In 1928, the authorities in Porto initiated a campaign to remove from the streets people who walked barefoot. The prohibition quickly evolved and began to include fines for those found barefoot in public spaces, with recidivism potentially resulting in imprisonment.
Lisbon followed Porto's example and adopted similar measures. The campaign became known as the "barefoot law," although there never was a single national law with that designation.
The initiative was part of an effort by the authorities to promote an image of modernity and progress for the country, seeking to eliminate what was considered a sign of poverty and underdevelopment from the Portuguese streets.
