It has been a commonly held belief for a long time that shoes or sandals are a required form of attire in all settings outside of the beach, pool, or playing fields. In some situations, like chemical labs and kitchens this policy makes sense. There's no reason to unnecessarily risk feet and toes by dropping harsh chemicals, sharp knives, or boiling liquids when a layer of canvas or leather could easily protect them. However, if a person wants to practice their native-esque fox-walking or build up their soles for some old fashioned foot races, I don't see why we should frown upon the practice of not wearing shoes.
To me, the biggest reason shoes shouldn't be required is developmental in nature. Humans evolved from their ancestors (if you believe the myth of science) wearing nothing on their feet. Shoes weren't invented until well after the modern Homo sapiens reached prominence and weren't widely worn until maybe a hundred years ago (outside of the military, aristocracy, and extreme climates). As such, our feet aren't developed to effectively operate when covered in shoes. The reason humans have an arch on their foot is that it operates as a kind of spring board. Ideally, a running human should land on the pad of their foot and then bring their heel down, toe - heel, to best utilize the springboard action. With dress shoes or sneakers a person is inclined to land heavy on the back of their foot, heel - toe, which eliminates any benefit of having the arch and ultimately results in pain and problems all the way from the ankles to the spine. Certainly people will survive if they continue to wear shoes as we have been doing for decades, but anyone who is inclined to go back to their roots and walk like their ancestors shouldn't be barred from doing so.
One problem that many people might suggest in opposition to the shoes-free policy is the "yuck" factor of seeing other peoples' bodies out in the open. A lot of people probably don't want to see, smell, or acknowledge the existence of their friends' and neighbors' feet. I see their point and respect their feelings, but maybe it's time our culture stopped being so ashamed of the natural part of being human. Not wearing shoes would certainly offer a stepping stone (no pun intended) to that very goal. On top of that, many respectable places in the world (places some westerns might describe as "backwards" or "dangerous") still commonly wear bare feet. Tribes and communities in Africa will wear shoes from time to time, but mostly still take part in the magnificent pass-time of feeling the soil between their toes. The same is true in southern Asia and presumably in other vast regions of the world. These people might not live in McMansions or pull in six figures with their basket-weaving business, but those with the basic needs of life available on a daily basis are living in bare feet just fine. The only difference between us and them is that we're the ones with the money, the food, and the guns. Perhaps if we acknowledged our equality with these people the world would be in a slightly better place.
Another problem that might plague people's minds regarding a shoe-free option is the issue of health. Some might be concerned that the shoeless might suddenly start spreading filth and disease be tracking their grubby soles all over their homes, halls, and restaurants. This is completely illogical. What do they think that their sneakers are tracking through their house; perfume and antibiotics? It's the same good, clean dirt that's being tracked around every day through our common means of transportation. It would be more logical to be concerned about the fact that perhaps two hundred hands touch the door to the bathroom every day, how many times are you touching your co-workers feet? There might also be a concern with attracting parasites like tapeworms that make it up through your feet. There might be an outside chance of stepping on something really nasty, but that chance is really low and if you're deathly afraid of that kind of thing then by all means throw on some sneakers. To be honest, there's a higher chance of you picking up a parasite by biting into an infected apple than there is simply walking through your yard or grocery store.
I'm sure that a horde of people would be able to offer their own preferences as to the status of their footwear. In terms of logic, though, I don't see the real necessity. Being barefoot can be fun and healthy in many situations and the people who want to enjoy it shouldn't be deterred. If you work on a construction site or a similarly dangerous area then wear some boots, the same goes for if you need to take a hike through the snow. However, if you would like to take a spin on your natural heels than I don't think anyone should stop you. Wear shoes if you want, but the rest of us will do as we please.
