Aussies are once again in the spotlight for their love of going barefoot—and it's a habit that continues to horrify tourists from across the globe.

A common sight in Australia is people not wearing shoes while out in public.

This casual attitude to bare feet shocks many international visitors. On social media, tourists have shared their disbelief at seeing shoeless Aussies everywhere, from shopping malls to train stations.

'Serious question: why do so many Australians walk around without shoes on?' one user asked on social media.

Australians have been exposed for constantly going barefoot—and it is a habit that is horrifying the rest of the world. Credit: Pexels.

Plenty of Aussies came to the defence of the behaviour, with one user claiming: 'We are just built differently.'

'Shoes are for horses,' added another. Meanwhile, a third agreed and commented, 'There's no need for shoes!'

In February, a British expat living in Melbourne shared her experiences and her surprise on social media about how many Aussies enjoy going barefoot in various places.

She mentioned that seeing people walking without shoes in indoor public places like supermarkets and stores was unusual.

'You would never catch anyone that wasn't on a beach with bare feet in the UK,' she admitted.

'It doesn't appeal to me, but I mean, you do you… I just won't look at the floor.'

But while some might say such a habit might only be confined to the average Aussie, certain true blue Australian personalities are also known to do it.

Chris Hemsworth, a world-famous Aussie actor, has been spotted out and about going barefoot in public.

He was recently seen strolling around town without shoes, and his carefree style has influenced his wife, Elsa Pataky, to do the same. Despite their fame and success, they're both comfortable ditching footwear while out and about.

Key Takeaways

• Australians have been called out for their common habit of going barefoot in public places.
• A tourist posted a video on social media showing Australians without shoes in various public spaces, questioning why so many locals go about their daily lives barefoot.
• Australians have defended themselves on social media, stating they are 'built differently' and that shoes are unnecessary.
• People from other nations expressed shock and disgust at the practice, referring to it as weird, disgusting and potentially harmful.

Members, we'd love to hear your take on this. Are you a fan of the liberating feel of going barefoot outdoors, or do you believe there's a time and place for kicking off your shoes?

Moreover, beyond the barefoot culture, what other distinctively Aussie behaviours might puzzle or surprise tourists and visitors from other parts of the world? Please share them with us in the comments section below!

 

[Brody]

To each his own as Paddy kissed the Pig.

 

[Knell]

Even Cold Play's Chris Martin was seen walking around Perth with bare feet on the weekend! In honour, I have been dancing around playing my much loved Cold Play songs, minus shoes. Viva La Vida!

 

[Royal Watcher]

I did not think for a second you were apologising and I understand perfectly that you meant every word of it and yes I am fully aware it is my prerogative to reply. Not sure why you think you need to clarify the obvious.

Just saying, calm your farm.
Gotta love the emojis

 

[Royal Watcher]

i once stayed in a mote

l and from using the shower caught a fungal infection which took weekly trips to the podiatrist for months. i won’t even go barefoot indoors

Yes, that is one of the cons about going barefoot! Fungal infections, injury which can affect the arches!
I had lovely feet and about 10 years ago I broke my foot (don’t even know how) & developed gout, I then got hallux valgus (impressive name for bunion!), I’ve had plantar fasciitis & I used to walk down street from work at end of day w tears running down my face (hidden by sunglasses) because of the pain! I’ve always had the best work shoes & now can’t wear heels etc!
I need arch support & don’t want to have ‘flatfoot’ so apart from on sand & my clean carpet, I don’t go barefoot.
I have read about the benefit of having connection w the earth etc but I think my connection with other forms of nature are just as beneficial.
Now I’m bowing out of the barefoot discussion, enough said!
Enjoy you’re day folks, with or without shoes

 

[Knell]

Just saying, calm your farm.
Gotta love the emojis

And yet another assumption. I am not, not calm. Perhaps you would like to think or suggest that, or perhaps you would like to rewrite history - but don't misconstrue by way of a false evaluation. This is just an anecdotal discussion for the fun of it - not meant to be highbrow or at all serious. No vexatiousness here.

