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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SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

At my boarding school we did gymnastics and dance in bare feet. If one of the day girls forgot her trainers for something like netball, we all had to go barefoot for safety. I quite liked going without shoes.

Hayleywg · 51-55, F

@SunshineGirl all indoor p e was done with bare feet. Netball is fine if everyone is bare foot! Xx

RebeccaG · 51-55, F

@SunshineGirl we were the same! Both my sister and daughter did indoor p e in bare feet too.

RaceFan88 · 31-35, M

@SunshineGirl yeah it seems like everyone enjoyed doing PE in bare feet. I wish I had that experience.

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@Hayleywg Quieter as well when you are playing indoors. No rubber soles squeaking on the hard court!

RaceFan88 · 31-35, M

@SunshineGirl did anyone ever feel “uncomfortable” going barefoot in PE?

Hayleywg · 51-55, F

@RaceFan88 one or two but it’s quite common here in the UK from an early age.

Hayleywg · 51-55, F

@SunshineGirl very very true!

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@RaceFan88 Loads of girls moaned about it when we had to remove our footwear, but I don't think anyone was uncomfortable. Except in January-February when the concrete floor of the changing room was icy cold 🥶

RaceFan88 · 31-35, M

@SunshineGirl yeah, I would find that to be a bit uncomfortable. Concrete isn’t the most sanitary to walk on either.

Hayleywg · 51-55, F

@SunshineGirl the wooden floor in the gym was fine, it was the cold lino in the corridor that got you moving!

DavidT8899 · 22-25, M

@SunshineGirl Did any of the girls ever "forget"their shoes on purpose?

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@DavidT8899 Sometimes if it was raining. We couldn't do outdoor games without shoes, so we got to do PE indoors in the dry and warm 😌🌈

DavidT8899 · 22-25, M

@SunshineGirl But did they ever "forget"their shoes just because they liked being barefoot better in general?

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@DavidT8899 Don't know. Most of us were boarders so couldn't really forget our kit. But the day girls did quite often.