safety when barefoot
Going barefoot in public areas like stores, restaurants, and libraries is very safe. Don't be concerned about a risk of catastrophic injury from barefoot activity.
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"What about broken glass?" It's often the first question asked when someone goes barefoot in public. In reality, the threat from sharp objects isn't big enough to keep people from going without shoes in their daily lives.
Injuries to bare feet are uncommon and usually minor. Those that aren't minor usually would not have been prevented by everyday footwear anyway, such as heavy objects falling on toes while wearing sandals, or nails puncturing thin-soled shoes. In fact, the greatest danger associated with sharp objects puncturing the foot comes from the bacteria that thrive on rubber-soled shoes, so injuries of this type are actually less of a concern if the person was barefoot at the time of the injury.
The things we touch with our hands are far more hazardous than the surfaces on which we walk, yet we are willing to take on these everyday risks. Think about it: How many times do you handle scissors, knives, doors, extremely hot or cold things, chemicals, or other potentially dangerous stuff throughout the day? Don't you wear gloves only if you recognize a high potential for risk? (It would be strange to wear oven mitts all day in case you might touch something hot.)
The benefits of going barefoot far outweigh the risks. All you need to do is keep an eye on the area around you and be careful -- just like always.
