Ihraam

Going from Taif to Musjid ul Haraam without performing umrah

Q: I am living in Taif for work purposes. I frequently go for Umrah from Taif, however sometimes I go to Musjid ul Haraam to perform salaah such as the Jumuah salaah.

I have recently been told that it is not permissible to go to Musjid ul Haraam just to perform salaah as respect of the Haram demands that we wear ihraam and perform Umrah before entering to perform salaah. Can you please clarify if it is permissible for me to go to Musjid ul Haraam just to perform salaah without performing Umrah?

Footwear of ihraam

Q: I am planning to go for Hajj in 2020 but not sure what kind of sandal I can wear when I am in ihraam. I found that some of them are saying I have to wear a slipper with the 2 belts (flip flop) without any stitches. Some say that I can wear any kind as long as the back and the front are open and some say that it cannot cover the middle part of the foot. Please  explain to me what kind of footwear I can wear, if possible a picture would be great.