re: Bros who take off their shoes while at the gym......is this looked down upon?

Deadlifting without shoes or with a flat, thin soled shoe can help you get more dorsiflexion at the ankle. However i would say most people's problem with deadlifting and squatting depth begins with poor hip mobility and lack of pelvic stability. I think shoeless, and even worse sockless is just gross. No one wants your sweaty arse feet all over the floor. Buy some damn shoes and stretch your hips and ankles.