I have a question for the casual barefooters since that's what I am. What's the longest time you've gone barefoot? My record is 7 days. The only way I was able to do that was because I got laid off for a while a few years ago. I'd like to try it again, but I gotta work so that's not likely to happen.
Just lost my job two weeks ago, got fired due to something that I had no control over. BUMMER! So, I've been barefoot pretty much ever since. I'm starting another job, though only part time starting next week, so back on the shoes must go, although they happen to be backless footwear.
All summer, every summer, for longer than most might think for a cold climate. Only slip the thinnest flops on in those places where hasseling is guaranteed. Or for the few times I have to deal with wild rose hedges. Bleh. I carry some flops on my frequent hikes, but I plan on never using them. As one web site showed; use them to adorn your pack. They are only for long stretches of sharp pebbles and sharp gravel on top of hard surface. For whatever reason, that mix is hell on me. At least for long distances. I walk on stuff like that all the time. But a stretch of trail, going on seemingly forever with that, is hell.
Ive probably only gone a week barefooted. If i could i'd do everytime everyday. Just feels sooo free =D
Except for rare instances when I put on flip flops to enter fancy restaurants, I've been completely barefoot for about 18 years. I still have the same flip flops from 9 years ago and I don't even own any other kind of shoe.