The Drawbacks of Bare Feet

Taking one’s shoes off is not entirely usual in American culture. It’s more common now than 50 years ago when it would have been pretty unthinkable to kick your shoes off in someone’s home and roam around in your stocking feet. It’s still something that usually signifies a casualness and a comfortable relationship with the person whose house you are at. It’s not unusual for people to wear shoes in their own homes. I think for those Americans who prefer guests take their shoes off, it’s usually because they’re trying to preserve the cleanliness of their carpet!

But ever since I started participating regularly in Hindu culture, it’s become second nature to me to take my shoes off every where. I don’t even notice I’m doing it, it’s so ingrained.

After a few years of spending much of my time bare foot, I’ve begun to develop a pain in my left foot.

Eventually I discovered that I’ve developed something called Plantars Fasciitis. For me it was caused because my feet have very high arches and walking around barefoot flattens them too much. My feet need more support.

Very supportive shoes are helping, but I don’t want to wear shoes in my house for religious reasons. So I’m looking into getting a brace.

Something like this…

I can’t help but laugh at the absurdity. I never would have thought that my bare foot lifestyle would lead to foot pain.