This common Australian habit often grosses out tourists

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.


barefoot_pexels_72e2c1ca-48e2-44f9-8956-ff15a18fb1cf.jpeg
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!
 
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I have 5 sons and all different.
Two that work hard and then relax the rest of the time
One who works 12 plus hours a day 6 days aweek then thinks of work at night.
One who works 10 hour days then it gym and weekend he party's like there is no tomorrow
The 5th one is a school deputy principal during the day and weekends and nights run a fishing business where he takes customers out on kayaks.
Wonderful! Amazing! Love that they are all individuals.
 
Just for the record, I need to clarify - my son is not a grubby person, he showers often - he is just like the absent minded professor. He does not care to wear shoes unless they are right in his vision on his way somewhere lol, he loses his keys 10 times a day, however all bias aside, when he is in work mode and by that I mean life or death situation, he is one of the best you could hope for - his brain moves from a - z in lightening speed and accuracy - it is quite an anomaly. He is not the one if you have a splinter in your finger or want your pillows fluffed (unless you are a child or elderly) but if you are in serious trouble you get 110% of his brain power. Obviously he does not get that from me lol he just doesn't take notice of things that don't matter to him...always been that way.
I’ve found that often times very intelligent people can be a bit eccentric. I like eccentricity, makes the world more interesting. I admire that…I’m quite boring. 😐
 
I’ve found that often times very intelligent people can be a bit eccentric. I like eccentricity, makes the world more interesting. I admire that…I’m quite boring. 😐
HaHa yes it seems so, I like it also (mostly) haha I am quite boring also, but suffer from foot in mouth often enough to keep it interesting haha. Thank you.
 
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My youngest son is also a Paramedic, fairly newly qualified and he is solid, and he will sympathise your splinter in finger and will fluff your pillows haha. My eldest has schizophrenia, but is very kind and gentle - never angry with one except himself, just a lot of confusion. All different. That's life!
My daughter was going to be a paramedic but chose nursing and works in the operating room .
Is your son enjoying it ?
 
Plenty of reasons not to go bare foot while out in public. dog crap and pee, general dirt foreign objects such as glass peoples discarded cigarettes hot bitumen try going onto a crowded bus or train. What if you cut your feet and you have no shoes on, that'll be really hygienic not. Not to mention discarded chewing gum or people who spit or something worse. ok around the home but really common sense should tell you about the dangers of going out with no shoes on. Or do some people just like to be different or stupid when they get injured no sympathy from me. Try driving a car with no shoes on and you have an accident or get pulled over by the police.
 
I suppose a lot of the Americans who commented are OK with people defecating on their streets and lying around in drug induced stupors, but dare to go barefoot that's a NO NO.
And this doesn't happen in Australia?
 
My daughter was going to be a paramedic but chose nursing and works in the operating room .
Is your son enjoying it ?
Nice, ED or operating theatre would be interesting and rewarding - your daughter must be a well qualified nurse. Yes they both love paramedics...long hours and intense but rewarding same as emergency or theatre nursing. Actually my youngest did dual nursing and paramedics but opted for paramedics haha.
 
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Nice, ED or operating theatre would be interesting and rewarding - your daughter must be a well qualified nurse. Yes they both love paramedics...long hours and intense but rewarding same as emergency or theatre nursing. Actually my youngest did dual nursing and paramedics but opted for paramedics haha.
What state are they in
 
Plenty of reasons not to go bare foot while out in public. dog crap and pee, general dirt foreign objects such as glass peoples discarded cigarettes hot bitumen try going onto a crowded bus or train. What if you cut your feet and you have no shoes on, that'll be really hygienic not. Not to mention discarded chewing gum or people who spit or something worse. ok around the home but really common sense should tell you about the dangers of going out with no shoes on. Or do some people just like to be different or stupid when they get injured no sympathy from me. Try driving a car with no shoes on and you have an accident or get pulled over by the police.
That's alot of what ifs 🫢 sometimes it's good to be daring
 
Plenty of reasons not to go bare foot while out in public. dog crap and pee, general dirt foreign objects such as glass peoples discarded cigarettes hot bitumen try going onto a crowded bus or train. What if you cut your feet and you have no shoes on, that'll be really hygienic not. Not to mention discarded chewing gum or people who spit or something worse. ok around the home but really common sense should tell you about the dangers of going out with no shoes on. Or do some people just like to be different or stupid when they get injured no sympathy from me. Try driving a car with no shoes on and you have an accident or get pulled over by the police.
Oh, come on, even as a teenager you didn't go barefooted?
 
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Queensland. Is your daughter enjoying it?
She is in Sydney and she loves it . She works alot as an anaesthetic nurse. She works long hours , it's nothing for her to get hone at 9pm to only be called back in at 2am for emergency surgery , usually a c section.

My youngest is at uni doing first year nursing and last placement she was working the ward she was working in had severe lung condition patients, 3 died within a week ( they were expected to die) and she had to prep them . I asked how she handled it and she said ok but was very sad with the first one as it was her patient who she became fond off . She is going to do paediatric nursing.

I think it takes strong people to do either nursing or paramedic
 
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She is in Sydney and she loves it . She works alot as an anaesthetic nurse. She works long hours , it's nothing for her to get hone at 9pm to only be called back in at 2am for emergency surgery , usually a c section.

My youngest is at uni doing first year nursing and last placement she was working the ward she was working in had severe lung condition patients, 3 died within a week ( they were expected to die) and she had to prep them . I asked how she handled it and she said ok but was very sad with the first one as it was her patient who she became fond off . She is going to do paediatric nursing.

I think it takes strong people to do either nursing or paramedic
For sure it does take strength...and the longer they do the job the better they get at hiding the stresses and don't share it. It is a tough gig for sure - just have to keep an eye on them.
 
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Each to their own.I personally feel barefoot is for poor people that can't afford even things.Look at the hardship commercials in Africa and all wore torn and third world countries.Even then,the kids have old worn but albeit shoe attire of some description.Notbto mention the cracks,scrapes hot and cold your feet are copping from walking bare foot No it's not all BEAUTIFUL SOFT GREEN GRASS AND SAND!!!
AGAIN MY PERSONAL PREFERENCE AND OPINION.If you wanna be barefoot go ahead.😮‍💨
 

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