I have never heard of them, but now I have seen some photos of them I know what you are talking about.
I had something like that many years ago, when I was pretty small, for walking on the rocks down at our river.
And they didn't work for that! All the rocks and pebbles just found their way in though the holes, and was even more uncomfortable then bare feet.
My foot wear is;
A pair of work boots for around the property
A newer pair of work boots for wearing to town
A pair of riding boots of the lace up kind, just good dule purpose ones
And wellington boots for when it rains, or the river is up in winter.