we use the Gunsails neo socks , Justin Lord will be doing an order soon
gunsails.com/en/neopren-socks

+1 on these. Great grip and feel, holding up well in the face of sharp bits of seabed. And reasonably priced.
Found recommended on here in an old thread, Atan 3mm shoe, love them so much Ive ordered a second pair, don't even know you're wearing them, was a bare foot only before getting these, throw away the ankle cord, they stay on without it
Ditto, great shoe.
I also cut my foot open badly and it took forever to heal - since then booties all year long for the last ten years and no issues. Have to make foot straps larger and takes time to get used to the feeling. I recommend O'Neill 3mm Superfreak or O'Neill 3mm Defender - both spilt toe design but both types last years.
The first time you walk around barefoot on sand dotted with coral "stones" you will start using booties.