I think the saying relates to women not be allowed to work outside of the home (hence not need any shoes because they don't need to leave) and having as many children as possible during their reproductive years to grow the "village".

Tom Cruise remarked once that he was going to keep Katie Holmes "barefoot and pregnant for many years to come" and she just gave a giggle by his side. I felt like shaking some god damn sense into her and shouting "you silly girl"!!