Why do Australians and New Zealanders like walking barefoot so much?

“I had just arrived in New Zealand, aged 12, when a new friend suggested we go to the local grocery store to buy sweets.” She told journalist Natasha Frost The New York Times.

“It wasn't particularly hot that day, but when I started to put my shoes on, she looked at me in confusion. Why are you wearing shoes to go around a corner for two seconds?

In fact, New Zealanders and their Australian cousins ​​love to walk barefoot. Foreigners are surprised to see themselves like this without shoes at the gas station, supermarket, train station or even in the bar.

In the city of Perth, Australia, as the major American newspaper continues, there is at least one primary school where, according to regulations, “Shoes are optional”.

But now, thanks to us being singled out this way because of this “The habit that terrifies the rest of the world” Mary Madigan laughs on the Australian website News, Some Australians and New Zealanders are starting to get upset.

The journalist says this in her post“One tourist took to TikTok to share his surprise and posted a video simply showing Australians going about their business in public without wearing shoes.”.

The tourist asks in surprise: “Real question: Why do so many Australians walk around without shoes?”

the The New York Times He tries to provide an answer. “Some see the influence of the indigenous cultures of both countries. For others, it is evidence of a more relaxed and (literally) down-to-earth culture.”

In 2021, Talk to BBC, Sociologist David Rowe “He suggests another explanation: not wearing shoes was an opportunity for northern European immigrants to celebrate their more pleasant lives in a warmer climate.”

On social networks, many foreigners express their disgust. But the columnist insists News, “No matter how disgusting there is, nothing will stop any Australian from showing off their hats. Even our celebrities like direct contact with the asphalt pavement.