List of barefooters
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This is a list of notable barefooters, real and fictional; notable people who are known for going barefoot as a part of their public image, and whose barefoot appearance was consistently reported by media or other reliable sources, or depicted in works of fiction dedicated to them.
A barefoot appearance can be a notable characteristic for an individual, as it has been associated with various cultural contexts throughout human history. Since the Middle Ages, it was seen as a sign of religious ascetism: in particular, discalceation, the practice of going constantly barefoot or clad only in sandals, is a common feature of Christian mendicant orders, practiced by the Discalced Carmelites (1568), the Feuillant Cistercians (1575), the Trinitarians (1594), the Mercedarians (1604), the Passionists, the Poor Clares and Colettine Poor Clares, and the Descalzas Reales. This is untaken as part of vows of poverty and humility,[1] as well as a remembrance of Moses on Mount Sinai. Hindu gurus go barefoot to allow their followers to demonstrate their love and respect by pranam, the ceremonial touching of a bare foot. It is also customary in Judaism and some Christian denominations to go barefoot while mourning.[1]
The early 20th century saw the emergence of the barefoot dance movement, pioneered by Isadora Duncan, that anticipated women's liberation movement and challenged the then prevalent perception of bare foot as obscene.[2] In the latter half of the 20th century, many singers, primarily women, have performed barefoot, a trend that continues in the early 21st century. Since the 1960s, barefooting has also been associated with counterculture, in particular with the hippie and New Age movements.[3][4]
Nowadays people who have a preference for not wearing shoes in public are striving for the recognition of barefoot lifestyle, against the social stigma associated with barefooting, and for the abolition of laws and regulations that prohibit going barefoot in certain places.[5][6]
Notable barefooters
[edit]Religion, spirituality, and philosophy
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- Socrates (470—399 BC) — Ancient Greek philosopher credited as the founder of Western philosophy. In Symposium, Plato mentioned that Socrates went barefoot all year round, even on ice; Aristophanes also made a reference to Socrates going barefoot in his comedy The Clouds.[7] He is frequently alluded to as "the barefoot philosopher" in academic works,[8][9] and a television film dedicated to his last days was called Barefoot in Athens.
- Kevin of Glendalough (498–618) – Irish saint, known as the founder and first abbot of Glendalough in County Wicklow, Ireland. He was known for living the life of a hermit among the animals and birds, wearing only animal skins and going barefoot.[10]
- Bishr the Barefoot (767–841) — Muslim saint who earned the name Bishr al-Ḥāfī (Bishr the Barefoot). When asked why he did not wear shoes, he would reply "My master Allah guided me when I was barefooted, and I will remain in this condition till death".[11]
- Hedwig of Silesia (1174–1243) — Bavarian/Polish saint. According to legend, she went barefoot even in winter.[12]
- Margaret the Barefooted (1325–1395) — Italian saint who earned her name because she walked barefooted as a beggar to better associate herself with the poor.[13][14]
- Johnny Appleseed (1774–1845) — American pioneer nurseryman and missionary for The New Church, known for his barefoot appearance. According to his obituary in Fort Wayne Sentinel, "in the most inclement weather he might be seen barefooted and almost naked except when he chanced to pick up articles of old clothing".[15]
- John of Shanghai and San Francisco (1896–1966) — prominent ascetic, prelate of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, and reputed wonderworker with purported powers of prophecy, clairvoyance and healing. In France, he became known as "Saint Jean Nus Pieds" (Saint John the Barefoot) because he was known to go barefoot all year round.[16]
Arts and entertainment
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![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fb/Cesaria_Evora_sculpture.jpg/220px-Cesaria_Evora_sculpture.jpg)
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- Isadora Duncan (1878–1927) — American-born dancer and choreographer, who was a pioneer of modern contemporary dance and, in particular, revolutionized dance by performing barefoot.[2] She divorced the bare foot from perceptions of obscenity and made a conscious effort to link barefoot dancing to ideals such as "nudity, childhood, the idyllic past, flowing lines, health, nobility, ease, freedom, simplicity, order, and harmony".[17]
- Carmen Tórtola Valencia (1882–1955) — Spanish early modern dancer, choreographer, costume designer and painter, who generally performed barefoot. Tórtola Valencia is said to have been the inspiration for Rubén Darío's poem, La bailarina de los pies desnudos ("The Barefoot Dancer").[18]
- Thamara de Swirsky (1888–1961) — Russian-born dancer who "created a sensation" in the United States with her barefoot dancing.[19]
- Voldemārs Irbe (1893–1944) — Latvian pastel painter renowned for his eccentricity, disheveled appearance, and going barefoot all year round. This penchant earned him the nickname "Barefoot Irbite"; a monument in Riga dedicated to Irbe also depicts him barefooted.[20][21]
