Let’s get real for a moment: if you love wearing shoes inside your home, you might want to reconsider after reading this. I used to be a chronic indoors shoe-wearer myself, but after diving into the research, I’m now questioning every step I take. So, take a deep breath and prepare for some unsettling information.
A recent compilation by Jenny McCoy, a writer for Health Digest, highlights a slew of studies that reveal just how dirty our shoes can be. The University of Arizona conducted a study that found an astonishing average of 421,000 bacteria lurking on shoes. Yes, you read that right—some of that bacteria was fecal matter. In fact, 27% of the shoes tested were found to carry E. coli, along with other harmful bacteria like Klebsiella pneumonia, which is linked to urinary tract infections, and Serratia ficaria, known to cause respiratory issues.
You might be wondering, “Okay, but how much of that bacteria actually gets into my house?” The University of Arizona studied this as well and discovered that the transfer of bacteria from shoes to clean tiles can range from 90% to 99%. That’s alarmingly high, to say the least.
Dr. Samira Thompson, a microbiologist at the University of Arizona, noted, “The frequent presence (96%) of coliform and E. coli bacteria on the exterior of shoes suggests regular contact with fecal material, likely from public restrooms or animal waste outdoors. Our research indicates that bacteria can be tracked over long distances into your living space after shoes have become contaminated.”
As if that’s not enough to gross you out, a study from Baylor University found that individuals living near asphalt roads sealed with coal tar are at increased cancer risk due to toxins that can also hitch a ride on your footwear. Moreover, the Battelle Memorial Institute found that lawn care chemicals can easily be tracked indoors by your shoes.
What Can You Do?
So, what can you do? The studies suggest a few options: wash your shoes with detergent, regularly steam clean your carpets, and most importantly, take your shoes off before entering your home. After reading this, I’m contemplating my own shoe habits as I sit here in my living room with shoes on, looking suspiciously at the carpet beneath me.
With a family of five, we’ve never thought twice about wearing shoes inside. I even have a photo of my youngest son munching on a shoe when he was a toddler—adorable, yes, but now I can’t help but cringe thinking about what he might have ingested. While I doubt that stepping inside with shoes will lead to serious health issues, especially during cold and flu season, it’s worth considering how we can minimize exposure to germs.
Of course, I’m not a medical professional. Perhaps some exposure to these bacteria is beneficial for our immune systems. Or maybe I’m just rationalizing my reluctance to change my habits. But one thing is clear: our shoes are dirtier than I ever imagined, and it might be time to rethink that habit of wearing them indoors.
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In Summary
Wearing shoes indoors may expose your family to an alarming number of bacteria and toxins. With studies suggesting that taking off your shoes could significantly improve your home’s cleanliness, it might be time to make a change for the sake of your family’s health.