I let him go barefoot most of the time. Then I felt his feet — rough and calloused.
The answer: barefoot itself isn't the problem. It's WHERE. Indoors on the floor is great for sensory development. But outdoors: hot pavement can burn, rough ground causes cuts, public pools spread fungi.
At home: barefoot is fine. At the park: shoes off on grass, check feet after. At playgrounds: okay on rubber surfaces. At pools: water shoes always.
The pediatrician confirmed: barefoot walking strengthens foot muscles and improves balance. The key is being smart about surfaces.