Many people wear slaps ( =zoris, those Japanese shower shoes that cost $1) and they work great to keep your soles from the alkali.

you ask 10 people, and you're likely to get 15 replies....

no one answer will work for everyone.

i've done barefoot, tevas, birkenstoks, hiking boots, platform stompies.... etc. never had a problem with any of them - well, did get a blister from the unbroken in stompies
only recommendations, make sure your footware is well broken in, you do not want to get blisters out there while breaking in new footware ... also make sure to have good socks with extra socks, and finally, have options.

Consider different footwear for different activities. Here's mine:

-Steel-toed work boots for safe and comfortable camp set-up and tear-down.
-Teva sandals for lazy days. Extra sunscreen to protect from sunburn and as playa barrier lotion.
-Platform boots for costumes and dancing.
-Leather shoes with non-slip soles for fire spinning.
-Knee-high suede moccasins with soft soles for climbing sculptures and trekking the playa.

The moccasins were a new addition to my wardrobe last year and are the most freakin' coolest footwear, ever. The soft soles feel a bit like like you're walking barefoot, very sensual but protected from the elements. They've also worked well for climbing as my feet conform better to whatever it is I'm standing on, and sometimes the dust can makes surfaces slippery. Not great for street wear or anywhere you might stub your toe or step on something sharp, but wonderful for walking on the open playa.

Go around barefoot slathered with water-soluble lotion.

Tennis shoes worked great for me. It's not THAT cold at night. During the day I might go with tevas. If you do go barefoot, you'll need to vinegar your feet at night.

I swear by combat boots... at least until this year... arrived late at night in a dust storm, opened the rear door to my car not seeing anything in the duststorm & my 8# sledge hammer fell out hitting my toes... black & blue all week, every step was "ouch!"... so NEXT year, STEEL TOE combat boots for me! MUAH HA HA!

P.S. - Now looking at helmets and bullet-proof vests... and chainmaille... ya, that too! and stainless steel gloves... ya, that's the ticket! gonna be indestructable next year!

/s\

First year I used Croc's with fresh socks daily... Second year I work Chaco sandals and even went barefoot around camp. Had no foot problems. Hubby wears Military desert boots and loves them - so just make sure your shoes are comfortable. OBTW - my niece wore suede birki's one year and they were trashed with playa dusts that never came off.

I wear my flip flops most of the week. I hate the feeling that you get with all the playa dust in between your socks and your shoes. Its way more comfortable to wear flip flops or slip ons. Ive had to deal with a minor case of playa foot but nothing a vinegar soak wouldn't fix.

Everyone will have a different preference.

I am part of the combat/hiking/work boot crowd. And lots of socks. I drive up in athletic shoes, and immediately put them away for two weeks, and use boots. Somewhere around Fernley I get the shoes and a clean pair of socks out, for the drive home!

Martini Steve

shoes with socks worked for me 08. in 09 i thought i'd do the zoris, which did not work well for me. i did not wash my feet as i should have either. all my fault.

shoes, almost any type with socks goood idea! and washing feet before slumber.

if your feet succumb to the harshness of the playa, once you get home, get the "ped egg!' that silly little infomercial gadget that's like a cheese grater. i does work! it will shave off all that thick dead ugly skin, and allow your feet to recover and look & feet human again.

platform boots, old tennies (if you ninees are too small,and your elevenees are too big), army boots, etc...

piko!