G. The importance of wearing shoes: [1]
One may not walk barefoot.[2] The sages[3] said that one who does not place shoes on his feet is considered excommunicated from G-d. [Thus, it is forbidden to walk barefoot as one who does so is considered excommunicated to G-d.[4] Likewise, walking barefoot attaches one’s feet to the Kelipos of the earth and is hence forbidden according to Kabbalah.[5] Likewise, wearing shoes has Kabbalistic meaning, corresponding to the angle Matat and Sadalfon.[6]] A person should even sell all that he has [even the walls of his house[7]] in order to buy shoes for his feet.[8] Nonetheless, in areas that it is common to walk barefoot, then one may walk barefoot.[9] [However, even in such a case, it is proper to wear shoes.[10] However, one may walk barefoot for purposes of Teshuvah.[11]]
[1] See Admur Kama 2:9; 4:18; 56:17; 75:1; 91:5; 128:44; 619:19; See Sefer Shemiras Haguf Vihanefesh [Lerner] 112:1 footnote 1 in length; See Koveitz Ohalei Torah 1086
Background of ruling of Admur and resolve of contradictions: In Kama 2:9 Admur rules [without parentheses] that one may not walk barefoot, and one who does so the Sages said is considered excommunicated from G-d. This is based on Rama 2:6. Likewise in 4:18 Admur lists the feet as one of the areas that require washing of hands when touched, and seemingly this is because the feet are considered a normally covered area. However, in 75:1; 56:17; 91:5; 128:44; 619:19 Admur rules it is permitted to reveal the feet. This is clearly ruled in 75:1 in which Admur writes that the feet are considered the revealed area of a man (in areas that people walk without socks). The explanation to this apparent contradiction is as follows: In areas that it is common to walk without socks, such as with slippers or sandals, then the feet are not considered a normally covered area and hence may be revealed. [Admur 75:1] Nevertheless even in such areas one may not walk barefoot [Admur 2:9] unless it is common to walk barefoot in those areas. [Admur 91:5] Although even in such a case it is proper to wear shoes. [Igros Moshe 3:47; This is also implied from the fact in Kama Admur seems to hold that people would walk barefoot at times and hence he rules in 4:21 that one is required to wash his feet daily. See Ketzos Hashulchan 2 footnote 25 in name of Mishneh Berurah 260:4 and Peri Megadim; Ketzos Hashulchan supplements page 82] As for why in 4:18 Admur rules the touching of the feet requires washing the Kaf Hachaim 4:73 explains that according to the Mekubalim the evil spirit which resides on the feet is very strong and does not move from its place even after being washed. [Kaf Hachaim in name of Yifei Laleiv 1:22 and Mor Uketzia 4; Rav Poalim 2:4] Thus perhaps its requirement of washing is irrelevant of whether it is considered a normally covered area.
[2] Admur Kama 2:9; 4:18 [normally covered areas] [Omitted from Basra-see Koveitz Ohalei Torah ibid in length]; Rama 2:6; M”A 2:7; Darkei Moshe 2; Or Zarua Shabbos 2:43; Lev Chaim 59
Other opinions in Admur: In the following areas Admur rules that it is permitted to walk or be barefoot: Admur 75:1; 56:17; 91:5; 128:44; 619:19
[2] Shemiras Hanefesh 114; Kaf Hachaim 116:172
[3] Pesachim 113b
[4] Lev Chaim 59
[5] Mishnas Chachamim; Mishneh Halachos 11:94
[6] Maggid Meisharim Parshas Vayeishev; See also Likkutei Torah Shir Hashirim “Mah Yafu Peamecha”
[7] Ketzos Hashulchan 3:3; Kitzur SH”A 3
[8] Admur ibid; M”A 2:7; Shabbos 129a; Rashbam Pesachim 112a; See Shabbos 152a
[9] Admur 75:1 “the feet are considered the revealed area of a man (in areas that people walk without socks)”; See also Admur 56:17 “for example if in ones community one walks barefoot at home and only wears shoes upon leaving the house”; 91:5; 128:44; 619:19; M”B 2:14; Sefer Shemiras Haguf Vihanefesh [Lerner] 112:1
[10] Igros Moshe 3:47; This is also implied from the fact in Kama Admur seems to hold that people would walk barefoot at times and hence he rules in 4:21 that one is required to wash his feet daily. See Ketzos Hashulchan 2 footnote 25 in name of Mishneh Berurah 260:4 and Peri Megadim; Ketzos Hashulchan supplements page 82
[11] Elya Raba 2:5 in name of Shlah; M”B 2:14 in name of Shelah; Sefer Shemiras Haguf Vihanefesh [Lerner] 112:1; See Lev Chaim 59 in length that today this should no longer be done even for Teshuvah purposes.