Keel has walked barefoot for two years. Barefooters say toughened soles are still sensitive, but have a higher tolerance for uncomfortable objects. Silva has had bruises and stubbed toes, but said her real problems have been with shoes causing blisters and sore feet. Keel has had two minor cuts in two years and said being barefoot makes her subconsciously more aware of where she's placing her feet when she walks. The point is, shit happens.
Broken glass is also an issue for some store owners.
Lucas has discussed the issue with proprietors. There are no laws prohibiting bare feet in a store or restaurant, he said, but a fear of lawsuits keeps the restriction in place. The only bad experiences Lucas has had have been the occasional hassle of being asked to leave a store, but that has happened only three times in three months. Barefooters tend to wear footwear in restaurants because those are the places most likely to raise objections. When Silva lived in Southern California, she was constantly hassled.