Hey not suggesting that you were going to add your personal opinion just wanted to back up the previous posters  that it is done and done quite often I cant even speculate as to the origin Docksiders are worn without socks primarily because when used for their original purpose ie sailing one wouldnt want to wear socks  youre just going to get them wet Loafers probably were just a continuation of that trend Id like to find out for sure and find some sources for that I agree it is definitely a US trend I probably would find it strange if it hadnt been a tradition since I was very young If you want to read more about the eccentricities of American dress atleast the conservative  preppy kind Id recommend flipping through The Preppy Handbook by Lisa Birnbach originally written as quite toungeincheek it has been taken seriously partially because although a parody its quite true i most respects