Nearly 60 percent of women turn red from embarrassment at the sight of their feet, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). But that doesn't stop both women and men from publicly sporting unshod feet - better known as going barefoot.

Warm summer weather often encourages people to shed their footwear. But the carefree practice of going "sans shoes" is also one of the easiest ways to develop infections and injuries to your feet if proper precautions aren't taken.

Some claim that walking without shoes allows the foot to operate in its healthiest and most natural way. Podiatric physicians say that this backlash is understandable, as many people wear shoes that don't fit correctly.

Not all situations call for shoes. When a child first begins to walk, wearing shoes or other kinds of protective footwear is not necessary. This allows the foot to grow normally and develop its musculature and strength. It also permits young feet to develop the grasping action of toes needed to ensure a normal walking gait.

To avoid serious problems associated with going barefoot, the APMA recommends the following tips:

Watch your step!Walking barefoot leaves feet at risk for cuts and scrapes from debris often found at parks and beaches such as broken glass and sea shells, which can injure and infect your feet.

Be mindful of where you'll be walking. On a hot summer day, sidewalk asphalt in the sun can quickly heat to temperatures capable of burning unprotected feet. Additionally, going barefoot can expose your feet to harmful viruses. Thoroughly wash and dry feet before putting on shoes after going barefoot to decrease the risk of developing foot ailments such as plantar warts.

Protect feet with sunscreen. Take a few moments to apply sunscreen to all parts of the feet before exposing them to prolonged sun exposure.