Massachusetts Does Not Ban Bare Feet in Restaurants and Stores

Massachusetts has nothing to say about where you can go barefoot.

No Massachusetts law prevents you from going barefoot anywhere in the Commonwealth, including restaurants, malls, grocery stores, movie theaters or even driving a motor vehicle.

No federal laws force you to wear shoes at any given time or place, even in church.

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There are, however, local city and town ordinances in many Bay State communities, most likely the work of the municipal health department, that require you to don footwear.

You can be denied entrance to any place in Massachusetts, public or private, if you are not wearing shoes. It is their right.

The blog Born To Live Barefoot says, "Being barefoot feels good and has many health benefits." It says, "90 percent of foot ailments are caused by or made worse by shoes."

Having a bunch of barefoot folks walk the mall might not be appealing, especially if personal hygiene is not high on their list of priorities, but imagine dining at a fancy restaurant with a roomful of people with yellow toe fungus. Not very appetizing, eh?

The number of people who enjoy barefooting is growing. There are groups such as the American Barefoot Club and Society for Barefoot Living, whose members enjoy running, hiking and even skiing barefoot.

While it is not illegal to drive barefoot in Massachusetts or any other state, lawyers and health experts say it can be dangerous and unhealthy.

There is a time and place for everything, so while there are no laws against being barefoot in Massachusetts, being aware of local ordinances and restrictions – and just plain common courtesy – are the best policies.