If you’re like most people, the thought of taking your shoes off in a public place is enough to make your skin crawl. But when you’re on a long flight, the idea of spending hours with your feet trapped inside sweaty socks can be even more unappealing.

However, experts say that taking your shoes off on a plane is actually one of the worst things you can do for your health. Not only does it increase your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), but it also exposes you to a host of germs and bacteria.

So what’s the best way to keep your feet healthy and comfortable during a long flight?

Wearing compression socks is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of DVT, and keeping your shoes on will help protect you from getting fungal infections.

If you’re worried about being uncomfortable, bring along a pair of slippers or socks to change into once you’re seated. And be sure to wash your feet thoroughly as soon as you arrive at your destination.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can minimize your risk of developing health problems on your next flight.

Believe it or not, there are several other very good reasons why you should leave them on. Here are four compelling reasons to keep your shoes on during air travel.

1. It’s possible that you’re acquiring germs and viruses that can harm your health.

This woman’s picture of her recent flight experience has gone viral. I say, if you take your shoes off on a flight you should NEVER be allowed to fly again 🤢 Who's with me? ~@TheAshleyGreco pic.twitter.com/Z5TCaqIPfd

— CHUM 104.5 (@Chum1045) November 14, 2019

The airplane cabin is not very clean. Cabin crews do their best prior to each flight, but sometimes they are only given 15 minutes before passengers start boarding, so they don’t have plenty of time to scrub all the surfaces thoroughly.

Cabin cleaning is therefore limited to removing any trash left in seatback pockets and wiping down high-contact surfaces such as the lavatory door handles.

Although planes do require deep cleaning on occasion, this is not done very frequently. The frequency of deep cleanings for commercial airlines varies by company, but they typically happen only once every four or five weeks.

Carpets on planes are cleaned on a regular basis, but the frequency depends on the airline and the route.

Some airlines clean their carpets after every flight, while others may only clean them once a week or less. Carpet cleaning is essential to keep the plane looking good and prevent dirt and bacteria from building up.

In some cases, carpets may only receive a quick vacuum and spot cleaning. The cleaning crew will clean the stain, but they might not disinfect the entire area. This means that some germs could still spread.

When something spills on the flooring, it’s important to remember that germs can spread even if you don’t see them at first glance.

It’s also important to wear shoes on a plane, so you don’t have to worry about coming into contact with anything unsanitary, like a wet floor inside the aircraft lavatory.

The toilets aren’t always adequately cleaned between flights, and the floor is often covered in liquids that could be urine or vomit.

Thus, if you’re considering going barefoot on a flight, keep in mind that you could be picking up bacteria and viruses that could make you sick.

It’s best to err on the side of caution and wear shoes while flying.

2. Your feet will be more likely to swell without the support of shoes.

Without shoes, your feet will be more likely to swell because they won’t be getting any support.

Shoes provide support by absorbing some of the shocks that our feet endure when we walk or run, and they also help to keep our feet in a neutral position.

This, in turn, prevents our feet from swelling by preventing excess fluids from accumulating in our tissues.

They also protect the feet from injury and shield them from environmental factors like heat and cold.

3. You’ll be more comfortable if you keep your shoes on – trust us!

It is more comfortable if you keep your shoes on because it prevents blisters. Blisters are caused by friction, and the best way to avoid them is to minimize the amount of friction between your skin and the flooring.

Shoes with socks protect your feet from the elements and provide a layer of cushioning that helps to reduce friction.

Additionally, many people find that shoes make it more comfortable to walk because they help to stabilize your foot and distribute your weight evenly.

4. It’s dangerous. If there’s an emergency on the plane, you could be injured if you’re not wearing shoes.

Of all the places you could potentially be without shoes, an airplane would be one of the most dangerous.

In the event of an emergency on the plane, you would need to be able to move quickly and safely.

If you were not wearing shoes, you could slip and fall, or worse, get injured by something sharp or hot. Imagine if you had to evacuate the plane and there was debris or broken glass on the floor – you could cut yourself badly. In a worst-case scenario, you could even lose a toe or foot.

Even if an emergency never happens, walking around barefoot on a dirty plane is just asking for trouble. So while it may seem like a small thing, always remember to wear shoes on a plane.

What Are the Better Ways to Relax on a Flight Than by Taking Your Shoes Off?

Contrary to conventional wisdom, taking your shoes off during a flight is not the best way to relax and unwind.

Sure, letting your feet breathe may seem like a natural way to de-stress after sitting cramped in a seat for hours on end. However, there are actually much better ways to decompress while you fly.

I find that the best way to relax on a flight is to get up and move around a bit. If you can, try to get up and walk around the cabin every hour or so.

Engaging in some light reading or catching up on your favorite TV shows can provide hours of distraction and keep you occupied throughout the trip.

It’s also a good idea to drink plenty of water, as dehydration can make you feel more tense and anxious.

And if you’re feeling stressed out, consider using some relaxation techniques like deep breathing or visualization exercises.

Or, if you prefer more physical forms of relaxation, why not try scheduling a quick workout session at the airport’s gym before boarding?

By exploring other options besides taking your shoes off, you can ensure that your journey is as calm and relaxing as possible.

Final Thoughts

Pro travel tip: Please keep your shoes on during flights.

But if you must take them off, please get your stinky feet out of my face.

Thank you. pic.twitter.com/4CdKIHfUHu

— Kindha Gorman (@Kindha) September 12, 2018

There are many reasons why you should never take your shoes off on a flight.

First, it is a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. The floor of an airplane is one of the dirtiest surfaces, and taking your shoes off exposes your feet to all of the microbes that are lurking there.

Second, it is vital to keep your shoes on in case of an emergency. In the event of a fire or other emergency, you will want to be able to move quickly and not have to stop to put your shoes on.

Finally, taking your shoes off can be disruptive to other passengers. If everyone took their shoes off, it would create a noise and odor problem for everyone on the plane.

For these reasons, it is best to keep your shoes on when you are flying.

Go barefoot at your own risk!