When I was a kid, I'd go most of the summer never putting on shoes. I'd walk on asphalt so hot it was bubbling out tar and even walk on sand spurs with no problems. Now I live in a colder climate and wear shoes most of the time when I leave the house. I think I can walk on hot or pointy stuff like when I was a kid, but always pay the price because my feet aren't tough like they were when I lived barefoot.