I wonder if the gent complaining had thought of the benefit of wearing shoes when departing a broken aircraft following a catastrophic reject. Barefoot through the fuel and debris IMO is not smart.
Personally I never remove my shoes until a reject or quick return are out of the question. I am appalled at the number of deadhead crews I see ignoring this simple safety concept, removing their shoes before takeoff.
But then walking barefoot on hot coals is supposed to be a beneficial, mind focussing, experience.