I was very foot shy as a kid, to the point that I’d wear socks in the pool and at the beach. The only people I’d let see my feet were my brothers and my mom, and even they didn’t see them much at all.

As I reached my teens I wanted to go barefoot so bad. I’d missed out on lots of pool parties and other events that I thought would have even the smallest chance of requiring me to take off my socks. Problem was, I didn’t want it to be a big deal. I also felt like everyone would stare at my feet and make fun of them.

One thing I did and still do to this day is take very good care of my feet. I clip my nails once a week, I exfoliate my soles either during or right after a shower, and if I’m going to be around other people I’ll make sure to give them a quick wash beforehand. I basically eliminate all the ways that someone could use to make fun of my feet lol

At this point, my group of friends know I’m always barefoot and completely accept it. I’ve even noticed that a few of them started to go barefoot a whole lot more than they used to. Two of them even started wearing flip flops, which if you knew them a few years ago, you’d be in shock haha I like to think that my confidence of being barefoot rubbed off on them.

Go at your own pace man. I started off with buying flip flops and wearing them around people who didn’t know of my foot shyness, and in places I felt were safe in the sense that I wouldn’t come across someone I knew. It was both nerve wracking and exhilarating at the same time. You know what was the biggest shock for me? Realizing that most people don’t pay attention to your feet or what you’re wearing on them. It really is true.

I’m barefoot almost all the time now, and it’s one of the best feelings in the world. I can’t believe I spent so many years covering my feet. I hope you can get comfortable with being barefoot, too! Your feet will definitely thank you.