Australia is known for its stunning beaches, unique wildlife, and laid-back lifestyle. But there’s one aspect of our country’s culture that recently raised eyebrows and caused a stir among international visitors–and it’s not the Vegemite sandwiches or penchant for calling everyone ‘mate’.
It’s the ‘totally normal’ ‘national behaviour’ of going barefoot in public spaces.
From the golden sands of Bondi to the bustling streets of Brisbane, it’s not uncommon to see locals of all ages embracing the barefoot lifestyle. Whether it’s a quick dash to the corner store, a leisurely stroll to the local café, or even a supermarket run, many are happy to go without footwear.
This cultural quirk recently caught the world’s attention when a social media video showcasing Sydney residents’ shoeless adventures went viral. The montage, which has amassed millions of views, shows beachgoers and city dwellers alike wandering around barefoot at grocery stores, city sidewalks, and roads.
With this, comments poured in, with many people expressing their concern over potential hazards like broken glass, insects, and general cleanliness.
‘But why? So many insects, broken glass, urine etc.,’ one user exclaimed, while another questioned, ‘Why? Australia has too many scary [big] insects to walk around barefoot.’
‘What? Do people not have shoes?’ wrote a third person.
Some Australians also chimed in with their disapproval.
‘I’m Australian and I can’t and won’t ever do this,’ one local chimed in.
‘I’m Australian and the only time I go barefoot is in my own house,’ echoed someone else.
‘Where is this? I’m from Melbourne and can’t think of anything filthier than being barefoot on public floors,’ commented another.
The debate even extended to comparisons with American customs, with one person pondering which was worse: Americans wearing shoes indoors or Australians walking barefoot outside.
Despite the criticism, many defended the practice, pointing out that it’s often localised to beachside suburbs and not as widespread as the video might suggest.
‘Why is this so weird to some people?’ commented one person, while another one said, ‘I live in [Australia] and go barefoot most of the day. The grounding is important.’
‘If you live on the coast, you go barefoot,’ another one chimed in.
Some even argued that there’s a certain radius from the beach within which going barefoot is perfectly acceptable – though opinions on the exact distance varied.
‘10 [kilometres] or less,’ quipped one person, while someone else wrote, ‘[No], it’s 5 [kilometres].’
Surprisingly, the barefoot practice isn’t limited to the average Australian. Hollywood actor Jacob Elordi was spotted walking the streets of Los Angeles barefoot in April 2023.
Meanwhile, Chris Hemsworth and his family were also spotted in 2020 embracing the ‘no shoe policy’ on the streets of Byron.
So why do Australians love to go barefoot? Some suggest it’s an extension of Indigenous cultural practices, while others believe it reflects the nation’s casual, no-worries attitude.
There’s also a growing movement that advocates for the health benefits of ‘grounding’ or ‘earthing’, which involves direct skin contact with the earth to absorb its natural electrical charges.
Whether it’s a connection to the land, a desire for comfort in the heat, or simply a laid-back approach to life, going barefoot is a habit that’s deeply ingrained in Australian culture. While it might horrify some tourists, for many locals, it’s just another day under the Southern Cross.
We’d love to hear from you, our YourLifeChoices readers. Do you embrace the barefoot lifestyle, or do you prefer to keep your feet covered? Have you encountered any similar surprised reactions from visitors to our shores? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
