What was it like to do PE in bare feet?

Growing up in the US, going barefoot in PE was unheard of. We always wore sneakers (trainers) and socks. I remember a few gymnastic lessons in elementary school where we took our shoes off, but socks stayed on. After doing some research, I found out that it’s common in the UK to do PE in bare feet. Did you remove your footwear while getting changed, or were you told to? After reading some people’s experiences, I feel like I missed out on something.

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QuietSophie · 26-30, F

Girls did gymnastics, yoga, keep fit and dance for PE lessons and those activities were nearly always done in bare feet. We didn't think anything of it as we all went without shoes, but the boys got to do their lessons in trainers which seemed a bit sexist.

Jenny1234 · 56-60, F

@QuietSophie honestly, shoes just get in the way for gymnastics, dance and yoga unless you have little dance slippers so really bare feet is best for these

RaceFan88 · 31-35, M

@QuietSophie yeah, that certainly is a bit odd. Did the boys do different activities than the girls?

QuietSophie · 26-30, F

@Jenny1234 I agree. At primary school I knew a girl who slipped in socks and broke her arm, so I was quite happy to go barefoot.

QuietSophie · 26-30, F

@RaceFan88 Yes, quite different activities. I like competitive sports and I usually wanted to do what the boys were doing 😕

Jenny1234 · 56-60, F

@QuietSophie I'm surprised the school allowed that girl to wear socks. We were not ever allowed to wear socks in gym class and they are a slip and fall hazard. Shoes or bare feet only.

QuietSophie · 26-30, F

@Jenny1234 I don't think she should have been, but she wasn't following instructions. We were quite contented working in a warm, clean gym in bare feet 🙂

RaceFan88 · 31-35, M

@QuietSophie yeah, that certainly sounds sexist to me