I went to the Dominican Republic for Spring Break. Before we left, a doctor warned us that if we didn't wear shoes, small parasites would burrow through our feet. This was enough to keep shoes permanently attached to my feet for the entire week.
However, there was at least one kid on the trip who never once even put shoes on -- it was truly horrifying.
And while Charlottesville might not quite be the Dominican Republic, the University has its own share of biohazard zones. Take, for example, first-year dorm showers. I'm pretty sure Dante mentioned them somewhere around the third layer of hell. And yet, I know at least a few people who spent many a shower without foot protection of any kind.
But are shoes really necessary? In researching this article I came across "The Society for Barefoot Living," which, as you might have guessed, is an organization for people who think you only truly live life if you live it sans shoes. They believe that people who go shoeless are not only happier but healthier. Walking with unshod feet is supposed to relieve back pain as well as lesson flat feet and varicose veins. And while none of these benefits have been medically proven, they do have enough of a following that there exist many organizations besides "The Society for Barefoot Living." Groups such as "Parents for Barefoot Children" and barefoot marathon runners can be found across the country.
But, while the idea of running shoeless and carefree through grassy fields may seem appealing, an entire host of maladies are associated with our barefooted brethren. As I mentioned above, parasites such as hookworm are present as larvae in unsanitary soil. Hookworm burrows up through your feet and then goes to live in your intestines making you not-so-carefree. Human papilloma virus (HPV) can also be spread by going barefoot in locker rooms and communal showers. Also known as plantar warts, the virus causes tiny bumps covered in hardened skin to form on the soles of the foot. This can often be painful and hard to get rid of.
And if hookworm and warts aren't enough, athlete's foot -- a fungal inflammation between the toes -- can be easily picked up in much the same manner. What's worse is that the fungi can spread to other parts of the body such as the groin or armpits.
Warts, parasites and athlete's foot aside, the average sidewalk is a wasteland of broken glass, gravel and chewing gum that will make a Gandhi-esque stroll at the very least unpleasant.
Shoes themselves, however, can have there own problems. Wearing shoes that are too big or two small can cause uncomfortable rubbing. This can eventually lead to painful blisters. If young children wear shoes that don't fit, their feet may not grow correctly and become permanently deformed. High heels can also cause a shortening or the Achilles tendon which may be irreversible.
So shoes aren't exactly a life or death decision. People in other countries go their whole lives without ever setting foot in a shoe, so the occasional romp with the wind in your toes probably won't end in disaster. But to prevent parasites or unwanted toe loss, next time you feel like pulling a Britney Spears slap some shoes on your dogs and walk without fear.
Liz Bird is a Cavalier Daily Health and Sexuality Columnist. She can be reached at bird@cavalierdaily.com
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