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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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!
Have they not heard of earthing?
"Earthing (also known as grounding) refers to the discovery that bodily contact with the Earth's natural electric charge stabilizes the physiology at the deepest levels, reduces inflammation, pain, and stress, improves blood flow, energy, and sleep, and generates greater well-being."
Maybe they should give it a go and destress❣️
I'm tired these sensationalised story lines. DISGUSTING habit, really.
We were brought up bare foot, it's just the way it is.
 
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I am 80 now and not often these days going around barefooted but still like my thongs. I think that if it is good enough for our original aboriginals of centuries ago and even now to go barefooted, then its OK by me.
 
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So they don't like us going barefoot, but are happy to clear their throats and spit on the footpath.
My children and I went overseas many years ago and were horrified by a very well dressed older woman doing exactly that loudly on the footpath in the main shopping centre of a major city.
 
I would go barefoot, but my feet are too soft to cope with hard surfaces. I think if it suits you to go without footwear, then good luck to you. Do whatever you feel comfortable with.
 
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Must be over 12 years since I've worn anything on my feet apart from winter slippers. Mind you since then I have been in a wheelchair thanks to a faulty hip implant so bending down to put anything on is impossible but Cooktown is a very free and easy place and nobody cares.
 
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Reactions: Knell
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 think it not the etiquette for walking around I. Public places and restaurants, supermarkets. There is a place and a time for everything
 
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Reactions: Leenie
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!
Each to their own I suppose but I never would, if I was in a park on the beach I’d slip my shoes/thongs/sandles off but never anywhere else
 
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Reactions: Leenie
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!
We like to be grounded
 
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Each to their own and entering a shop or house barefooted with black sooty feet which have picked up a whole host of baddies is no different to entering a shop or a house with the soles of the shoes having picked up the same.

However, from my perspective it looks unsightly and dirty. The grime makes its way into the skins upper surface and stains the feet as this grime enter the small cracks on the soles of your shoes.

Then of course there would be no way I would get into bed without first washing my feet thoroughly or having my partner wash their feet if they had been barefooted in public.

I think personally having germs, grime, faeces, urine etc come into contact with soles of shoes is far different than coming in contact with the skin.
 
I doubt that many, if any are "barefoot", especially in the northern hemisphere. I wear thong sandals most of the day, especially if I'm headed for the beach, be it WA, Bali or Java.

The only NO-NO I've come across while overseas is shorts. If you're in BALI, you do NOT go to the Police station or other govt agency in shorts.
 
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!
Why is it a problem for other people 🙄. Jealousy! Our beautiful climate allows us to do this and theirs does not. Pretty sad 😔 for them really.
 
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I only wear shoes when I go out shopping etc. Why? Because I have a static nerve damage which causes pain in the soles of both feet wearing footwear makes the pain worse, so I only wear shoes when I have to.
 
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I go barefoot most of the time. I’m in a wheelchair & don’t see the need to wear shoes most of the time. My feet feel much more comfortable shoeless & I don’t get smelly feet.
 
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Do people realise what could be on footpaths - dogs weeing on footpaths, people spitting on footpaths (this I have seen on numerous occasions) besides dangerous objects ie glass nails etc…
Especially nowadays when people are busy looking at their phones and not where they are walking.. :cool:
 
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