Hi all, my first post ever. At last I can offer something.
I got into barefoot walking to help recover after a broken leg, and I go barefoot whenever I can, so in the UK March to October is warm enough. I walked the Dales Way last year. This year I've decided to do the Camino... here's my advice.
You have to train your feet every spring after a winter of being shod - this isn't just newbies, everyone's feet soften.
Start slowly. Grass and soft earth are nice, and grade up to smooth tarmac/paving (careful where it gets hot like maybe Spain in August). Eventually you will be able to deal with dirt tracks, gravel and even woodland paths with woodland detruitus everywhere.
Don't attempt to walk a full day, let alone 30, without being toughened up already.
City streets are variable for safety. Here in the UK there is very little to bother the feet in town, people clear up after dogs etc., In Germany though there is broken glass everywhere because of drinking in the street, so I had to give up while in Leipzig last September. Also, best to carry flipflops to go into shops to avoid people moaning.
Unless this is a penance you don't have to do it all barefoot, take trainers for when it gets too much. It's fun not a lifestyle.
Your gait will change - I land with my feet flat, like walking on ice. Be careful as your feet don't have the same grip as walking shoes. Don't try and keep up with the others if you can't. You will eventually, but you have to take it easy on more challenging surfaces or you will tear your feet or slip - all my incidents have been through carelessness in the early days.
The absolute worst thing is thorns. You can generally spot broken glass, but if you spot a thorn bush be really really careful. Stick to paths in woods for this reason. They are a nightmare to dig out.
Things to take:
- socks and shoes
- flip flops
- cocoa butter or some other moisturiser (heels get calloused - apply daily)
- a nail brush to clean your feet, they will get filthy and stained
- (most important thing) tweezers
- maybe a couple of plasters, your toes may still rub.
I am virtually walking the Camino Francés and I am nearly as far as Burgos by clicking through on Streetview (most of it is there). The surface is mostly flat dirt track with tiny stones, or paved roads/streets. I see no reason not to attempt it, with trainers for when I don't want to.
Good luck