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What science really says about wearing shoes inside the house

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 12:15 GMT by Dallas Morning News
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The Science Behind the Debate: Are Indoor Shoes a Boon or a Bad Habit?
(Dallas News – Abode, September 4, 2025)

The practice of slipping on shoes as soon as you step through the front door is a habit many of us have unquestioningly inherited from our grandparents or our own cultural upbringing. Yet, a growing body of research suggests that the indoor‑shoe dilemma may have more nuanced health implications than a simple “keep or ditch” answer. In a comprehensive feature that combed through recent studies, expert interviews, and policy guidelines, the Dallas News Abode team delivered a balanced look at what science actually says about wearing shoes inside the house. Below, we distill the key take‑aways and the evidence behind them.

1. Indoor Shoes and Microbial Accumulation

A central concern addressed in the article is the “microbial trap” that indoor shoes can become. Footwear, especially rubber or synthetic materials, can harbor bacteria and fungi that thrive in the warm, damp conditions created by the soles’ micro‑environments.

• University of Texas at Austin Study (2023): The article linked to a peer‑reviewed paper in Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, where researchers sampled indoor shoes from 50 households. They found that nearly 90 % of the shoes tested positive for Candida species, a common fungal genus linked to athlete’s foot. The researchers warned that the persistence of these organisms in shoes could be a source of home‑based infections, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems.

• CDC Foot Hygiene Guidelines (2022): Another reference was to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance on maintaining clean indoor footwear. The CDC notes that shoes can transfer soil-borne pathogens into the living environment, and that cleaning or discarding shoes at the threshold may reduce indoor contamination by up to 70 %.

2. Foot Health: Barefoot vs. Indoors‑Shoes

While shoes protect the feet from cuts and abrasions, the article highlighted evidence that staying barefoot or in slippers can actually promote foot health.

• Podiatric Research (American Podiatric Medical Association, 2024): A longitudinal study published in Podiatry Today examined gait and balance in older adults who wore shoes indoors versus those who went barefoot. The researchers found that barefoot participants had a 12 % lower incidence of falls over a two‑year period. They attributed this to improved proprioception and more natural foot‑ground interaction.

• Biomechanics Findings (University of Wisconsin‑Madison, 2022): Foot biomechanics experts cited a study showing that indoor footwear with stiff soles can reduce arch flexibility, leading to an increased risk of plantar fasciitis and flat‑foot development. Conversely, slippers with a flexible, breathable sole were associated with better arch support and fewer pain complaints.

The article balanced these insights by noting that the type of shoe matters. “Comfortable, low‑profile shoes with natural, breathable materials can mitigate many of the risks associated with indoor footwear,” the source’s podiatrist, Dr. Maya Patel, explained.

3. The “Indoor Slip” Myth and Real‑World Risks

One common argument for indoor shoes is the fear of slipping on slick surfaces—especially when wet. The article, however, debunked the myth that indoor shoes are a definitive safety measure.

• Slip‑and‑Fall Data (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2023): The article cited statistics that show indoor falls account for roughly 5 % of all fall injuries, a figure comparable to falls on sidewalks. The key factor was surface texture rather than footwear. “Slip‑resistant soles can be engineered for indoor use, but the same technology is also available for outdoor footwear,” said Dr. Patel.

• Ergonomic Studies (University of Michigan, 2021): An ergonomics review found that people who frequently wore high‑heel or stiff‑soled shoes indoors reported higher instances of back pain and altered posture. The study emphasized that “a lighter, flexible shoe or even bare feet can reduce strain on the lower back.”

4. Environmental Considerations

Beyond foot health, the article broadened the discussion to the environmental footprint of shoes. Indoor footwear often requires less durable materials, leading to more frequent replacements.

• Sustainability Analysis (Green Living Journal, 2024): A life‑cycle assessment published in the Green Living Journal suggested that the average indoor shoe lasts 12 months, versus 24 months for outdoor footwear. The article highlighted that choosing reusable, eco‑friendly slippers—such as those made from recycled PET—could reduce household waste by up to 30 %.

• Indoor Air Quality: The article noted a study linking indoor shoes to increased indoor particulate matter. By removing shoes at the threshold, households can cut down on dust and pollen that accumulate in footwear, potentially improving air quality for allergy sufferers.

5. Practical Take‑Aways

The feature ended with a “Footwear Checklist” to help readers decide what works best for their households:

1. Assess Your Lifestyle: If you frequently bring in mud, snow, or other outdoor grit, a quick shoe‑removal routine is advisable.
2. Choose Breathable Soles: For those who prefer shoes inside, look for natural leather, canvas, or rubber soles with ventilation.
3. Keep It Clean: Wash shoes or slippers at least twice a week and dry them fully.
4. Consider Slippers: High‑quality slippers with flexible soles can strike a balance between comfort and foot protection.
5. Educate Your Household: Teach family members, especially children, about the importance of foot hygiene and the science behind it.

In Short

What the science tells us is that the indoor shoe debate isn’t black or white. Shoes can be protective against sharp objects and, if kept clean, can reduce indoor contamination. Yet, the latest evidence also suggests that staying barefoot or in flexible slippers can promote foot and balance health, reduce environmental impact, and even lower the risk of falls. The best approach is a hybrid one: maintain a clean threshold, use breathable shoes when necessary, and embrace barefoot or slipper time for everyday activities whenever possible. By integrating science into daily habits, homeowners can keep their feet healthy, the house cleaner, and the environment happier.