I bought these shoe socks to shut up Willie who was getting me hard at the gym for doing barefoot weightlifting outdoors. "What if a weight falls on your foot?" To be honest, I have no idea what difference it makes if a weight of 45 pounds or more falls on a bare foot or a foot in a $180 -Weightlifting shoe that has 0.1 inch more thickness. breathable mesh material. With these shoe socks, I'm so close that I can walk barefoot without actually being barefoot and without having to put up with insurance and safety regulations. This "shoe" costs less than $30, has a fairly thick down sole, a flat upper that's perfect for weightlifting, incredible traction, and a flexible outsole that allows you to use it on difficult terrain, and Transformed her into a semi-mountain goat. I recommend and will buy again. And due to wear and tear, I'll have to do that at some point.