easier in beach towns. Spent 5 years in Florida. Gas stations didn't care if you ran in barefoot to grab a snack. Liked driving without shoes.I agree beach town or any area near the coast inland. I live in Greenville, NC and could probably go into most business barefoot. They may not approve but probably wouldn't say anything. It's a college town as well which is another plus!
My adventure continues. I'm sitting here at the garage while my shoes are in the front seat of my car which is being serviced.
Yesterday, I went to the grocery store, Petco, and Lowes. No one hassled me, but had some interesting encounters.
At the grocery, ran into a buddy from the gym. Said Hi. He looked at me, my feet, back to me, back to feet, and then just said Hey Bud. No comment on my feet.
At Lowes, cashier noticed right away and joked about it the whole time. Final comment was "don't let this fall on your feet". My purchase weighed a pound at most. He was just joking around. Never suggested that I needed shoes next time.
At Petco, cashiers were bored and very chatty. Said hello on the way in and talked the whole time as I was checking out. No mention of my bare feet. M
KC