There are few things more rewarding to find at a second-hand store than the perfect pair of shoes.
Shopping for used shoes, as opposed to new shoes, makes sense for many reasons: from cost-effectiveness to unique styles, and even a desire to support sustainability. But there is one important thing to be wary of when you’re purchasing second-hand shoes—a higher likelihood of dangerous contaminants.
Used shoes, no matter how gently worn, pose a risk to your health.
Inside, the warm and moist environment can function as a breeding ground for fungi like Athlete's Foot and molds like Aspergillus and Cladosporium. These organisms can silently thrive, causing skin infections or, in more severe cases, respiratory issues upon prolonged exposure.
However, the dangers aren't limited to the shoe's interior alone. The outer surfaces, particularly the soles, are something to be wary of as well. Contaminants like bacteria, molds, and even fecal matter all adhere easily to shoe soles. Those nearly-new Tom Ford dress shoes or vintage Nike sneakers, while a great deal, can introduce allergens and harmful pathogens into our living spaces.
It’s important to disinfect used shoes when you bring them home—not just on the inside, but on the outside too.
Due to the porous material they’re made with, shoe soles act like magnets for bacteria. That same material that gives them grip makes them the perfect environment to cultivate bacteria. Plus, all organic matter that you walk through during the day serves as food for the bacteria present on your shoes.
In fact, it may be even more important to disinfect used shoe’s exteriors than interiors.
A study by the University of Arizona found that the average shoes carry over 421,000 units of bacteria on the outside, versus less than 3,000 units of bacteria on the inside. The overwhelming majority of those pathogens are living on the bottom of your shoes.
That’s right—over 99% of the microbial load on your shoes is found on the bottoms of your shoes, not inside your shoes.
Here are a few other studies to be aware of.
Now, let's delve into some scientific studies that further emphasize the significance of sanitizing and disinfecting your shoe soles:
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Technology conducted at the University of Houston revealed that a high percentage of shoes (approximately 96%) were contaminated with fecal bacteria. The research emphasized that shoe soles can act as carriers for pathogens, raising concerns about the spread of infections.
A study in the American Journal of Infection Control investigated the role of shoes in the transmission of Clostridium difficile. It found that shoe soles were a potential source of this bacterium in healthcare settings, highlighting the importance of proper shoe disinfection in such environments.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control discussed the role of shoe sanitation as a vital component of infection control in healthcare settings. The research emphasized that shoe sole contamination can contribute to the spread of healthcare-associated infections, which can be reduced through regular disinfection.
A study in the journal Indoor Air focused on the role of shoe soles in releasing bacteria into the air. The research showed that walking on contaminated surfaces can lead to the dispersal of bacteria, making the indoor air a potential source of infection.
Disinfecting used shoes before bringing them home and wearing them is crucial if you want to prevent contamination of your living space from those used shoes. Disinfection procedures, whether employing homemade solutions like vinegar or utilizing specialized shoe-sanitizing sprays and shoe-disinfecting mats, effectively eradicate pathogens and reduce the potential transmission of harmful microorganisms.
Treating used shoes before introducing them into our homes involves a series of proactive measures. Cleaning both the interior and exterior surfaces, especially the soles, with disinfectants significantly minimizes the risk of harboring pathogens that could potentially pose health risks.
You can also try running the shoes through a washing machine with detergent, if they’re tennis shoes that can withstand that type of rough treatment. Just make sure you’re using a detergent with anti-microbial and fungicidal properties.
After cleaning the shoes, allowing them to thoroughly air out and dry to thwart the growth of molds and bacteria. If you can, try to air them out in sunlight, which acts as a natural disinfectant, for extra help ridding those used shoes from microbial growth.
The significance of disinfecting used shoes isn't merely a matter of cleanliness; it's a proactive step toward safeguarding our health. The accumulation of pathogens, both inside and outside the shoes, presents potential risks to our well-being, particularly if left unchecked.
Suede and leather shoes are particularly great finds when you’re looking for used shoes at a secondhand store. But each of these materials requires very specific techniques for disinfection. After all, you can’t just run them through the washing machine or wipe them down with a lysol wipe—unless you want to act as a middleman between the thrift store and your trash can.
Disinfecting suede shoes requires careful handling to avoid damaging the material. Remember, suede is sensitive to moisture and chemicals, so it’s crucial to take extra care when disinfecting. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on any suede-specific cleaning or disinfecting products, and perform spot tests to ensure the product won’t harm the material.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean used suede shoes properly:
One last option to consider is using a Suede Protector after purging your used suede shoes. A suede protector spray can help to repel future stains and maintain the shoes’ condition.
It’s important to note that cleaning the actual suede on your shoe’s exterior is nowhere near as important as cleaning the shoe soles and inside of the shoe, which is where most contaminants like to hide.
The technique for properly disinfecting used leather shoes is similarly specialized, but has its own differences. Disinfecting leather shoes involves a different approach than disinfecting suede shoes due to the nature of the material.
Follow these steps carefully to disinfect used leather shoes if you want to maintain their quality and appearance.
Just like with suede shoes, consider using a specialized protectant spray for leather. This will add an extra layer of protection against stains and moisture.
Everywhere we go, we leave dangerous germs and viruses in our footsteps. The science is clear—our shoes are one of the most dangerous sources of contamination and illness in today's world.
The Shoetizer is a ground-breaking product that disinfects and sanitizes your shoes in seconds.
Powered by an EPA-registered disinfectant, the Shoetizer eradicates over 99% of harmful bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Afterward the device leaves a protective film on your shoes that kills germs and pathogens on contact for up to 24 hours.
