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.

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

Boyinbarefeet · 61-69, M

I am sure you wish you could re-run your time at school in the UK, ie in my class where from Y1 to Y14 I chose with most lads [boys school] to go in barefeet and loved it. Relaxing, free, no smell, safe with best grip is barefeet and it strengthens.

When I have travelled to the U when I lectured in a University, I would go to Coca Beach in Florida at Spring break. Many lads from the states were on Spring break holiday. On the beach I would chat and they also informed me that in the states it really is unheard of to go barefoot and they say that is why in Spring break and holidays and out of school most of the lads threw off the trainers and socks and went barefoot. It was true as during spring break they never had anything on their feet and the hotel didn't mind a bit. I also spent the week likewise and spoke at the conference in my shorts, tee shirt and barefeet. The lovely lads who were so mannerly were very envious of the UK and New Zealand lads where barefeet in PE and Sports is the norm and they also said if they could have taken their shoes and socks off in the Sports Hall in their school, the teacher would have stopped the lesson.

Do you know why there is such this negative attitude of complete NON BAREFEET. In American schools there is no uniform. Can pupils come to school barefoot and be there all day. I attended a university in Alabama , Montgomery State university and I noticed many university students, lads and girls in their barefeet just going to class and sitting out reading. Are they reacting to not being allowed in school? [do you think]

Thanks for your contribution. I found it interesting, but would hated to have gone to school in US.

Is it also the case that in many states still lads are allowed to be caned as a punishment instead of detentions?

RaceFan88 · 31-35, M

@Boyinbarefeet corporal punishment has been outlawed in 99% of school districts across the US. While the majority of public schools do not have a uniform, they do have a dress code and shoes are required. Almost all private schools have uniform requirements. As for colleges and universities, it varies by school but almost all have a dress code.

Every PE class that I had from elementary school through high school, sneakers were required. When I was in 5th grade, we did do a gymnastics unit and had to take our shoes off for that, but had to keep our socks on. Not sure why that was because it was a slip hazard. I think I would’ve enjoyed doing PE in bare feet where appropriate if given the opportunity

Boyinbarefeet · 61-69, M

@RaceFan88 I am glad you would have enjoyed it. Is there laws about barefeet in the US. I find it really strange this attitude. If you had been in my class, it was the norm, barefeet and new pupils who came really enjoyed the freedom it give and also it was healthier. Have a good week. Enjoy.

RaceFan88 · 31-35, M

@Boyinbarefeet no laws against it to my knowledge, just not something that’s done over here