- Ava Gardner (1922–1990) — American actress who was a part of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Her lifelong habit of going barefoot became a part of her public image after the release of her movie The Barefoot Contessa (1954); her decision to accept the role was also influenced by this habit.[22]
- Cesária Évora (1941–2011) — Cape Verdean morna singer who became known as the Barefoot Diva because she often performed without shoes, which was sometimes described as a way for Évora to honor the poor.[23][24]
- Sharon Tate (1943–1969) — American actress and model known for frequently appearing barefoot in public. When she went to restaurants with a "No Shoes, No Service" rule, she would frequently put rubber bands around her ankles to pretend that she was wearing sandals. This trait of hers was depicted in the 2019 movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.[25]
- Jimmy Buffett (1946–2023) — American singer-songwriter known for his tropical rock sound and persona, and, in particular, for singing barefoot onstage to promote an island/beach bum lifestyle.[26]
- Sandie Shaw (b. 1947) — English pop singer renowned as one of the first singers to perform barefoot. This earned her the nickname "Barefoot Pop Princess of the 1960s".[27][28][29] After she started another career as a psychotherapist, she opened a clinic known as Barefoot Therapy: The Arts Clinic.[30]
- Amy Grant (b. 1960) — American singer-songwriter and musician who performs barefoot as one of her concert trademarks. To date, Grant continues to take off her shoes midway through performances, as she has said, "it is just more comfortable."[31][32]
- Michael Franti (b. 1966) — American singer/songwriter who performs barefoot on stage and prefers being barefoot during his daily life and travels.[33]
- Julia Roberts (b. 1967) — American actress known for frequently appearing barefoot, including at public events like film festivals, talk shows, and her wedding to Lyle Lovett. Her barefoot habit was incorporated into a number of her roles, including Tinker Bell in Hook and Susie Moss in Friends.[34][35]
- Steven Wilson (b. 1967) — English musician; founder, guitarist, lead vocalist and songwriter of the rock band Porcupine Tree. For live shows, Wilson plays barefoot, a habit that goes back to his early childhood. He said, "I always had a problem wearing shoes and I've always gone around with bare feet."[36]
- Thomas Jane (b. 1969) — American actor known for his preference for going barefoot, including at film premieres and while on set.[37][38]
- Genevieve Gorder (b. 1974) — American television host and interior designer widely known for her habit of working barefoot.[39] She parodied her lack of footwear in a series of Swiffer sweeper commercials that started running on television and in periodicals in 2003.
- Shakira (b. 1977) — Colombian singer and songwriter known for frequently performing barefoot, a form of dance she learned as a young teen to overcome her shyness, and which gave name to a charity founded by her, Barefoot Foundation.[40][41]
- Patricia Kopatchinskaja (b. 1977) — violinist of classical and contemporary music, born in Moldova, now living in Switzerland, playing barefoot on stage.[42]
- Barbara Weldens (1982–2017) — French singer-songwriter whose habit of performing barefoot resulted in her death by electrocution: her foot made contact with a defective piece of electrical equipment.[43]
- Rebecca Ferguson (b. 1983) — Swedish actress best known for her portrayal of the MI6 agent Ilsa Faust in three of the Mission: Impossible films. In an interview, she said, "Selfishly, I love being barefoot and wearing comfy clothes".[44] Her preference for going barefoot was incorporated into some of her movie roles, including Ilsa Faust, Rose the Hat in Doctor Sleep, Riza Stavros in Men in Black: International, Morgana in The Kid Who Would Be King, and Lady Jessica in Dune.[44][45]
- Stelth Ulvang (b. 1986) — American musician, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, best known as a touring member of the folk rock band The Lumineers. He has acquired the nickname "Barefoot Wanderer" due to his habit of performing barefoot on stage.[46][47]
- Joss Stone (b. 1987) — English singer, songwriter and actress who was referred to as a "barefoot diva" by The Guardian in 2004 for her performances without footwear.[48][49][50]
- Taimane Gardner (b. 1989) — Hawaiian ukulele player who consistently plays barefoot.[51]
- Angelina Jordan (b. 2006) — Norwegian singer. After meeting a shoeless child in Asia and giving her her shoes, Jordan pledged to always perform barefoot onstage until "all children in the world have shoes of their own".[52]
Businesspeople
[edit]- Steve Jobs (1955–2011) — American businessman, inventor, and investor best known for co-founding the technology company Apple Inc. Jobs was known to frequently appear barefooted in his office, and was depicted this way in a feature dedicated to him in Time magazine.[53] His barefoot habit had to do with his background in counterculture and spirituality (Jobs' appearance was often compared to that of a hippie),[54] and was depicted in the movies Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999)[55] and Jobs (2013).[56] It also had an impact on American corporate culture,[57] and was adopted by some other entrepreneurs, most notably Adam Neumann.[58]
Other
[edit]- Dot Butler (1911–2008) – Australian bushwalker, mountaineer and conservationist who became known as "the barefoot bushwalker" because she rarely wore boots or any other footwear when walking.[59][60][61] In 1991, she published an autobiography called "The Barefoot Bush Walker - A Remarkable Story Of Adventure, Courage & Romance".
