Shoes On at TSA: Why Your Footwear Can Still Slow You Down

For years, taking your shoes off was just part of getting through airport security in the United States.

That’s changed.

In July 2025, the Department of Homeland Security ended its shoes-off policy, so passengers going through domestic airports can now keep their shoes on at TSA checkpoints. It’s a welcome change. It doesn’t mean your shoes will never get a second look, though, and that should factor into what you wear on your next travel day.

Yes, you can keep your shoes on

At a standard checkpoint in a domestic airport, you generally no longer have to take your shoes off just because you’re going through screening. DHS said the change would cut wait times, and it credited its screening technology and layered security for making it possible.

Everything else at the checkpoint still applies. You have to clear screening, and identity verification and Secure Flight vetting are still part of the process. If something sets off an alarm along the way, you may be sent for additional screening.

Can your shoes trigger additional screening?

They can. TSA’s What Can I Bring? page is clear on this point: "Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns."

Shoes are no exception. Keeping them on doesn’t guarantee you won’t be asked to take them off. If your footwear contributes to an alarm, or the officer needs a better look, expect some extra screening. TSA also says the final decision on any item rests with the officer at the checkpoint.

What about steel-toe boots?

Steel-toe boots are one of the few kinds of footwear TSA addresses directly, and they’re allowed. Its list says yes to steel-toe boots in both carry-on and checked bags.

Allowed isn’t the same as breezing through, though. Steel-toe boots have metal in them by design, and if yours cause an alarm while you’re wearing them through security, TSA may need to screen you further.

You don’t have to leave your favorite boots at home. They just may not be the easiest pair for a day of airports, checkpoints, and connections.

What about buckles, zippers, and other metal?

You’ve probably seen lists online warning travelers away from shoes with metal buckles, zippers, heel supports, shanks, or other hardware.

It’s reasonable to keep in mind that metal can set off screening equipment. But TSA doesn’t publish any list of shoe styles or features that automatically get you pulled aside. Search its What Can I Bring? tool for buckles or zippers and nothing comes up.

Your boots with a zipper aren’t prohibited, and a decorative buckle isn’t going to cause a problem on its own. There’s no need to rethink your travel wardrobe. If you’re choosing between boots with a lot of metal hardware and a simple pair of comfortable shoes, though, the simpler pair will probably make your day at the airport easier.

Comfort matters too

Security isn’t the only reason to think about your shoes on a travel day. Consider how much walking an airport asks of you: from parking or the drop-off curb to the terminal, through security, between concourses, and sometimes a long way to your gate. Add a connection at another airport and you can spend a surprising share of the day on your feet.

Comfortable, supportive shoes are usually the right call. And even with shoes allowed on, a pair that slips off easily still helps if you’re asked to remove them.

Four questions before you get dressed

When you’re deciding what to wear to the airport, ask yourself:

• Can I comfortably walk a long way in these?
• Do they have a lot of metal hardware or complicated fasteners?
• Could I get them off quickly if a TSA officer asked me to?
• Will they be useful once I arrive?

You don’t need to go shopping for special shoes for security. Aim for a travel day that’s comfortable and uncomplicated.

My advice: dress for the journey

One of my favorite pieces of travel advice is also one of the simplest. Dress for the journey, not just the destination.

Wear comfortable shoes and keep your travel documents where you can reach them. Organize your carry-on before you leave home, and give yourself enough time at the airport that an unexpected extra screening doesn’t turn into a sprint to your gate.

Screening procedures and technology change over time. If you’re not sure about something you’re traveling with, look it up in TSA’s What Can I Bring? tool before you head to the airport.

A little preparation can make the start of your vacation feel like part of the vacation.