I must say that within a day of getting mine I fitted socks because at £30 to replace the hoofs I thought it must be cheeper
I did try without socks for a while between my first and second pair of socks but found the lack of grip on grass, gravel and in the wet unacceptable
Now I use a £10 mountain bike tyre (lots of big tread) I get 3 pair of socks out of that when turned over that means I get 6 sets to wear out
Even if they last a week each of heayy bocking (mine last about amonth light use) that means my £30 lasts 4 1/2 months
So as the hoofs don't work well on the surfaces I use I don't have a problem
But I can understand that if you (don't like/can't be bothered with) socks it must be expensive
Remember though that the harder wearing a rubber compound the less it grips hence formula 1 tyres last 1 race would'nt be much good on your average car would they or try racing on a set of £20 quickfit specials