Fictional characters
[edit]Bare feet are a consistent element in the depiction of some fictional characters.
Books
[edit]- Coriakin and Ramandu from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis — magicians and stars in human form who are both described as old men with a long beard and bare feet. It has been suggested that their lack of footwear has to do with religious connotations and with the "holy hermit" archetype.[62][63]
- Esmeralda from The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo — French Roma girl and a street dancer. Although she does wear shoes in the original novel, Gina Lollobrigida portrayed her barefoot in the 1956 movie The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and it became a tradition since then to depict her with bare feet.[64] In particular, she is depicted this way in the 1996 Disney animated movie.
Comics
[edit]- Mantis — Marvel Comics character who first appeared in The Avengers in 1973. She is usually depicted barefoot to signify her connection to nature and her background in Asian martial arts.[65]
Film
[edit]- Pocahontas — main character in the Disney animated movies Pocahontas (1995) and Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World (1998). As a Native American, Pocahontas was depicted barefoot, presumably to signify her connection to nature.[66]
- Rapunzel — main character in the Disney animated movies Tangled (2010), Tangled Ever After (2012), and Tangled: Before Ever After (2017), and in the animated series Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure (2017–2020). Rapunzel is depicted as a barefooter,[67] and her voice actor Mandy Moore was barefoot herself while recording her lines.[68] Moore said: "I like to think of her as the bohemian Disney princess. She's barefoot and living in a tower. She paints and reads… She’s a Renaissance woman".[69]
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ a b DeMello, Margo (2009). Feet and Footwear: A Cultural Encyclopedia. Macmillan. pp. 30–32. ISBN 978-0-313-35714-5. Archived from the original on November 3, 2023. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
- ^ a b Needham, Maureen (2002). I See America Dancing: Selected Readings, 1685–2000. University of Illinois Press. p. 174. ISBN 978-0-252-06999-4. Archived from the original on November 3, 2023. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
- ^ Miller, Joe (May 29, 2008). "Going barefoot". The News & Observer. Archived from the original on June 2, 2008. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
- ^ Bowen, Catherine; Cowley, Emma; Casey, Joanne (2023-07-14). "Is the 'barefoot-boy summer' trend bad for your feet? Experts explain". The Conversation. Retrieved 2023-12-25.
- ^ Peacock, Michael (28 July 2023). "Experience: I've walked around London barefoot for a year". The Guardian. London.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Camero, Katie (22 February 2024). "Some people are slicing their shoes apart to walk barefoot in public. What's going on?". USA Today.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Guthrie, W. K. C. (1972). A History of Greek Philosophy: Volume 3, The Fifth Century Enlightenment, Part 2, Socrates. Cambridge University Press. doi:10.1017/CBO9780511518454. ISBN 978-0-521-09667-6.
- ^ Graham, Daniel W. (2010). The Texts of Early Greek Philosophy: The Complete Fragments and Selected Testimonies of the Major Presocratics, Part 1. New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-73763-0.
- ^ ——— (1994). Christianizing Homer: "The Odyssey," Plato, and "The Acts of Andrew". Oxford, UK & New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-508722-2. OCLC 473473966.
