10 Places You Should Never Wear Barefoot Shoes

January 17, 2012 2:00 pm     Posted in Fashion, Style, WTF  Katie G. - North Central College g+ page


By Katie G.

On Sunday at a Golden Globes after-party, the unthinkable happened: a celebrity made a fashion faux pas. Oh wait, this happens all the time? Whoops! Well, this wasn’t just another celeb on E!’s worst dressed list. Shailene Woodley, who co-starred with George Clooney in Golden Globe winner for Best Picture Drama, The Descendants, didn’t wear the standard black stiletto to the after-parties like every other starlet – she wore barefoot running shoes. These “shoes” look like heavy duty socks that work as running shoes. Apparently they’re the better alternative for runners instead of a regular running shoe because you’re “one with nature” or some mumbo-jumbo like that. To me, these look like tragic toe socks.

The Golden Globes are definitely not the place to wear these shoes, and I think I have compiled a pretty decent list of places that no one should ever wear barefoot running shoes (“Anytime you’re not running” would be too easy).

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    • Katie is finishing up her undergrad at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. She enjoys wasting hours on Facebook and tweeting things no one cares about. When asked the question, “Do you do marathons?” She promptly responds, “Of course! Which show?” Follow her @KatieGarrity!

    9 Comments on "10 Places You Should Never Wear Barefoot Shoes"

    1. Katie says:
      Tue, 17th Jan 20125:22 pm 

      Before anyone reads this and says I've taken this too far and too seriously. Yes, I understand this was just a silly little column she wrote for a blog and it's a joke. But, I hope you also understand it's crap like this that perpetuates societies shallowness- how about a little authenticity??!?!?

      I understand your general premise in saying there are certain places you should and should not wear certain things, and that in some places some things are not as acceptable as other clothing options, but you took this too far.
      A) who the hell cares what you wear and when as long as you are happy and comfortable with yourself.
      B) the date thing- you know if you want to wear these on a date, or out to the mall it does not matter in the least. Shouldn't you surround yourself with people who are accepting of you just as you are? If you truly want to wear these shoes on a date then wouldn't you think the person you go out with would be ok with that? Or do you only want to date shallow people? If someone has a negative reaction to what you choose to wear and wouldn't date you because of it then screw them! I hope you would want to date someone with a little less judgement
      10. Religious services- really? you use GOD IS WATCHING and that it's frowned upon in any religion? How about you read any religious text- here's a quick one in the bible- James 2:1-13 Come just as you are???

      I'm sorry if any of this read as hostility, but I think there's a lot more out there to post blogs about than where you should and should not wear a certain shoe :)

      Hope you find peace with yourself just the way you are :)

    2. Polly says:
      Tue, 17th Jan 20128:05 pm 

      On the bus! I saw a guy wearing them on the bus yesterday, was kind of weird but maybe that's just me. Actually begs the question, where is it appropriate to wear barefoot shoes? You should create a list for that, i'm quite interested.

    3. Maura - Rider University says:
      Tue, 17th Jan 20129:35 pm 

      I really want to try these shoes out, they look crazy…and I think what would be easier is to say where you CAN wear these shoes, because that will only be one place. Working out!

    4. Maura - Rider University says:
      Tue, 17th Jan 20129:35 pm 

      And whats more hideous; Vibrams or Crocs?

    5. Maura - Rider University says:
      Tue, 17th Jan 20129:38 pm 

      Acceptance is huge and we all can work to be more accepting of others, but I think the point is you should try to be appropriate in certain occasions, like you might be seen as rude/disrespectful to wear these work out shoes to a funeral (making the impression you don't care enough to dress for the occasion). But hell, if someone finds these super comfortable and wants to wear them all day at school, good for them! I shall suffer in my cute shoes in the name of fashion, unfortunately ;P

    6. john says:
      Sat, 21st Jan 20122:44 am 

      You are a superficial bitch

    7. Kelli says:
      Sat, 21st Jan 20124:09 pm 

      Unless you actually have experience wearing barefoot shoes yourself in any or (preferably) ALL situations of your life, you don't have any F*cking authority on the subject and should keep your stupid shallow opinions to yourself. Do your research without first assuming any of it is "mumbo-jumbo".

      I love Katie's reply above, and why the hell should anyone torture their extreme discomfort by wearing anything that society deems "appropriate for the situation". What a load of crap. I would have no qualms about wearing them with a wedding dress, except the color. Anyone who doesn't have the guts to wear something that benefits their body despite what others think about the appearance should recheck their priorities and their position in society. There's always exceptions to the rule, but we should commend people and have respect for individuality and their choice towards freedom.

      ps- religion has no valid connection with barefoot shoes- wtf?!

    8. Martin says:
      Wed, 25th Jan 20123:20 am 

      Where should you wear VFFs? Anywhere where you can't go barefoot and they give you enough protection. They're not the prettiest footwear but practical in many situations. Better and prettier still are bare feet – but perhaps Shailene thought she would be vilified even more for going for going barefoot in such a judgmental society.

    9. Jamie says:
      Fri, 20th Jul 20121:11 am 

      Not all barefoot shoes look that crazy. Vivobarefoot has some really stylish looking barefoot shoes, including even a variety of formal shoes. I just got some neo's today. They look great. Its only the vibrams five fingers that look weird. And hey, if people want to put comfort before fashion thats fine by me too!

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