Just back from a recon yesterday. Plenty of people coming out (I started in at noon, so I was behind the rush). The water was nice and cool! I took gear for the rappel and was glad I did. The anchors are bombproof, and I honestly can't see how somebody could have had an accident relating to a failur...

I'd say it has nothing to do with the footwear, specifically. 1/4 socks or no socks when wearing shorts; white socks are marginally acceptable with jeans, appropriately colored socks with all else. Of course if you have on one of those polyester one piece Gomer Home pastel-colored "Sun City One...