Please! We just got about 3" of rain during the past couple of weeks, and I heard that almost another 6" of rain are expected in the next 2 weeks. There are thunderstorms and severe weather in the forecast everyday for the next week.
We have a pebbled patio, and we go out barfoot all the time. It's not that bad. Our front walkway is also pebbled, and I don't even really notice it, lol. I never wear shoes, unless I have to.
There are so many beautiful options for the textured concrete. If it's cracking a lot, I think that shows that the installers did not put down the sand bed properly. Can't speak for the freeze-and-thaw cycle, as it's not a big issue around here.
Must admit, that natural stone patio that Doberluv posted? With the little herb things growing? WANT!!!! I love it! Also, there are non-invasive mosses that can be put between the stones instead of plants. I have no idea how that would work in real life.