 

[Zoeshipscat]

I hate being barefoot. Apart from any other consideration, it's downright dangerous, courting possible injury, not to mention a lack of pedal control when driving. I always wear shoes, or sandals, depending on weather, with socks.

Sandals with socks??

 

[Leenie]

Sandals with socks??

I have seen people doing that.

 

[Royal Watcher]

And yet another assumption. I am not, not calm. Perhaps you would like to think or suggest that, or perhaps you would like to rewrite history - but don't misconstrue by way of a false evaluation. This is just an anecdotal discussion for the fun of it - not meant to be highbrow or at all serious. No vexatiousness here.

 

[V Heironymus]

Aussies are once again in the spotlight for their love of going barefoot—and it's a habit that continues to horrify tourists from across the globe.

A common sight in Australia is people not wearing shoes while out in public.

This casual attitude to bare feet shocks many international visitors. On social media, tourists have shared their disbelief at seeing shoeless Aussies everywhere, from shopping malls to train stations.

'Serious question: why do so many Australians walk around without shoes on?' one user asked on social media.

View attachment 34354

Australians have been exposed for constantly going barefoot—and it is a habit that is horrifying the rest of the world. Credit: Pexels.

Plenty of Aussies came to the defence of the behaviour, with one user claiming: 'We are just built differently.'

'Shoes are for horses,' added another. Meanwhile, a third agreed and commented, 'There's no need for shoes!'

In February, a British expat living in Melbourne shared her experiences and her surprise on social media about how many Aussies enjoy going barefoot in various places.

She mentioned that seeing people walking without shoes in indoor public places like supermarkets and stores was unusual.

'You would never catch anyone that wasn't on a beach with bare feet in the UK,' she admitted.

'It doesn't appeal to me, but I mean, you do you… I just won't look at the floor.'

But while some might say such a habit might only be confined to the average Aussie, certain true blue Australian personalities are also known to do it.

Chris Hemsworth, a world-famous Aussie actor, has been spotted out and about going barefoot in public.

He was recently seen strolling around town without shoes, and his carefree style has influenced his wife, Elsa Pataky, to do the same. Despite their fame and success, they're both comfortable ditching footwear while out and about.

Key Takeaways

• Australians have been called out for their common habit of going barefoot in public places.
• A tourist posted a video on social media showing Australians without shoes in various public spaces, questioning why so many locals go about their daily lives barefoot.
• Australians have defended themselves on social media, stating they are 'built differently' and that shoes are unnecessary.
• People from other nations expressed shock and disgust at the practice, referring to it as weird, disgusting and potentially harmful.

Members, we'd love to hear your take on this. Are you a fan of the liberating feel of going barefoot outdoors, or do you believe there's a time and place for kicking off your shoes?

Moreover, beyond the barefoot culture, what other distinctively Aussie behaviours might puzzle or surprise tourists and visitors from other parts of the world? Please share them with us in the comments section below!

I have always gone barefoot inside my home and yard, never when out as you never know what you might stand in. (Some people clear their throat and spit it out on the ground - gross). Shoes are optional at home because I know my house is clean. Australia is a hot country and feet inside shoes perspire which leads to smelly, dirty, infected feet. You will find other HOT countries like Africa people also are barefooted. I can't see anything wrong with the practice. Also we live on the coast, sun, sea and sand. When in Rome!

 

[V Heironymus]

I have seen people doing that.

Victorians!

 

[Leenie]

I have always gone barefoot inside my home and yard, never when out as you never know what you might stand in. (Some people clear their throat and spit it out on the ground - gross). Shoes are optional at home because I know my house is clean. Australia is a hot country and feet inside shoes perspire which leads to smelly, dirty, infected feet. You will find other HOT countries like Africa people also are barefooted. I can't see anything wrong with the practice. Also we live on the coast, sun, sea and sand. When in Rome!

As we all did growing and still do .

 

[Leenie]

Victorians!

And also the worst drivers .