Some arts, clearly, won't wear shoes because of tradition (karate, aikido, etc). Others will wear shoes because of tradition or utility (kung fu, wrestling).
Tradition aside, we avoid them because we have carpeting. I may get rid of the carpeting...at that point it won't be an issue.
I should clarify...the Tae Kwon Do people don't wear shoes. They provide the most traffic. Some of the Jun Fan people do. I ask the Combat Submission Wrestlers not wear them 'cause they'll tear up the mat we have, but some will wear them if they practice a lot of shooting. The mat tears up the top of their back foot.
If we go to tile or some other surface I'll open it up to shoes. I don't know if I'll have the TKD people wear shoes at that point. Those training shoes they have are okay...but expensive. I might make them optional.
Strong argument for shoes...gets rid of the nasty smell. Wears on that carpet a little quicker, though. Also, our culture wears shoes...granted not a training shoe...but it does seem a little more appropriate.
Lucy called for four inch spike heels. I might tolerate that during Sayoc whip class. And then, only when I've been reeeeally bad and need to be punished.
Regards,
Steve Scott