1.) Barefoot on shale sucks. Or filler rocks, and foot fungus infections. Maybe over time you'd be resistant, like Native Americans I guess. 2.) Definately don't buy name brand shoes. I don't know if I'd count clothing as a "wasteful production" or one that harms the earth, but I'm all about goin barefoot whenever possible. Power to ya.
as some one who goes barefooted most of the time i have no problem with it at all; except, like about 3 weeks back when, i got a nice cut on the bottom of my left foot. for a week i wore shoes to avoid infection and, to give it time to heal. i would not go barefoot on the sidewalk nor, on the street during the summer... those mother fuckers get hotter then all hell here! i have actually gotten burns and blistering on my feet from doing that. when i lived in duluth, minnesota; there was no way in hell or heaven i, would walk around barefooted in -30 degree weather... i still have all my toes and both of my feet to prove i never did it either!
I go barefoot quite often, mostly around my place, but when I need to suffocate my feet, I use cheap imitation Converse, and hiking shoes I found from a brand named...Earth Shoe...all recycled stuff...not bad, comfortable and great treads.
I'm pro barefoot, but shoes are just tools that are useful in many practical applications. 'Think green' go to goodwill/salvation army to get some shoes.
My favorite pair of flip-flops cost about $2 and I usually take them off when I come in the front door. How's that for low environmental impact?
I tend not to wear shoes, although it depends where I am. I love walking in the fields or woods barefoot. Seeing as I always get blisters with most shoes, it's the better option!
I really wouldn't. Depends on where you live, but your feet can get fungus, and rocks can slice them if you aren't careful. I do, however, HATE shoes.
I know somebody who goes barefoot everywhere, even at night... I choose shoes. I guess as far as environmental impact goes I suppose I could just recycle old shoes