U.S. ends airport shoe removal rule after 20 years — But why were we removing them in the first place?

Not many must be aware of the fact that the shoe removal practice started as a response to a security threat in December 2001. Richard Reid, a man later named as the “shoe bomber,” tried to bomb a flight from Paris to Miami. He was hiding explosives in the soles of his shoes. But when he was trying to ignite them, he was stopped by alert passengers and crew. But this incident triggered a change in the security protocols at the airport.
In 2006, it was made mandatory to remove shoes at the airport by the TSA. Security in the U.S. made it necessary to detect explosives and dangerous items that could be hidden in footwear. The policy applied to those travellers between the ages of 12 and 75 and became a routine.

To answer this in one word: Technology. Yes, with upgraded security tools and modern technology, TSA has come up with advanced Computed Tomography (CT) scanners. This along with other high-tech equipment, TSA is now able to detect hidden threats in shoes—without needing them to be removed.

By mid of 2025, there are over 1,000 CT scanners already installed across some of the prime U.S. airports. These scanners offer clearer, 3D images of items which are inside carry-on bags and even inside your shoes. With such strong systems, TSA officials finally decided to put at end on the rule without compromising safety.

According to critics, shoe removal was more of a “security theatre” than actual requirement. Many international airports in Europe and Asia had already discontinued this requirement.
But in the U.S., the shoe removal rule is an old practice and bringing any change to old policies means ensuring every airport has the right technology and procedures in place. But the TSA was not ready to make changes until it was confident enough but now that it is, the much-needed change is here.

You can keep wearing shoes during regular screening at most U.S. airports.

However, TSA officials can still ask for shoes to be removed in specific cases.
The change also improves accessibility for seniors, children, people with disabilities, and travellers with medical conditions.