Would you ever destroy your entire shoe collection just to walk barefoot? That’s exactly what one couple did, and the internet has questions.
Content creator Christi Fritz (@christifritz) and her husband have always loved the feeling of being barefoot. But since many businesses don’t allow shoeless customers, they came up with a loophole: slicing off the soles of their shoes.
In a now-viral TikTok video, the couple is seen cutting up their expensive designer shoes—including brands like Golden Goose, Off-White, and Burberry—just so they can experience “incognito barefoot” walking.
“We decided to start walking barefoot, and one of our followers had a great idea,” Fritz explained. “Since some businesses don’t want us being completely barefoot, if we cut the bottoms off our shoes, it allows us to blend in with everyone else.”
@christifritz the new age of barefoot walking has begun and I couldn’t be more exited or thankful 🫶
♬ original sound – Christi Fritz
Fritz, who boasts 2.2 million followers, admitted that this was a major commitment—especially considering their collection is worth more than $20,000. But for her and her husband, it was a no-brainer.
“This is a sacrifice we’re willing to take because walking barefoot means the world to us,” she said. “The benefits of walking barefoot are priceless.”
To prove their unusual method worked, they slipped on their bottomless shoes and took a trip to Sephora. “It’s the perfect way to get all the benefits of going barefoot—without anyone knowing,” Fritz concluded in the video. She even doubled down in the caption, declaring: “The new age of barefoot walking has begun, and I couldn’t be more excited!”
With 51.6 million views, the clip sparked a frenzy of reactions, with many people utterly confused.
“HUH? I like walking barefoot, but there’s dangerous stuff on the ground. I wear shoes in public for a reason,” one user commented.
Another chimed in: “I’d be afraid of getting ringworm or something nasty.”
Others were downright horrified. “I do everything to keep my feet covered. Girl, I even sleep in socks. Just think about all the diseases!” one person wrote.
Not everyone was against the idea, though. Some acknowledged the benefits of barefoot walking but questioned the setting.
“I get it—on grass or a farm, sure. But on city asphalt? That’s just gross,” one person noted.
Another added, “Grounding on soil, sand, or grass makes sense if you’re in nature. But in the city? No way.”
Others pointed out that barefoot shoes—designed to mimic the feeling of walking barefoot while offering protection—already exist.
So, what do you think? Is this a clever life hack or just taking things too far? Let us know in the comments!
