Walking Barefoot on the Bowery

Posted on: November 10th, 2011 by

An unusual sight, and not particularly the most sanitary means of walking these city streets. Nevertheless, on two recent occasions, we noticed this same dude ambling down the Bowery without proper footwear. In fact, he was carrying those zany Vibrams rigged to his belt-bound carabiner.

Takes balls to walk barefoot along the grimy sidewalks lining the Bowery from top to bottom. Especially in cooler weather. Would you do it?

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_3DCYLYKHYWU7ZQ6QC2GENZNIYI Rich

    Absolutely!  I walk barefoot everywhere I can, as much as possible.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_3DCYLYKHYWU7ZQ6QC2GENZNIYI Rich

    Absolutely!  I walk barefoot everywhere I can, as much as possible.

  • Nick

    …”without proper footwear”  ha ha.  Bare feet are the best footwear as far as i’m concerned. I stopped wearing shoes almost 11 years ago. It’s healthier. 

  • unci from Austria

    You noticed the guy and even publish his photo but didn’t talk to him?

    Yes. That’s how I am usually dressed too when it’s not freezing.

  • Barefoot Brian

    I would with no problem – I’ve been barefoot all over Chicago from the Magnificant Mile to Cabrini-Green (what’s left of it)… never a problem. The “grime” washes right off.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Kriste-Brushaber/100000942385607 Kriste Brushaber

    Healthy feet are naturally antibacterial, and most people wash their feet at least once a day.  How often do you wash your shoes inside or out….like, never (really gross!)?  And what is “proper” footwear? Would platform spike heels do? Or do flip-flops really “protect” your foot from anything seriously dangerous? 1. Read The Barefoot Book by Professor Daniel Howell (a short yet informative read)  2. Interview the guy in the picture  3. Millions of peoples around the world go barefoot and have since the dawn of humanity  4. Visit http://www.primalfootalliance.org/ 5. Try it! (unless you have diabetes; and at your own risk, of course, since you must be more aware of your surroundings- not recommended if you are the kind of person that texts and walks for example) – Kriste Brushaber, co-organizer of The Front Range Barefoot Hiking Group, Master Posture and Movement Coach

  • https://me.yahoo.com/a/Z_N0SlkEjMMd8BjMeVDjp_m0qs0-#9d442 Kriss

    “…not particularly the most sanitary”? Nothing in this world in which we live is truly “sanitary,” nor should it be. Bare feet were created to walk on all surfaces, and “sanitary” was never a requirement for them to function properly and remain strong and healthy. Very few things are filthier and less hygienic than shoes, especially the inside of shoes. And bare feet can be easily washed, unlike most shoes, which never get washed. The barefoot dude knows what he’s doing. For more information about the facts and as well as common myths about bare feet and going barefoot, check out http://www.barefooters.org/ , the Society for Barefoot Living, an organization that’s been around for 17 years helping educate and promote barefoot tolerance and acceptance. 

  • Kent

    Most definitely! The only place I wear shoes is work and they are minimalist shoes at that. I go barefoot everywhere else. I started going barefoot over 13 years ago and felt the knee and back pain dissipate and never return. I am now running barefoot as well. 

Recent Stories

Recap: Falun Gong Procession in Chinatown [PHOTOS]
Photos

Recap: Falun Gong Procession in Chinatown [PHOTOS]

Stefon and Ian Rubbish Bid Farewell to SNL in Style [VIDEO]
Featured Video

Stefon and Ian Rubbish Bid Farewell to SNL in Style [VIDEO]

Children’s Magical Garden Supporters Will Lobby CB3 Next Month
Real Estate

Children’s Magical Garden Supporters Will Lobby CB3 Next Month

Cafe Katja Opens Annexed Dining Space at 75 Orchard
Food

Cafe Katja Opens Annexed Dining Space at 75 Orchard

100 Montaditos Withdraws Application for 177 Ludlow
Food

100 Montaditos Withdraws Application for 177 Ludlow

CVS Moving Into Soho Billiards Space on East Houston
Featured Real Estate

CVS Moving Into Soho Billiards Space on East Houston

Talking Shop with ‘The Last Jewish Waiter’ at Katz’s [INTERVIEW]
Featured Food

Talking Shop with ‘The Last Jewish Waiter’ at Katz’s [INTERVIEW]

Where in the World is the Lower East Side?
Boogie Beat

Where in the World is the Lower East Side?

Neighborhood Youth Rally Against Children’s Magical Garden Fence
Real Estate

Neighborhood Youth Rally Against Children’s Magical Garden Fence

Sara D. Roosevelt Park and Liz Christy Garden in Celebration Mode
Art

Sara D. Roosevelt Park and Liz Christy Garden in Celebration Mode