What’s hitchhiking on your shoes? If you guessed that shoes carry plenty of germs you would be right. Where we walk affects what we collect on our shoes. Adding to the mix of germs in our path are germs left by others that previously crossed our path. If you add in the number of possible germ exchanges between the people you crossed paths with and the people they crossed paths with the numbers grow rapidly. In one day you could easily exchange shoe sole germs with hundreds or even thousands of people by doing little more than taking a short trip to the grocery store or a walk around the office. Researchers that have sampled bacteria on shoes often find over 400,000 units of bacteria on the outside of a shoe. Along with the garden variety of mostly harmless bacteria, there are many not so nice varieties. The not so nice varieties often include E. coli, meningitis, C. diff., etc. The C. diff. bacterium (clostridium difficile) is responsible for about half-million infections per year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention some 30,000 deaths per year. Hospital patients on antibiotics and the elderly are especially vulnerable to C. diff. The bacterium E. coli is less selective. People of any age can become infected. The very young and the elderly are more likely to develop severe illness. Depending on the strain, even the healthy can become seriously ill. Fortunately, most usually run little risk of falling ill from germs clinging to their shoes unless they suffer from an underlying condition that makes them more vulnerable. Given the abundance of dangerous bacteria hitchhiking on shoes it’s wise to have reservations about wearing shoes at home that you wore outdoors. In many cultures, it’s expected that shoes worn outside will be left at the door. Growing up, my family had a “shoes off at the door” policy. In my husband’s home, the policy was “shoes-on,” scuff off the worst, and march on in. Long before we met he developed a preference for the “shoes off” policy. While it’s nice to have that as a common understanding, it’s not the usual custom in America. To avoid surprising guest, we take down the “shoes off” sign before they arrive. Like so much in life, it’s not about getting perfection, it’s about getting it good enough. Voltaire, the French writer, advised “The best is the enemy of the good.” Confucius said, “Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.” And then, Shakespeare advised, “Striving to better, oft we mar what’s well.” Makes you wonder if they all had a problem with taking shoes off before coming indoors. If you haven’t been sold on the “shoes off” in the house policy, here are a few thoughts to consider. • Studies by The United States Environmental Protection Agency have identified numerous unhealthy herbicides that are routinely tracked into residences on shoes. Some herbicides can be easily picked up on shoes for up to a week after application. • In one study, it was shown that 98% of lead dust found in homes is tracked in from outside. • With toddlers, floors become a safer place to play. • Shoe soles bring in a lot of plain old dirt and grime. Seriously, why create more housework when not wearing shoes inside can alleviate much of the need? • Wear and tear of carpets and hard surfaces are far less. Flooring that might only look nice for 10 years may look nice for many decades if only walked on with soft house shoes. • Taking off shoes can be a gift to your downstairs neighbor. No more ‘Clomp, Clomp, Clomp’ • Slipping your feet into comfy house shoes can feel pretty nice compared to the feel of most outdoor shoes. If you wear special shoes for health reason then consider a slip over shoe cover. • Wiping your feet on a mat provides very little hygienic help. You may remove some of the dirt, but likely pick up germs left by those before you. • There is a yuck factor that comes with thinking about what’s on the bottom of shoes - perhaps bird droppings, dog poop, organic debris or worse. Altogether it can make a nice breeding ground for dangerous bacteria. Removing shoes when entering a home is more common in Japan, Finland, Russia, and hosts of other Asian and Middle Eastern counties. In America, taking shoes off is practiced less and can complicate situations with first time guest. In some homes, this is accommodated with slipover shoe covers and by others with a free pass for “shoes on” when it’ s all new. In time, most catch on to the positives of less house maintenance and better hygiene. If you are just beginning to consider a “shoes off” policy then best plan to make it a success. Placing a shoe shelf, rack or basket near the door makes it easier to change shoes. It also provides an unspoken suggestion that most easily notice and adapt to. Nancy Neighbors, MD Huntsville, Alabama "Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far." - Thomas Jefferson |