Most of us think not wearing shoes on campus is gross. Every semester I notice several people either walking through the quad or sitting in my classroom completely barefoot.
Along with the obvious reasons such as, I don’t know … hygiene, it is extremely unpleasant and unprofessional. Taking your shoes off in the quad’s grass or on the Parade Ground is one thing, but trekking across campus with no shoes is akin to self-inflicted torture.
The grass brushing your soles may invoke memories of second grade, but this is Louisiana. With each step you’re risking a bite from some undocumented insect or rust-covered object.
When asked about the campus grounds, education freshman Shelby Waddell said “this campus would make shoeless Joe Jackson change his name.”
Though not everyone is as critical of bare feet. Biology freshman Maggie Molly is not bothered by the more uncivilized University students. “As an aspiring podiatrist, I thank the gross outdoors for providing me with disease-ridden clientele,” she said.
History freshman Caroline Schroeder also chooses to look at the positive side, rejoicing that “At least the foot fetish will finally die.”
Admittedly, Schroeder’s opinion is a much more positive stance than I can take. Trying to get in the mindset of a carney, or a tragic girl whose flip flop broke, I attempted to walk to my mail box barefoot. The pebbled cement was a painful reminder of my messier, younger years of walking over legos nearly every day.
So, props to anyone who can go barefoot. You’re much stronger than I. In the words of engineering freshman Jack Dixon, “You will never cash me ouside barefoot, how bou’ da’?”
On a more serious note, my fellow columnist Abbie Shull wrote earlier this semester, “The clothes you wear leave a lasting impression on those around you.” Shull notes that as you develop connections with your fellow students and teachers, what they think of you becomes important, with “41% of college graduates [finding] employment through networking with former classmates and professors.”
Not wearing shoes can be comfortable and make everything more fun, but college is a more professional environment than many perceive it to be. You do not want everyone else to grow up while you are labeled as the girl or guy without shoes.
Shoe trends on campus feature some of the least cumbersome shoes out there. Chacas, Tivos and even simple flip flops give you all the benefits of being barefoot — the wind through your toes and bugs on your feet, all without the downside of stepping on chewing gum or trash.
No matter your party girl spirit or Tarzan aesthetic, there are shoes out there that can fit your look and provide you with support, protection and a better reputation.
So please, put on some shoes (or see a podiatrist) and get to class.
Ryan Thaxton is a 20-year-old journalism sophomore from Monroe, Louisiana.