Let’s kick things off with a heads-up: if you’re one of those folks who loves strutting around your house in shoes, you might want to brace yourself for some rather grim truths. I’m speaking from experience here—I used to be a chronic shoe-wearer indoors, but after diving into this research, I’m now questioning every step I take.
So, take a deep breath and maybe wait for the kids to leave the room before we dive into this.
The Shocking Truth About Your Footwear
A savvy writer named Jamie Carson compiled studies from universities that reveal just how filthy your footwear can be. Spoiler alert: it’s pretty shocking. For instance, a study from the University of Arizona discovered an average of 421,000 types of bacteria hanging out on shoes. Yes, you read that right—some of it was fecal matter. In fact, E. coli showed up on 27% of the shoes tested, along with a cast of other unsavory bacteria like Klebsiella pneumonia, which can lead to urinary tract infections, and Serratia ficaria, known to cause respiratory issues.
How Much Bacteria Comes Indoors?
Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, but how much of that actually makes its way into my home?” Great question! The same University of Arizona study found that 90% to a whopping 99% of bacteria transfer from shoes to clean tiles. Yikes—that’s a high number!
Dr. Sam Reynolds, a microbiologist at the University of Arizona, stated, “The presence of coliform and E. coli on the outside of shoes shows frequent contact with fecal material, likely from public restrooms or outdoor animal waste. Our study confirmed that bacteria can travel long distances into your home after your shoes have picked up these unwanted guests.”
Additional Risks from Outdoor Toxins
If that doesn’t make you want to kick off your shoes at the door, here’s more to consider: a Baylor University study found that living near asphalt roads sealed with coal tar can increase cancer risks, and guess what? Those toxins can hitch a ride into your house on your shoes. Plus, the Battelle Memorial Institute found that lawn treatment chemicals can easily find their way indoors via your footwear.
What Can You Do About It?
I could go on, but you get the picture. So what can you do about it? Some suggestions include washing your shoes regularly, steam-cleaning your carpets, and, most importantly, taking your shoes off as soon as you step inside.
As a mom of three, I understand the struggle—especially when it comes to getting kids to ditch their shoes. I even have a photo of my oldest son as a toddler munching on a shoe. Hilarious at the time, but now I can’t help but wonder what he ingested! While I doubt that these bacteria will lead to anything catastrophic like cancer, with cold and flu season upon us, taking extra precautions to keep your family healthy is worth it.
But hey, I’m not a doctor. Maybe a little exposure to germs is good for building immunity? Or maybe I’m just trying to rationalize my shoe-wearing habits. Whatever the case, I know one thing for sure: our shoes are a lot filthier than I ever realized, and perhaps it’s time to reconsider my indoor footwear policy.
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, wearing shoes indoors can introduce a surprising amount of bacteria and toxins into your home. Studies suggest that the best course of action is to leave those shoes at the door to keep your living space healthier.