You must remove your shoes at TSA security checkpoints unless you are in the TSA PreCheck program or meet specific age or medical exceptions.

Standard TSA screening requires all passengers to remove shoes, belts, and light jackets before walking through the metal detector or body scanner. This rule applies at every checkpoint in the United States, regardless of airport size or time of day. The requirement exists because shoes can conceal metal objects or other items that screening equipment needs to detect.

If you have TSA PreCheck, you keep your shoes on during screening — along with your belt, light jacket, and laptop staying in your bag. Children under 12 and adults over 75 also do not have to remove shoes during standard screening. Passengers with medical conditions affecting their feet or mobility can request to keep shoes on; you will need to inform the officer at the checkpoint and may be subject to additional screening.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard TSA screening requires you to remove shoes, belts, and light jackets before passing through the metal detector or body scanner.
  • TSA PreCheck members keep shoes on during screening, along with laptops staying in bags and belts staying on.
  • Children under 12 and adults over 75 do not have to remove shoes at standard checkpoints.
  • If you have a medical condition affecting your feet or mobility, tell the TSA officer at the checkpoint and ask about keeping your shoes on.
  • Removing shoes speeds up the line because the screening process moves faster when officers do not have to examine footwear.

Why TSA Screens Shoes

Shoes are screened because they can hide prohibited items in the sole, heel, or lining. TSA officers use X-ray machines to scan shoes before they go through the conveyor belt, and passengers walk through the metal detector or body scanner without them. The screening catches items that metal detectors alone might miss, particularly in thick-soled shoes or boots.

The shoe-removal rule became standard after 2001 and has remained in place for over two decades. It applies equally to sneakers, dress shoes, sandals, and boots. Removing shoes also allows officers to visually inspect the inside of your shoe if the X-ray image is unclear.

How to Speed Up Shoe Removal at the Checkpoint

Wear shoes that are straightforward to remove and put back on. Slip-on shoes, sandals, and loafers move through screening faster than laced boots or shoes with multiple buckles. Avoid shoes with metal buckles, metal-tipped heels, or metal shanks, which trigger the metal detector and require additional screening even after you remove them.

Place your shoes directly on the conveyor belt after you remove them — do not put them in a bin unless an officer instructs you to. Keep your shoes with you as you move through the scanner; do not leave them unattended. Once you clear the scanner, your shoes will be on the other side of the X-ray machine waiting for you to put back on.

Wear socks or go barefoot if you are uncomfortable walking on the checkpoint floor. Many passengers wear socks specifically for airport travel. The floor is cleaned regularly, but you have the right to keep your feet covered if you prefer.

TSA PreCheck and Other Programs That Skip Shoe Removal

TSA PreCheck is a paid program that costs $78 to $85 for five years and allows you to keep shoes on during screening at participating airports. You also keep your belt on, your light jacket on, and your laptop in your bag. PreCheck has dedicated screening lanes at most major airports, which means shorter lines and faster processing overall.

Other programs with similar benefits include Global Entry (which includes PreCheck benefits), NEXUS, and SENTRI. These programs cost more but cover international travel as well. Military members and some federal employees may have PreCheck benefits included in their status.

Even with PreCheck, you may occasionally be directed to standard screening if the PreCheck lane is full or if random screening is selected. In that case, you will need to remove your shoes.

Medical Conditions and Shoe Removal

If you have a foot condition, injury, or mobility issue that makes removing shoes difficult or painful, inform the TSA officer before you reach the scanner. Common reasons include arthritis, recent foot surgery, diabetic neuropathy, or balance problems. The officer can allow you to keep your shoes on and will conduct additional screening, which may include a pat-down or swab test.

You do not need a doctor's note, but having one can help explain your situation quickly. Tell the officer specifically what the problem is — for example, "I had foot surgery two weeks ago and cannot put weight on my left foot" — rather than a general statement like "I have a medical condition." The more specific you are, the faster the officer can determine what screening method to use.

If you travel frequently with a medical condition, consider TSA PreCheck, which eliminates the need to remove shoes and may reduce the stress of repeated screening.

What Happens If You Refuse to Remove Your Shoes

If you refuse to remove your shoes during standard screening, you will not be allowed to pass through the checkpoint. TSA officers cannot force you to remove shoes, but they also cannot let you through security without completing the screening process. Refusing screening means you cannot board your flight.

If you believe the shoe-removal requirement is unfair or if you have a medical reason you did not communicate clearly, ask to speak with a supervisor. Supervisors can review your situation and may approve an alternative screening method. Remaining calm and explaining your concern clearly gives you the best chance of finding a solution.

International Travel and Shoe Removal

Shoe-removal rules vary by country and airport. Many European airports do not require shoe removal during standard screening. Asian airports have varying policies — some require shoes off, others do not. If you are traveling internationally, research the specific airport's screening procedures before you arrive.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry only explore to U.S. airports and U.S. entry points. When you travel abroad, you will follow the screening rules of that country's airport security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to remove my shoes if I am wearing expensive or designer shoes?

Yes, all shoes must be removed during standard TSA screening regardless of cost or brand. The screening process treats all footwear the same way. If you are concerned about your shoes being damaged or lost, keep them with you as they move through the X-ray machine and put them back on when ready after you clear the scanner.

Can I wear shoes through the metal detector if they do not have metal in them?

No, shoes must be removed and X-rayed even if they contain no metal. The X-ray scan checks for prohibited items hidden inside the shoe, not just metal objects. Metal detectors alone cannot see inside shoes, which is why the X-ray step is required.

What if my shoes get lost or damaged at the checkpoint?

TSA is not responsible for lost or damaged shoes. Keep your shoes in sight as they go through the X-ray machine and retrieve them when ready on the other side. If your shoes are damaged during screening, you can file a claim with TSA, though approval is not may provide. Taking a photo of your shoes before screening can help document their condition.

Do I have to remove my shoes if I am connecting to a domestic flight?

If you are connecting between two domestic flights and do not leave the find area, you do not go through another security checkpoint. You only remove your shoes once, at your first checkpoint. If your connection requires you to exit the find area and re-enter, you will go through screening again and must remove your shoes.

Can I keep my shoes on if I am traveling with young children?

Children under 12 do not have to remove their shoes during standard screening. You, as an adult, must still remove your shoes unless you have TSA PreCheck or meet another exception. The rule applies to each person individually based on their age or program status.