These Are the Worst Shoes to Wear on a Plane

Before 2000, people wore whatever shoes they wanted while on a plane. They put on whatever makes them comfortable or fashionable. However, they now have to remove them to pass through security.

Therefore, it’s now imperative to make wise wardrobe decisions when flying. It would help if you avoided buckles and ties, and the best shoes for women must be the slip-on-and-off type because they won’t hold up the line.

Recently, experts have been saying that women shouldn’t wear high heels because they pose a significant risk.

Continue reading to discover why you shouldn’t be wearing this pair of shoes on a plane.

1. Why You Shouldn’t Wear High Heels on Your Flight

You know that high heels can be uncomfortable to wear, right? However, this discomfort is the least of your issues when you’re on a plane. 

• High Heels as Safety Hazards

Has anyone ever told you that this pair of shoes could be a safety hazard in emergency cases? Experts advise not to wear them because they compromise the safety of people on board.

In cases of emergency evacuations, this pair of shoes for women can puncture the inflatable slides. In addition, they are fatal traps for emergency landings.

Flight attendants and pilots may ask you to take them off because they’re safety hazards. 

• High Heels as a Personal Health Risk

You may think that emergency landings are far from actually happening, so your pair of shoes won’t be a problem. However, wearing high heels on the plane may cause you to trip or fall.

Moreover, aside from your choice of shoes, you also mustn’t wear anything tight-fitting to reduce foot and leg swelling. Air travel can cause these because of your leg position and inactivity while on a flight. 

Blood clots in the leg may form if there’s excessive swelling for hours. It’s best to keep your high heels in your suitcase if you are on a long-haul flight. This type of shoes can also aggravate back pains because it affects your sitting posture too.

2. Do Flight Attendants Wear High Heels while on a Plane?

Flight attendants do wear high heels, but they take them off during flights. They put on their flats for safety concerns too. Moreover, they have to maintain their balance when there’s turbulence. It will be challenging to do so while wearing their heels.

However, policies vary depending on the airline. For example, some American and Canadian airline companies require their flight attendants to wear high heels when wearing their uniform but not when on the plane.

On the other hand, some international airlines have unique standards regarding this requirement. For example, it’s prevalent among US airlines to require at least a half-inch heel height but not exceeding three inches.

Airlines requiring their flight attendants to wear high heels want them to preserve their image. However, these women often walk long distances in the airport.

In addition, wearing this type of shoes for hours can cause foot pain and discomfort. Thus, they prefer wearing flat shoes instead.

3. Are There Other Types of Shoes that You Can’t Wear on Flights?

Aside from high heels, you have to dodge wearing your open-toed shoes too. You are unsure what is on the floor in the plane lavatory. If you wear sandals, whatever liquid is on the floor will get onto your feet.

Flip-flops make your feet attract debris during emergencies. You may get foot wounds, or they may fly off and cause injury to others. Your sandals may also block a safe exit.

4. Tips on Choosing the Right Type of Shoes When Traveling

If you don’t like wearing flat shoes on a plane, you may opt for mid-heel or kitten shoes instead of your favorite stilettos. You can remove them easily when passing through airport security. You must wear a pair that makes you feel relaxed the entire trip.

The softest leathers are the best shoe material when traveling. Flying can make your feet swell, and wearing synthetic materials can result in pressure at the back of your heel and around your toes.

Synthetic linings will make your feet sweat and have blisters. However, leathers can accommodate your feet when they expand. 

Final Thoughts

If you’re a frequent traveler or going into your first long-haul flight, you must skip wearing your high heels because they can pose some safety hazards and health risks not only to you but to other passengers as well.

While this pair of shoes for women can add oomph to your overall appearance, it’s best to leave them at home or carry them in your suitcase.