Feet stepped on about 1000 x too many and the dirt and grime (and worse) just turned me off--probably permanently. Flip-flops only on the beach and extremely rarely as my one chronically bad ankle just can't take them.
I wear several varieties of Huarache sandals (closed-toe--SAS and Naturalizer typically carry some) when it is really hot but most of the time more supportive running/walking shoes or Merrill Mocs with an orthotic (The Good Feet Store) or Ariat make some far more dressy shoes that I can wear with dresses or nice pants in more formal occasions. Maybe because I do so much hiking year-round, but I've always been able to find comfortable socks (usually wool or wool blend) year-round. I know many who wince at the thought of wearing any kind of sock in the summertime. Whatever you get used to, I guess.
Most will not understand my "learned" aversion to traditional sandals and flip-flops. I'll just say you'd have to have shared my experiences but to each his/her own. (and as a medical professional, I can't fail to notice the fungal and other dermatological issues when I glance down casually--even often with women's professionally pedicured feet). Meh. Not me.
Probably a lot more than you wanted to hear. Sorry...
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