Here's why:
* Practicality: Cartoon characters are often depicted in more "realistic" settings, and bare feet are not practical for everyday activities.
* Audience: Cartoon shows often cater to a broad audience, including young children. Bare feet could be seen as less appropriate or even uncomfortable for this demographic.
* Style: The design choices in many western cartoons prioritize a specific look and feel. Bare feet might not fit within that aesthetic.
However, there are exceptions:
* "The Flintstones": While not necessarily "barefoot," Fred Flintstone often wears sandals or no shoes at all.
* "Scooby-Doo": In some episodes, Shaggy might be seen barefoot, but it's not a consistent feature of the show.
* "The Powerpuff Girls": The main characters are often barefoot, including the girls and Mojo Jojo.
* "Avatar: The Last Airbender": While not strictly a western cartoon, this show features characters who go barefoot for cultural reasons.
While uncommon, there are some more recent examples of male characters going barefoot, often for specific reasons:
* "Adventure Time": Finn, the protagonist, goes barefoot and it's a key part of his character design.
* "Steven Universe": Steven, the main character, is often barefoot, particularly when he's in his more relaxed, home-based settings.
* "The Owl House": Luz, the main character, is often barefoot in the show.
Ultimately, it depends on the specific show and its creative choices. While uncommon, you might find male characters going barefoot in some western cartoon series, especially if it aligns with the story, character, or visual style.