Questions (linothorax, sandals, Spartan moustache)

[hoplite14gr]

Hmmm....
First of all the stories do not come from the Spartans but from others who wrote about the Spartans Some of them centuries after the colapse of Sparta. In a land known for its "xenilasia" all rumor spread out for proganda perhaps were easily belived.
You do not go barefoot in winter unless your footware is torn in action and then you do your damnest to repair it in first opportunity...or else your feet are toast!
Lakonian plain was softer but not Menalon (Aegys!)Taygetos (Skiritis!) or the woods of Ithomi were potential bandits or rebel helots would choose to hide and Krypteia usually operated. I assure you that Menalon even April nights can be very tough-much more in Winter! And sharp rocks can make a pair of good combat boots torn in 2 weeks much less bare feet.
Perhaps the Efivoi went a tough training periood like the "Hell's weeks" they do in modern special forces but not with the intention of criplling them. Ask any frind of yours in the services about "Hell's weeks".
Kind regards