In pursuit of a marketing angle to prove the usefulness and marketability of their new line of washable shoes; the Rockport Company, along with researchers at the University Of Arizona, uncovered a plethora of remarkable facts and grotesque data regarding the dangerous germs clinging to the bottom of our shoes.
In the study, 10 subjects were asked to wear previously clean shoes for a period of 2 weeks.The shoes were then analyzed in the laboratory by the team in Arizona headed by Chuck Gerba (a professor in the Departments of Soil, Water and Environmental Science and in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Arizona).
What Germs Can Be Carried On Shoes?
The study, reported in April of 2008, found the following in large numbers:
- Escherichia coli (E. Coli) - causing symptoms ranging from severe stomach pain accompanied by diarrhea to kidney failure and potential death in 1 out of 50 victims.
- Klebsiella pneumonia – a gram-negative bacteria that can rapidly destroy lung tissue and in 25 to 50% of patients will cause death.
- Serratia ficaria – causing gallbladder empyemas and sepsis as well as biliary infections.
Gerba stated that "The common occurrence (96%) of coliform and E. coli bacteria on the outside of the shoes indicates frequent contact with fecal material, which most likely originates from floors in public restrooms or contact with animal fecal material outdoors" .
The study also showed that bacteria can be tracked by shoes over long distances into the subjects homes after the shoes were contaminated with bacteria.
Most strikingly, the study found that the transfer rate of bacteria from the shoes to uncontaminated tiles ranged from 90% to 99%. Given that most home flooring includes porous wood, throw rugs and carpet; direct transmission is virtually certain.
How To Protect Home Flooring Against Shoe Germs
While the sponsors of the study hope to market washable shoes, other alternatives are as follows:
- Ask family members to habitually remove shoes prior to entering the home.
- Consider the appropriateness of asking guests entering your home to remove their shoes. Provide dedicated keeping areas and even alternative moccasins or slippers for their use while in the home.
- Ensure that all home maintenance workers either remove boots or shield workboots appropriately with disposable booties.
- Clean hard surfaces with antibacterial floor cleaning solution (designed for the flooring type) frequently.
- Vacuum on a routine basis and perform steam cleaning on a scheduled basis for wall to wall carpeting.
- Wash throw rugs in the warmest water possible, replacing routinely or as needed.
- Examine soles of worn shoes and wipe with disinfecting cleaner as needed (washing hands properly when complete).
