In the Amish communities, going barefoot is quite common. Unlike mainstream society, the Amish often choose to embrace the earth beneath their feet.
Why Do Amish Go Barefoot?
In Amish communities, people go barefoot for practical reasons. Shoes aren’t essential for most seasons. Going barefoot in summer is practical, as it keeps their feet cool and makes their daily tasks easier.
Going barefoot also helps the Amish reduce expenses on new footwear. It reduces the wear and tear on their footwear, which means they need to buy new shoes less frequently.
Amish kids often go barefoot for a considerable part of the warmer months, even in church and school, especially in warm places like Florida.
If you ask them, most Amish kids will tell you they like going barefoot!
Kids’ feet grow fast, so it’s no surprise that many Amish parents don’t bother buying them shoes until they stop growing.
Since the Amish rely on hand-made shoes instead of industrial mass-produced shoewear, making shoes in different sizes for growing kids would be a ton of work. So, they settle for just one new pair for every winter.
Shoe the old horse, and shoe the old mare
But let the little colts run bare, bare, bare!
Do the Amish Do Everything Barefoot?
The Amish don’t do everything barefoot. They go barefoot during warm weather when the activities they’re doing allow them not to wear shoes.
If it’s cold outside, raining, or they’re doing farm labor that might injure their feet, such as plowing the land or baling hay, they’ll wear shoes.
⇒Quick Non-Amish Tip:
- Going barefoot is often associated with potential health benefits. It allows for better grounding, and some believe it enhances overall well-being.
- Growing up barefoot is also healthier. Most foot deformities stem from wearing poorly fitting shoes.