Frugal Feet

I realized today that the shoe industry must really dislike barefooters. Why? Not only do we put down their products for being confining and unnecessary, but we also don't buy their shoes as much. This got me thinking: From an economical standpoint, going barefoot can be very recession friendly...for the consumer, that is.

Think about it:

If you go barefoot most of the time, that means that whatever shoes you DO buy (for any number of safety or other reasons) last longer. The less you wear them, the less you wear them out, right?

Shoes - Wear = Longer Usage = Buy Shoes Less Often

Okay, but the savings go deeper than that!

Let's assume that a person who wears shoes is more prone to health issues, whether it's foot problems, knee pain, or back issues. If you go barefoot -- which has been shown in studies to be better for our bodies -- then in the long run we could save money on health care costs because we're taking preventative measures not to mess ourselves up as much.

(Feet - Shoes) x Body = Better Health = Lower Health Care Costs

I've mentioned this in a previous blog post, but the benefits of driving barefoot can't be overlooked. From everything I've been able to find and determine on my own -- no "real" research has been done on the issue -- barefoot driving yields better gas mileage. No joke. A bare foot is able to sense the pedals and respond with a finer degree of pressing/releasing. Imagine barefoot driving like using cruise control (a proven gas saver) all the time. As a result, I've personally found up to 30% improvement in my gas mileage when I drive barefoot.

(Feet - Shoes) + Driving = Better Fuel Efficiency = Lower Fuel Costs

All of these savings are automatic, making NO other lifestyle changes whatsoever. You can still keep whatever shoes you already have, however many there may be for whatever outfits they match (ladies). You can still drive just as many miles as you normally do each week -- though it's always good to drive as "green" as possible -- and in the end you will likely even save money at the doctor's office. The final tally:

(Feet - Shoes) + Buying Shoes Less Often + Lower Health Care Costs + Lower Fuel Costs = More $$$ In Your Pocket =

A More Financially Sound You

And it all could come from just kicking off your shoes and enjoying the feet the good Lord gave you!

(Image from WiseBread.com)