Shoes off at the airport?

I don't understand the problem with taking your shoes off at the airport. Have we forgotten a man named Richard Reed (the shoe bomber)? Have we forgotten about the father who hid knives in his daughter's shoe? It seems stupid that someone would try to use thier shoes to conceal a weapon again, but people get caught trying to fly with loaded guns everyday. Not to mention that most footwear has metal strips in them that will alarm the metal detector. I don't see the problem. If you're worried about catching something, wear socks, problem solved. Please explain to me why people are so surprised you have to take off your shoes at the airport and why so many have a problem with it.