FunkyDemon
White Belt
FunkyDemon,
Part of the reason why many places that might allow shoes, don't allow "street shoes" is because many a "street shoe" has a sole that can marr the dojo floor surface. I don't mind sweeping and mopping off the hardwood surface once in a while, especially since any normal marks easily disappear, but cleaning off shoe marks is a PITA.
Once in a while, the maintenance guy will need to walk on the floor, to change light bulbs, etc., and it takes a good effort to get the markings out, especially since he also uses a rubber-footed ladder.
Even though I advocate training in bare feet for the purposes of conditioning one's feet and legs better, I do understand why people sometimes train in shoes.
Some dojos are located in areas where the floor isn't exactly clean, and where even slight tears in the skin could result in a nasty infection indeed. This is especially true in places that are located in damp climates, and use wooden floors.
Other times, the individual in question, might be having problems with the feet, such as cracking skin, horrible blistering (that goes way beyond even the worst of workout-induced ones), or those who may be diabetic and have foot problems, could certainly benefit from footwear.
That was street shoes as in the same shoes you where outside, not a particular type of shoe (a cleanliness issue). Our floor is painted concrete and not always the cleanest. Marks aren't an issue. When it gets really bad and or starts peeling he repaints it (which he will be doing soon). He is also getting new mats that will cover most of the floor. I for one can't wait for the mats, not because of my feet but because of my back.
We are not given an option, shoes are a requirement.