A little foot decoration is often all it takes to overcome some people’s prejudice against bare feet in public. Or to make a person feel more comfortable about being “skin to ground” around the town. If you can afford to hang a few beads or criss cross some leather over the top of your foot, maybe you aren’t a dirty, vagabond after all! In previous centuries, being obviously well fed was a sign of prosperity. Now, it is associated with low quality food choices that supposedly poor people make. Maybe there is also hope that one day shoes will be seen as a sign that someone is making unhealthy decisions. Even if that happens, I suspect that foot decoration will be always be in style. People just like to do that sort of thing, one way or another.
My mom and I were recently doing some research on what are referred to as barefoot sandals. She had read an article about how shoes inhibit normal foot mechanics and realized on a new level that she could be free from shoes with more than a free conscious. It is better for her. With barefoot sandals the fashion potential of feet could be tapped into without creating trouble for joints or leading to balance issues.
Ironically, after looking a many options, she chose some barefoot jewelry that one of my bare foot society friends has and had told me about. (Follow the BRS Stomp of Approval link in the sidebar to find this friendly barefoot runners forum) I had looked at them a few times myself, but had wondered how the beads would feel. I was really looking forward to seeing my mom’s order. Here is what she told and showed me about them:
- They came in a very small package! They are in reality small strings of beads that take up no space and weigh next to nothing.
barefoot sandals have no soles - The toe piece was unnoticeable, according to my mom. I couldn’t try them on, being that my feet are significantly larger than my mom’s, but I do know that she is very sensitive about how things fit her feet
easier than putting on a necklace - The clasp had 2 options, so that the sandal could be hooked on from whichever side of the foot was easiest.
- The back “strap,” or section that sits on the back of the ankle is soft and elastic. Unlike a shoe strap, it doesn’t have any work to do holding a heavy shoe or thick sole in place, so no pressure is felt. It just sits there.
the elastic back strap sits gently on the ankle - The sandals are pretty enough for evening wear, but will still blend with everyday outfits.
- The bead design is ageless. There is nothing about it that makes the wearer feel childish or matronly.
I am strongly leaning toward ordering something similar from that website. I am also brainstorming about making something less elaborate in with a leather, bohemian air. I will keep you posted on how these sandals last and feel for long term wearing.
