I do think it depends on the person and in many ways on genetics. People who have flat feet can go barefoot without it causing back problems, but people with extremely high arches need something to support their feet, or the shock absorbtion will be felt in the lower back and legs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.
There are shoes that give you the feeling of being barefoot, and for people who have the right foot shape and are really fit already, it’s great. For others it would be detrimental and they need proper orthopaedic support.
I go barefoot unless I have to leave the house. I guess because I just always have. I would feel very weird going barefoot in public because it’s just…..not common here in the U.S. I have very high arches. I also have residual damage to my feet from figure skating, among many other old injuries. I have been an athlete all my life, but stress, and having a family took a huge toll on me. I am now training hard and living my life like the athlete that I am and that I have always been. Taking care of my feet is and has always been one of the most important things….