Funny you should mention that since in rock and mountain climbing climbers often eshew safety measures on purpose. In rock climbing climbing without rope (and/or other safety measures) is called free soloing and the feat of ticking off a climb in this manner is highly respected, the same way climbing 8000+ meter peaks is respected when you don't use supplemental oxygen.
LOL! I had a rock climbing friend once mentioned that the gum-soled shoes that are typically worn when rock climbing provide too much of an advantage. Apparently "real" rock climbing should be done bare foot.