Problem scenario
You see many strong people at the gym lift barefoot. Should you take your shoes off before squatting?
Possible Answer
It is not clear.
These articles give mixed treatment to squatting barefoot (with the top two being fairly favorable to the practice):
https://borntosweat.co/blog/the-benefits-of-barefoot-training-squatting-without-shoes/
https://torokhtiy.com/blogs/guides/squatting-barefoot-vs-shoes
This says you should not: https://startingstrength.com/training/shoes