Barefooting Myths

Hello,
How are you all doing? Once I have some free time on my hands, I plan to publish a book (an actual book and not one for my Wattpad) dedicated to exposing as many barefooting myths (whether they are common, uncommon, or just plan stupid/ignorant) as I possibly can (through my point of view). So, I would like some help from all of you to list as many barefooting myths you know and/or you were told or even overheard. I will write them down and get started with my writing as soon as possible.

If you go into a store or restaurant barefoot, you'll contaminate the food.

Being barefoot in a store is dangerous because you could step on glass or a can/bottle could drop on your foot.

Bare feet are dirtier than shoes, and that's why the health department bans them in places that sell food. (That could be two, as health departments do not ban bare feet for customers, as far as I know.)

If you go barefoot, you'll spread foot fungi around and infect other people's feet (like athlete's foot).
 
When I was foolishly trying to pound my feet into submission I could get up to 3 or 4 miles before I had to hobble home because the skin was stinging so bad. Once I respected my skin and learned to run light it was like there was no limit to how far I could run unshod. The only surface I can't do long-term is harsh gravel, but even there when I take my dog for runs she's constantly pulling me to the side so she can run in the grass instead of gravel.

OMG does this sound familiar...except for the dog part.
 
Not sure if it’s a myth but in my experience I’m finding you really don’t need safety boots/shoes for construction projects if you exercise a little common sense and caution.

In Canada safety footwear is mandatory for the job site...a mixed blessing I guess...
 
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I have completed a marathon unshod, as a matter of fact. Just this past October. I've got a couple other events I'm planning on this year including a 50K trail run I'll be doing unshod (packing my Xero sandals with me just in case).

When I was foolishly trying to pound my feet into submission I could get up to 3 or 4 miles before I had to hobble home because the skin was stinging so bad. Once I respected my skin and learned to run light it was like there was no limit to how far I could run unshod. The only surface I can't do long-term is harsh gravel, but even there when I take my dog for runs she's constantly pulling me to the side so she can run in the grass instead of gravel.
Legend, nuff said.
 
I have completed a marathon unshod, as a matter of fact. Just this past October. I've got a couple other events I'm planning on this year including a 50K trail run I'll be doing unshod (packing my Xero sandals with me just in case).

When I was foolishly trying to pound my feet into submission I could get up to 3 or 4 miles before I had to hobble home because the skin was stinging so bad. Once I respected my skin and learned to run light it was like there was no limit to how far I could run unshod. The only surface I can't do long-term is harsh gravel, but even there when I take my dog for runs she's constantly pulling me to the side so she can run in the grass instead of gravel.

LOL at "pounding your feet into submission." I did the same thing.

As for surfaces - when I first went bare several years ago I blistered the balls of my feet which taught me to run light. Then they resurfaced my road - they ground up the asphalt and put down "tar and chip" which is exactly what it sounds like - a layer of tar covered by chips of asphalt. I never could run on it - it's just too sharp and jagged. I just blistered my feet again just *walking* on a similar surface on a local trail.

As for myths, if it hasn't been covered already - "your feet need arch support." If your feet are healthy and strong, they support themselves.
 
LOL at "pounding your feet into submission." I did the same thing.

"Come on, magical Tough Foot Fairy! Bless me one night with those super feet that don't blister! I've been good!" That's how I sounded, looking back. :D

As for surfaces - when I first went bare several years ago I blistered the balls of my feet which taught me to run light. Then they resurfaced my road - they ground up the asphalt and put down "tar and chip" which is exactly what it sounds like - a layer of tar covered by chips of asphalt. I never could run on it - it's just too sharp and jagged. I just blistered my feet again just *walking* on a similar surface on a local trail.

Chip seal! AKA bituminous. After a year they finally smooth out with traffic and are more manageable but that's the majority of the roads near me, too. I still force myself to give them a try when the chips are fresh and sharp. It's incredible form training. No way to dodge anything or escape it: your only option is to step as light as possible and don't scuff. Not fun but worth every step.

As for myths, if it hasn't been covered already - "your feet need arch support." If your feet are healthy and strong, they support themselves.

Born to Run covered this excellently. How do you weaken an arch? Push up on it from underneath. It's a structure that gets stronger with weight on top of it.