In our TKD school we do a lot of acrobatics, jumping, running etc. Often you hit the floor with your big toes. Situation worsens as the floor is covered with soft mats so it is more difficult to coordinate yourself.
When I started to train a couple of months ago I aquired continious pain in my right big toe. First I was thinking that it was some kind of arthritis or so, because I was in pain day and night week after week. Then one student told me: don't worry, everybody in here has big toes pain because you brush the floor with them.

He suggested to buy TKD shoes (like "Adidas" or "Pine Tree").
I was in doubt as on the one hand shoes cost $90 and training barefeet is better for meridians opening etc. but on the other hand your attention during the class is almost totally diverted from MA to fear not to hurt your feet.

Eventually last week one advanced BB awfully broke his big toe - literally toe was ripped out of the foot with fountaining blood all around - SIMPLY slowly running in the dojang and doing footwork.

What are your guys experiences with training barefeet?

Do you recommend MA/TKD shoes?