"Please Take Off Your Shoes"—From Crawling onto the Bed to Changing Habits, Young Americans Lead the Shift

Bacteria and Harmful Substances Enter Homes via Shoe Soles
Changing Home Habits in the U.S.: Culture of Removing Shoes Spreads

As awareness grows that various bacteria and harmful substances can enter indoor spaces through shoes worn outside, the culture of taking off shoes at home is also spreading in the United States.

As the perception that various bacteria and harmful substances can enter indoors through shoes worn outside spreads, the culture of taking off shoes inside the house is also spreading in the United States.

"Various Bacteria Detected on Shoe Soles"... Related Research Findings Continue

On September 14 (local time), U.S. news magazine TIME introduced research findings on bacteria and harmful substances found on shoe soles.

As awareness spreads that various bacteria and harmful substances can enter indoor spaces through shoes worn outside, the culture of removing shoes indoors is also spreading in the United States.

In 2008, researchers at the University of Arizona examined 26 pairs of shoes that had been worn outdoors for three months and found between 3,600 and as many as 8 million bacteria on both the inside and outside of the shoes.

The most commonly detected bacteria were Escherichia coli (E. coli), which can originate from fecal matter. Charles Gerba, a virology professor at the University of Arizona who led the research, explained, "Fecal bacteria were found on about 80% of shoe soles." He added, "Most of these come from the floors of public restrooms, but they can also be picked up outdoors where dogs or birds are present."

There are also studies showing that bacteria attached to shoes can actually be transferred to indoor floors. In an experiment conducted in Alaska in 2009, participants wore sterilized boots outdoors, and tests revealed that 70% of the boots carried various types of enteric bacteria after walking. When the contaminated boots were worn indoors on a sterilized floor, about half of the cases showed that the bacteria were transferred to the floor.

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There were differences depending on floor material, but the transfer of external contaminants indoors via shoes occurred regardless. Alessandra Leri, a professor at Northeastern University, explained, "Shoe soles are a major vector for transferring fecal bacteria from the external environment into indoor spaces."

Not only bacteria, but also artificial chemicals, lead dust, and pesticides used in farms and gardens can stick to shoes and enter the home.

Professor Gerba noted that the highest levels of contamination are typically found around the entrance area. In particular, infants and young children who crawl on the floor are especially vulnerable to the pollutants brought in by shoes.

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The Culture of Taking Off Shoes Spreads in the U.S., Especially Among Younger Generations

Amid such concerns, the culture of removing shoes indoors is spreading in the United States. According to a 2023 poll conducted by CBS News and YouGov, 63% of Americans said they take off their shoes when coming home. Additionally, 24% said they ask guests to remove their shoes as well.

The younger the age group, the more likely they were to ask guests to take off their shoes. This proportion was 7% for those aged 65 or older, 13% for those aged 45-64, and as high as 44% among those aged 18-29.

This year, the Indiana Department of Health also launched a campaign to encourage people to take off their shoes at home. The campaign specifically focuses on reducing the amount of lead brought in from outside via shoes.

Professor Leri stated, "It seems that many people are already adopting this practice," and added, "It's a more hygienic lifestyle."

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