Kooky Barefoot shoes
The picture in this post is of my feet in my Vibram Five Fingers shoes. More later on these awesome shoes, but for now suffice to say I love them. I love being almost-barefoot, and I can tell they’re doing great things for my feet. And, I think they’re sorta cute.
Other people are another story. I have had more violent reactions to these shoes than to any other fashion-type choice I can remember. For example:
(from a coworker, one especially casual Friday): “I don’t ever want to see those again.” and…
(repeatedly, from a family member): “I really hate those shoes.”
I admit it, I was a tad sheepish about wearing them in public at first, as they are a bit kooky-looking if you’ve never seen them before. And doing kooky things can make me feel, well, a tad sheepish.
Of course in this case, my decision to wear the shoes was not at all about the way they looked. It was a decision for my feet, one that I made consciously in alignment with my values — a choice of health over convention. Though the kookiness and my attendant sheepishness did give the idea a little extra excitement. And I might have had more hesitation if I myself had found them ugly.
When I got the negative reactions, it struck me that they were exactly what I had been afraid of; and the fear of those reactions had made me hesitate somewhat to wear the shoes around people. Now, I cheerfully wear them to restaurants and parties and all types of get-togethers (though not so much to work. Probably not out of fear, but hmm. Maybe?).
And yet, there’s that part of my brain that wants to be accepted. I can almost feel it when it kicks in – it’s a voice from the back left side of my head (I don’t know why it’s on the left). “Don’t do that! Someone might notice you in a negative way and THEN where would you be…ostracized and friendless, probably.”
I made this list of some of the other things I’ve tried in the past year or two that were conscious choices to live in better alignment with my values and life vision, and which I put off due to fear of what people would think or say. In some case I may have put them off for only a few minutes, but I still think it’s interesting how consistently The Voice butted into my business:
- Switching to a vegan (no animal products whatsoever) diet and lifestyle
- Switching (temporarily, I think) back to a lacto-vegetarian diet (consuming dairy)
- Giving up alcohol for 30+ days (Karol Gajda inspired this one, and his post talks about the adult peer pressure you may not even realize is involved in alcohol consumption)
- Drastically reducing the “stuff” I own – and especially getting rid of certain objects
- Along with reducing stuff, simplifying my wardrobe
- Wearing the same outfit 2 days in a row (haven’t worn the same outfit to work 2 days in a row though…not sure I will/want to but it might be a fun experiment!)
- Going out to lunch rather than eating at my desk
- Choosing not to repair cosmetic dents and scratches on my car
And I’m sure there are more. In every single one of these situations, I was grateful to have made the choice and I respected my own choice. Each of these decisions was based on a desire to consciously evolve according to what I feel and believe and desire in the world (my values).
What have you done that you were initially afraid of people’s reactions to? Were you glad you went for it? How long did it take to get over the fear and just get on with it? Did it matter that you hesitated?
What would you do, choose, or change today if you really didn’t care what anyone else had to say about it?
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Weird. I have had nothing but positive comments about the shoes. Mostly of shock or amazement, but positive. Besides the smell, great shoes!
And congrats on doing the 30 day no alcohol challenge.
Hi Karol! I guess my title was a little sensationalist…they don’t upset everyone. I’ve had lots of positive shock and amazement too. It’s just that the negative ones have been surprisingly direct and outspoken. Maybe it’s that footwear expectations are more specific (or less foot-friendly) for women?
The 30 day challenge actually turned into 60+ days – I loved it and may repeat. Thanks for the right words at the right time.
Hmmm, yeah, could be the gender issue. That’s sad.
In any case, I love that you’re rockin the Vibrams anyway!
Me too, Karol! Although now regular shoes are actually starting to bug me…which actually fits in great with my new minimalish vibe, but still presents challenges with my day-job vibe
Carol, I had a pair of clunky, Doc Martens that my mom HATED. She thought they were SO ugly. These are sort of funny looking, but I’ll bet they’d be better for my feet than those boots!!
Congrats on doing the things that seem right to you…even when the choices a bit out of the mainstream. Who wants to be an unthinking lemming anyway?
Hi Megan!! Well, if we’re going to start talking about all the shoes our mothers hated…..
Thanks for reading and thanks for your comment and congrats!
Yours in non-unthinking-lemmingness,
cb
I can totally relate to this topic. Who can forget the whole crocs phase or whatever you want to call it – those were so comfortable for me and I pretty much wore the same pair of white…turning a very different colour over time…pair for years.
They also induce VERY strong reactions from people. In fact I also can see that they are ugly, but comfort counts. In case you’re wondering, it was really hard for me to go back to the ”normal” shoes. I still miss them.
In answer to your question, no I don’t think it does matter when you hesitate. I think it gives you the time you need to think and that is not a bad thing, so long as you then move forward in a way that fits with your own values and way of thinking rather than someone elses.
Hi Majeeda! Um….is it wrong if I still have Crocs? I’m in-between flip flops at the moment too, so – sometimes I actually wear the Crocs in public!
I love what you said about values. And stopping to think. Because pausing gives us a chance to remind ourselves of our values and apply them to the decision.
thanks for stopping by, and for leaving your comment!
Carol
WOW! I will say, I love those shoes. I’ve been looking for something closer to barefoot for over a year now. I usually just go barefoot (which gets a LOT of really weird looks) and put on some cheapo shoes when I go into stores. But, lately, the concrete has been hurting my feet and I want something better. I’ve never seen these and they look pretty great. How do your toes feel being separated like that?
Amelia, welcome to Startfromnow! Thanks so much for your comment.
The shoes, they are awesome. Worth every penny, and mine were not on sale! The between-the-toes part is actually a positive for me. My feet love being all stretched out like that. Though I find the shoes really comfortable for moving around and walking, I always end up regretting it when I wear them all day, like to work. After sitting still a while the elastic kinda starts digging into the top of my foot. Also, in summer time, my feet do not like to be confined at all so even though they don’t feel as “barefoot,” I find myself just wearing flip flops.
Carol—have to tell you that I do find your individualism and desire for following your values to be very inspirational. You’re a great role model, and may actually inspire me to be a bit more daring and a bit less lemming.
That being said, I still hate the shoes. But you know how I feel about anything foot-shaped.
Lovexoxox Mair
Mair, thanks for your sweet comment
And I love you even if you hate my shoes.
Having said that, you never know how your feelings may change….recall that I lived in Tucson for 2 years w/out wearing open toed shoes, because I felt they were indecent. Now look at me!
<3 dhs
P.S. Mair, yes you were the “family member” referenced in the post.
Since posting here I have also joined another shoe conversation, about eco-shoes here. I don’t know what it is about me and shoes lately – I’m really not THAT into shoes – honest! In fact I’m thinking that although I currently have about 5 pairs, that 2 or 3 would probably do.
Carol, I noted what you said about your feet feeling restricted sometimes. I get that…mind you it gets very hot here too. We have a subtropical climate – hot and muggy in summer. Not nice with enclosed feet….must get air!
“And I love you even if you hate my shoes.” Lol. Fortunately real friends seem to overlook these things. I still managed to keep a few friends when I had my white/brown crocs too.
Majeeda, thanks for that link! I checked out some Simple shoes on Zappos.com and came very close to buying them! I found a different pair instead that works with more things…but I love that Simple shoes are so eco-friendly.