Even if we don’t step on dirt (or worse, dog poop), shoes accumulate a lot of dirt when we walk outside. Several studies have suggested that shoes are sources of infectious diseases. That is, they are germ magnets. We’re talking about nasty bacteria like E. coli, which can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. In one study, 96 percent of participants had measurable levels of the bacteria in their shoes within two weeks. (And the shoes were new at the start of the study.)
Our shoes also regularly carry Clostridium difficile or C.diff. In fact, the bacteria is more likely to appear on the soles of shoes than on toilet seats. C. diff can cause diarrhea or fever in otherwise healthy people. In older adults or those with a compromised immune system, a C. diff infection can be deadly.
And when we wear bacteria-covered street shoes around our house, almost all the microbes on the soles of the shoes come along for a ride. The study found that when people wore their street shoes indoors, 90 to 99 percent of the germs on the shoes transferred to tiles ground. From there, they can be picked up by a crawling infant or toddler, a pet, or by falling objects. Germs can even end up on your own feet once you finally take your shoes off. It is possible that the frequent cleaning It doesn’t make much of a difference either, as some of these microbes are hard to kill. Since Clostridium difficile spores are resistant to disinfection, the possibility of contamination in the home is high.
take off your shoes at the door
We can corral germs on shoes by taking off our shoes at the door and placing them in a special shoe rack. From there, it’s just a matter of deciding whether you want to go barefoot or wear house slippers. Going totally shoeless at home is usually the best bet.
Going barefoot is excellent for general foot health and helps increase foot muscle strength, tissue tolerance and joint mobility. If we have foot pain, flat feet, or ankle arthritis, we will consider having a pair of slippers or supportive shoes to keep at home. Shoes must have flat and flexible soles, a wide toe box and low or minimal cushioning. If you need slippers, a stiffer sole would be recommended, possibly a forefoot rocker or toe spring, and some cushioning.
Indoor shoes may also be safer for older adults, since the non-slip soles can reduce the risk of falls. People with diabetes or neuropathy should always wear shoes inside as well, to avoid foot injuries that could become infected.