Walking barefoot is a common sight in New Zealand and Australia.
New Zealanders and Australians have an amazing habit of going barefoot in all sorts of everyday situations. From quick errands to the playground and even the pub, shoes are often optional. As Seth Kugel pointed out, this cultural idiosyncrasy can come as a shock to visitors. new york times I encountered this phenomenon when I visited New Zealand in 2012.
Are you barefoot everywhere?
Kugel says, “People walk around barefoot. On the streets, in supermarkets, everywhere. It’s not for everyone, but it’s surprisingly common and it’s a bit worrying. Certainly, city sidewalks are clean. But it’s still a city sidewalk.”
🇦🇺 Is this normal in Australia? pic.twitter.com/hxFVL0ufiP
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The love for bare feet extends to school as well. A Perth primary school is allowing students to go shoe-free entirely, citing potential benefits such as improved posture, increased sensory awareness and strengthening the feet and body. However, podiatrists remain skeptical.
Why are you barefoot?
The reason for this widespread preference is unclear. Some point to the influence of the indigenous cultures of both countries. Some believe it reflects a more relaxed and casual lifestyle. Cultural studies professor David Rowe offered a unique perspective. BBC in 2021. He suggests that immigrants from colder climates may take off their shoes as a way to celebrate their new life in a warmer environment. “This is their way of shedding their northern hemisphere formalities and embracing the sun and fun of their new homeland,” he explained.
Expatriate experience
Jordana Gray, a British expat living in Australia, has noticed a complete transformation when walking barefoot. Initially, she thought it was illegal to drive without shoes. But she accepted the habit. “I love the feeling of freedom,” she says, and she sometimes walks barefoot while driving (though she recommends doing a “toe test” before hitting hot pavement). .
Gray recorded a TikTok video of an Australian who left his shoes at the entrance to a beach, then returned to find them miraculously missing in a TikTok video. However, the comments section provided a more realistic situation. Australians have shared their own experiences of having their shoes stolen, from their beloved Birkenstocks to their cherished glitter sandals. One commenter suggested a practical solution. “You can go to the beach wearing cheap Kmart shoes. That way, even if they take your shoes, it’s no big deal and you can walk home barefoot. Because that’s what we do. Because that’s what we do here.”
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