I spent my elementary school years among hundreds of other barefoot tootsies and digits.  As soon as we arrived at school each day, all of the students ripped velcro apart, untied laces, and freed our feet from our shoes.  It was my school's policy that all children must remain barefoot inside and outside during school hours.  This meant that my feet didn’t go back into their synthetic protectors until it was time for me to walk home.  It was like that for all seasons, all activities, including our outdoor gym classes and field days.