Very interesting to read this, Phillip! I have not been out of shoes for years, even around the house. I was lucky enough to spend a week at the beach in Florida and two weeks near Sleeping Bear Dunes in northern Michigan this summer and spent more time barefoot than I had in years. I started it mainly to wear off all the thick dry skin on my toes and heels. That worked like a charm, but the added benefit was feeling the whole of my foot being used. I also liked the feeling of being directly in contact with the earth.