- ^ "Glendalough Monastic History, Co. Wicklow". glendalough.connect.ie. Retrieved 2023-10-05.
It is noted that during this period he remained barefoot and wore only the roughest garments for protection from the weather.
- ^ Sharif al-Qarashi, Baqir. The Life Of Imam Musa Bin Ja'far aL-Kazim. Translated by Jasim al-Rasheed. Iraq: Ansarian. p. 130.
- ^ Fr. Paolo O. Pirlo, SHMI (1997). "St. Hedwig". My First Book of Saints. Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate - Quality Catholic Publications. pp. 243–244. ISBN 971-91595-4-5.
- ^ "St. Margaret the Barefooted - Saints & Angels".
- ^ "Patron Saints Index: Saint Margaret the Barefooted". Archived from the original on 2008-07-09. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
- ^ "Obituaries". The Fort Wayne Sentinel. Vol. 67, no. 81. March 22, 1845.
- ^ Saint John Maximovitch, of Shanghai and San Francisco
- ^ Benstock, Shari; Ferriss, Suzanne, eds. (2001). Footnotes: On Shoes. Rutgers University Press. pp. 276–78. ISBN 0-8135-2870-4. Archived from the original on November 3, 2023. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
- ^ Clayton, Michelle (Summer 2012). "Touring History: Tórtola Valencia Between Europe and the Americas". Dance Research Journal. 44 (1): 28–49. doi:10.1017/S0149767711000362. S2CID 190750061.
- ^ "Thamara de Swirsky, Russian Countess Who Will Appear in Novel Barefoot Dance in Auditorium" Los Angeles Herald (November 13, 1910): III7. via California Digital Newspaper Collection
- ^ Usanova, Natalia (3 September 2020). "Barefoot Irbe". Retrieved 30 September 2021.
- ^ "Voldemārs Irbe (saukts arī Irbīte)". Archived from the original on 7 June 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
- ^ Server, Lee (15 May 2007). Ava Gardner: "Love Is Nothing". Macmillan. ISBN 9780312312107 – via Google Books.
- ^ Decker, Ed (1997). McConnell, Stacy A. (ed.). Contemporary Musicians: Profiles of the People in Music. Vol. 19. Gale. pp. 52–53. ISBN 0-7876-1064-X. ISSN 1044-2197.
- ^ Martin, Carla (2010). "Cesária Évora: 'The Barefoot Diva' and other stories". Transition. 103 (103): 82–97. doi:10.2979/trs.2010.-.103.82 – via Project MUSE.
- ^ Schmidt, Ingrid (July 24, 2019). "Margot Robbie and Austin Butler Break Down the Denim, Bare Feet and Big Style Moments in 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 13, 2020.
- ^ Carter, Lauren (June 19, 2010). "Jimmy Buffett a god to lei persons". The Edge. Archived from the original on June 27, 2010. Retrieved July 1, 2010.
- ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 495. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ "Barefoot Principles". sandieshaw.com. 2009. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
- ^ "Foot surgery for pop singer Shaw". BBC News. 15 August 2007. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
- ^ "Sandie Shaw: Barefoot". Sandieshaw.com. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
- ^ Preston and Steve radio show excerpt; May 2008
- ^ "When Is It OK To Go Barefoot In Public?". Feet and Shoes Guide. The Fun Times Guide. May 24, 2008. Archived from the original on September 25, 2020. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
- ^ Cartwright, Garth (October 16, 2011). "Singer and activist Michael Franti brings love to the cause". The National. Retrieved October 20, 2015.
- ^ From 'Pretty Woman' to Cannes: Every Time Julia Roberts Famously Rocked the Barefoot Look
- ^ Julia Roberts Went Barefoot on the Cannes Red Carpet
- ^ Rodrigues, Carlos; Felix, David (2005-05-12). "Interview: Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree)". rockeyez.com. Archived from the original on 25 October 2005. Retrieved 2008-03-10.
- ^ Thomas Jane's Feet Were the Stars of The Predator's Comic-Con Panel
- ^ Thomas Jane hates shoes
- ^ "Reminiscing Jack Of All Design Genevieve Gorder". Circa Design.
- ^ "Shakira's Belly Dancing Discovery". Contactmusic.com. 27 January 2006. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2007.
