I too like the sewing barefoot in summer. But I use what is call slipper sock w/traction on the bottom in the winter. This is because I like to be able to use just my toes to control the foot pedal on my old Kenmore machine. On the newer Jamome I put my whole foot on the pedal, it's pedal is more like the car's gas pedal. Where as the Kenmore you press the front edge down because it is hinged at the front not at the heel. I'm use to it but like the newer gas pedal style even better.