Take a look at Dawn Sumner's boots. The condition of these boots is a result of 6 weeks worth of walking on rough carbonates in Namibia. The boots were brand new going into the field, but by the end of the trip they were worn down to the state they are now in.

left: Very sharp dissolved carbonates. Carbonates dissolve this way in desert environments. Take a closer look at what walking on this stuff will do to the bottom of your shoes!