- ^ "Shakira's Impact on Hispanic Women". Her Campus. 29 November 2018. Archived from the original on 20 January 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
- ^ Lynn René Bayley (2021-04-01). "The Barefoot Contessa of the Violin". The Art Music Lounge. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
- ^ "Lot. Décès en plein concert de la chanteuse Barbara Weldens: l'électrocution confirmée". Actu.fr (in French). 24 July 2017.
- ^ a b How Rebecca Ferguson Created The Coolest Villain In Doctor Sleep
- ^ Meet Rebecca Ferguson, the Scene-Stealing Star of Mission: Impossible
- ^ "The Opening Act: Stelth Ulvang". 91.9 WFPK Independent Louisville. 2019-01-17. Retrieved 2020-02-10.
- ^ Wolgamott, L. Kent (26 July 2013). "Lumineers rise fast and high on Americana wave". mcall.com. Retrieved 2020-06-12.
- ^ Vernon, Polly. "Joss Stone: the barefoot diva | The Observer". The Guardian. Retrieved 4 June 2014.
- ^ Brescia, Joe (2005-03-20). "Barefootin'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on October 1, 2022. Retrieved 2022-10-01.
- ^ Sterdan, article:Darryl (November 5, 2012). "Joss Stone balanced in bare feet". Toronto Sun. Archived from the original on May 10, 2021. Retrieved 2022-10-01.
- ^ Chad Blair (2021-04-01). "Taimane Gardner Wows Crowd Before Dalai Lama Speaks". Honolulu Civil Beat. Retrieved 2012-04-14.
- ^ Angelina Jordan: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know
- ^ Brashares, Ann (2001). Steve Jobs: Thinks Different. Lerner Publishing. p. 24. ISBN 978-0761-31393-9.
- ^ Sheen, Barbara (2009). Steve Jobs. Greenhaven Publishing LLC. p. 26. ISBN 9781420502916.
Steve embraced the counterculture values of individuality, rebelliousness, and experimentation with psychedelic drugs that flourished in the early 1970s. He looked like a hippie. He had long hair, sported love beads, and often went barefoot.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Official website: Q&a With Martyn Burke". Official Website. 1999. Archived from the original on February 6, 2002. Retrieved 2015-12-13.
- ^ Klassen, Anna (August 16, 2013). "Nine Craziest Moments From 'Jobs'". Daily Beast.
- ^ Curtin, Melanie (February 22, 2019). "Steve Jobs Did This 1 Weird Thing to Come Up With Big Ideas (and You Can Too)". Inc.com.
- ^ Rollert, John Paul (October 25, 2023). "Steve Jobs's Complex Legacy". Chicago Booth Review.
- ^ "The Barefoot Bushwalker: Dorothy Butler". strathfield.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
- ^ "Dorothy Butler: The Barefoot Bushwalker 1911 - 2008". greenaissance.com. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
- ^ "I was born a climber". Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982). 1966-03-23. p. 7. Retrieved 2020-02-26.
- ^ Spivak, Charlotte (1987). "Images of Spirit in the Fiction of Clive Staples Lewis". Mythlore. 14 (2): 32–38. JSTOR 26812935.
- ^ Swank, Kris (2019). "The Child's Voyage and the Immram Tradition in Lewis, Tolkien, and Pullman". Mythlore. 38 (1): 73–96. JSTOR 26809394.
- ^ "The Hunchback of Notre Dame [Notre-Dame de Paris] *** (1956, Gina Lollobrigida, Anthony Quinn) – Classic Movie Review 2666". www.derekwinnert.com. 5 July 2015.
- ^ Madrid, Mike (2016). The Supergirls: Feminism, Fantasy, and the History of Comic Book Heroines. Exterminating Angel Press. p. 290. ISBN 978-1-9352-5935-0.
- ^ Liwag Dixon, Christine-Marie (February 23, 2018). "Things only adults notice in Pocahontas". TheList.com. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
- ^ "10 Things About Disney's Tangled That Make No Sense". Screen Rant. Valnet, Inc. April 3, 2020. Archived from the original on April 24, 2020. Retrieved April 24, 2020.
- ^ James Egan (2020). 3000 Facts about Animated Films. p. 296. ISBN 9780244023362. Archived from the original on March 31, 2024. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
- ^ Dean, Sarah (October 19, 2011). "Mandy Moore On Tangled: 'I Screamed As Soon As I Found Out' (Interview)". The Huffington Post. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved May 11, 2013.