In the "Standards" thread here on toesalad.com, there was discussion about what is a minimal shoe. As a means of discussion, someone mentioned how they would classify socks.
This got me thinking about socks as shoes. So, I have been trying it out...LOVE IT! I have been wearing cheap, simple ankle-hig white athletic socks.
1) Cheap. Yes they will wear out quickly, but at 50 cents per pair, who cares. 2) Great fit. 3) Full forefoot freedom. 4) Super-minimal. 5) Keeps all the sand/grit from tearing up my sole-skin...the single biggest problem I have walking barefoot in the Spring here in Boston. 6) Keeps my feet acceptably warm when walking on cold pavement in cold weather. 7) In the summer they will protect me from buring the crap out of my feet. I burned my feet 3 times last summer and got huge blisters.
Goofy looking? Very. Do I care? Not enough to keep me from wearing my socks out in public.
I bought shoe-goo and am going to experiment with rubberizing the bottoms of socks. I am thinking that shoe-goo socks will last longer, and maybe will be wearable in even colder weather or on rougher surfaces.
Please keep us updated! This is a great idea (regarding the sock shoe-goo)!
How much goo do you think you could get on?