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Here’s what you need to know before you go to the airport.
Key Points
- Travelers can now keep their shoes on at most TSA checkpoints, but certain footwear may still trigger additional screening.
- Shoes with hidden metal components, including steel toes, buckles, heel rods, vintage metal shanks, and some orthopedic inserts, are the most likely to cause delays.
- Flight attendants recommend wearing comfortable sneakers or slide sandals with supportive soles to make airport security and long travel days easier.
In July 2025, the Department of Homeland Security ended the “shoes-off” policy at U.S. airports—a welcome development for many travelers.
“... TSA announced a new policy to further enhance the air travel experience by allowing passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints,” a TSA spokesperson told Travel + Leisure via email. “Ending the shoes-off policy has increased hospitality for travelers and streamlined the TSA security checkpoint process, leading to lower wait times.”
Though you no longer have to untie laces or walk barefoot on a dirty floor, having the wrong footwear may trigger additional security screenings—or at the very least, a walk of shame back through the body scanner without your shoes.
“Many travelers assume that belt buckles, jewelry, loose change, and electronics are the only things that will set off a metal detector,” an American Airlines flight attendant said via email. “The reality is that I am seeing more and more people stopped because of their poor shoe decisions.”
Here’s what you need to know about the types of footwear that could flagged the next time you’re at a TSA checkpoint.
Steel Toes
These aren’t reserved for trendy, chrome-dipped boots. Many work and military-style varieties contain hidden steel toes and plates to make shoes puncture-resistant in potentially dangerous conditions. Naturally, the extra metal can raise flags at TSA checkpoints. “They’re also extremely heavy and rigid in design, which can be taxing on your legs if seated for multiple hours,” the flight attendant source added.
Buckles, Metal Eyelets, and Zippers
Decorative embellishments can make a shoe feel more polished, but they may also attract the attention of a metal detector. “I’ve found that these get people in the most trouble,” he said.
Metal Heel Rods
Many high heels rely on metal heel rods for structure, sturdiness, and stability. That said, the rods can ultimately set off TSA metal detectors. That said, high heels aren’t the most practical airport shoe anyway.
Metal Shanks
Most metal shanks, the strip between the insole and outsole under the arch of a shoe, are now TSA-friendly, but vintage footwear may contain metallic structural supports that are notorious for sounding alarms. “Keep the thrift store finds in your checked luggage,” the source recommended.
Insoles and Arch Supports
Though less common, some orthopedic inserts contain metallic fibers to improve their durability. Before you travel with your inserts, do your research and find out what exactly they’re made of.
Final Word
While an airport can be a place to see and be seen by many people in a short period of time, a travel day is not the best time to rock your favorite pair of combat boots, dressy loafers, or stilettos.
“Comfort should be of the utmost importance,” advised the flight attendant. “You not only have to do a lot of walking, but the stress of carrying and pushing heavy bags can also do a number on your feet.”
Instead, he recommended a breathable sneaker with proper arch support or a slide sandal. “But don’t forget to pack thick socks, as planes are notorious for getting extremely cold, and that will lead to a brutal flight experience,” he said.
At the end of the day, an airport isn’t an ideal place to make a bold fashion statement. But if you choose to do so, your best bet is to lean into stylish athleisure-wear with cozy kicks to match.
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
