Working out in only socks…why?

My wife and I have noticed an odd trend and we want to understand where it came from and why?

In a 1 hour window, we saw 6 people working out in just their socks. In a variety of areas including the turf area, DB benches and surprisingly the heavy lifting pads (cleans/squats/etc station).

I view it as a risk on their behalf (not as much at the turf) but also just a little TOO informal and kinda inconsiderate. Why are more and more people doing this?

Heck, I also find it mildly irritating to see all the folks in crocs and Birkenstocks clogs, but that could just me being an asshole, but ONLY socks? At a public gym? Come onnnn