In many Amish communities, when the earth warms under the steady spring sun's gaze, one of the first things that happens is that the shoes come off. It's not uncommon to see most Amish people walking around their farmsteads barefoot.
I remember when I was a teenager, visiting an Amish family in the Wheat Ridge settlement of Ohio and the whole family was going barefoot on a hot summer day. But what really got my attention was a girl, probably about six, who was just running through fields, across rocky outcroppings and on gravel driveways - barefoot. If I had tried that I would have stubbed my toes a 1000 times. But callouses and conditioning can do a ton and she ran through those obstacles as smooth as a ghost.
👣 Why Barefoot?
Why not? There's something freeing and very connected to nature about shedding the shoes and feeling your feet sink into the warm earth. This can be especially true when working in the garden. But I've seen Amish children running down gravel driveways barefoot. It's what you get used to.
A lot of it just has to do with cultural considerations and traditions. In some cultures, going shoeless is considered classless. But in other cultures, going shoeless symbolizes connectedness and closeness to the earth. I prefer that view of it. For the Amish, they are at home for the most part and there is nothing worse than hot, sweaty, shoe-saddled feet, so why not just take them off and take your chances?
👞 Shoes in Non-Amish Culture vs. Amish Culture
Some people just despise wearing shoes indoors. Doesn't really bother me. I was recently visiting a friend's house and was asked to shed my shoes at the door. For a moment, my heart pounded. "What socks did I throw on this morning?" Last thing I wanted was to have a couple of ratty or, worse, mismatched socks showing. Fortunately, my socks were basically fine...white, clean, no holes, although had I known ahead of time that I'd be shedding my shoes I might have worn nicer ones (lesson: always check your socks). There are some homes I go to where I know ahead of time that the shoe police will be out in force, so I plan for the nicest socks I can. The topic of shoes in the house is actually a very divisive issue as an online search will show.
Some cultures despise shoes and, in fact, in the Middle East at the height of the Iran hostage drama in the late 70s angry protesters stood on shore and waved their shoes at passing US Navy ships in a show of contempt. In the Middle East, shoes are viewed as very dirty and to show the soles is an insult.
But, closer to home, shoes have their own issues. For the Amish, going barefoot indoors and out is a cherished part of life in the summer. And during the winter I'd say, from my experience, most Amish leave their shoes at the door and opt for thick socks inside. It's simply too cold in most Amish homes to be comfortable barefoot.
The issue among the Amish is practicality largely. There is a lot of coming and going, tromping through muddy barns and yards as they tend to livestock and outdoor chores. Tracking in a bunch of mud is simply going to make more work later, so leaving shoes in a designated "mud room" or by a door makes the most sense. Another variable in Amish homes is that the vast, vast majority of them don't have indoor carpeting so if someone does track mud into the house, the broom simply comes out and sweeps it away.
👢 Barefoot vs. Summer Shoes?
While many Amish will opt for barefoot as soon as the weather is warm enough, some Amish who have foot medical issues or just don't want take their chances walking through burrs barefoot, Crocs, and knock-off generic versions, have become extremely popular on Amish farms.
Flip-flops can be popular too, especially when the Amish head to the beach community of Pinecraft in Florida.
📋 Barefoot Activities and Non-Barefoot
Okay, so we have established that there is no religious basis for the Amish and going barefoot, it simply is a mixture of culture, tradition, and preference. There is nothing in the unwritten rules of the Amish, known as the Ordnung, that addresses shoes vs. barefoot. And even during the hottest summer weather, there are going to be some times when shoes are going to be worn regardless.
Barefoot Activities
gardening
cleaning around the house
walking to get the mail
playing outside
Non-Barefoot Activities
Church services
Funeral
Wedding
School (although this may vary)
❓ FAQ Barefoot Amish Questions
I have not seen a lot of difference and there are no "rules" on this. Often, I think, it is women more simply because they are home more. But I have seen plenty of Amish men kick off their shoes as soon as they are home from work.
A formal pedicure at a salon or spa? No. But they do take care of their feet, they know that is important to prevent infection, to keep the feet in good shape, and to relax. So Epsom salt soaks and exfoliating dry skin is common.
Nana
I personally find it insulting to ask guests to take off their shoes unless an unusual circumstance ie: they are grossly muddy or dripping dirty slush. I feel sort of like I am being asked to use the servant's entrance instead of the main entry. I am not a fanatic housekeeper but I consider my home to be clean. If a house is so fine the guests and family can't use it I think that is sad. My son's wife expects shoe removal and it instantly makes me feel less than welcome. In the winter their floors are cold and in a brief time so are my feet. Just my opinion and I say nothing to cause friction but I can think it!
Kevin
I hear you, Nana...thanks for your sharing your thoughts!
Judy Goodwin
i HA! The last thing I do when I leave the house is put on my shoes and the first thing I do when I get back is kick them off. I would never dream of asking guests to remove their shoes but I wouldn't mind if they did. It is a family thing for us. We did that at my parents and now at my and at my sisters house. The first thing I do when I enter her home is go to the spot where she leaves her shoes and leave mine there, too. I think a lot of it has to do with people who have trouble getting shoes that are comfortable. But , also, it's sort of a family tradition. We just do it. No known reason.
Linda from KY
The only time I required guests to remove their shoes was after we moved into this house, which we had built new. The builders hadn't yet graded the lot, so it was really muddy. I didn't want people tracking mud over my new carpet. Usually, I don't care whether people wear their shoes in my house or not. I frequently go barefoot myself. In fact, I'm sans shoes right now.
grapenutquilter
I have several places I go that removing shoes is a requirement. Personally I do not like it as I wear corrective shoes and they are not easily slipped off but when in Rome..... To solve the issue I take clean never worn outside slippers that I can put my shoe inserts for flat feet in and everyone is happy.
Diana Glover
We have new very light-colored carpets so my husband & I "invite" guests to either remove their shoes or put on little plastic covers over their shoes (which we keep near the door). Neither of us ever wear shoes around the house & when I go visiting, I always make the effort to remove my shoes first. Most of our friends don't bother about shoes, but they have told me they appreciate my offer to remove my shoes. To me, it's just a show of respect for someone else's property & home...not a sign of whether I feel welcome or not. Feeling welcome or not comes from the person - not the act of asking someone (or not asking someone) to remove their shoes.
Kevin
Diana - Thanks for sharing that. Interesting. The plastic covers would be a good compromise, I would think. As long as I am wearing decent socks, I personally don't mind removing my shoes...but there's nothing worse than being asked to remove them and suddenly I am left with exposed holey socks or, worse, barefoot! - Kevin