Are these shoes better in my suitcase?

[Starballoon]

Last year when flying I wore some new sandals. I alerted through security and had to stand on some machine that tested them. They still weren’t happy and I had to take them off and put in a tray to go through the machine. Coming back into the UK I had to again take them off and put through the scanner machine on a tray.

I’m wanting to take them again this year. Same airport going and although not the same coming home it is the same country so probably same procedures.

I was thinking of taking them in my suitcase rather than wearing them. I assume that would be okay? I don’t know what set off all their protocols they do have a couple of metal buckles so I assume that’s it.

Would put those particular sandals in your suitcase.

Some shoes just aren’t liked by the scanners. One of my kids always has to take a certain pair of trainers off. Just stick them in your suitcase.

Should be fine in a suitcase...

Either way, it’s hardly a massive bother to have to take them off is it?

I always wear my bulkiest shoes to travel in. Usually trainers.

No it isn’t. I just wanted to go in some other shoes this time. I just don’t want them being a problem on my case and them opening it.

Have they got thick or block heels that could contain something ?

Some footwear has security tags embedded by the manufacturer/retailer, in the sole/inner sole/lining. Perhaps something like that could pose a problem at airport security, even if the tag has been deactivated when the footwear was purchased.

They'll almost certainly be happy with them when they X-ray your suitcase.

You just had a problem because they set off the metal detectors, they could have metal in the soles as well as the buckles.

They can open your case for a myriad of reasons, including the random drug checks they perform every X amount of bags. Unless you’re referring to a checked suitcase - those are rarely opened as the technology scanning them is different to that at the security checkpoints we go through.

They are these.

Yes the case would be checked.

Also it’s the walking on the floor of the airport without shoes on 🤢

There’s probably metal in the sole. Or it’s the buckles. I wear slip on trainers. Look better with flight socks and go on and off easily. I’d pack those. Plus, in the USA they often open cases. Even travelling in business you can get your bags last.

You can be asked to remove any footwear, so wear socks if you don't want bare feet on the floor. They will be fine in your case.

Surely you just ask for the plastic “sock” cover thingies? I have never walked barefoot through security and I fly a lot during winter, so have to take boots off.

Looking at that image of the sandals TBH the buckles, sole thickness or both could be causing the problems...

..and I agree with some of the above that some airports provide plastic foot covers if needed...but that's certainly not universal.

Is this worth a thread? just wear different shoes.

Cork can be used to traffic drugs because the organic material can camouflage powder or organic substances, hence they want a good look at them to make sure they aren't stuffed with anything!

I'd stick them in your suitcase.

Thanks. Didn’t know they were a thing. Never been offered or seen them but it is a smaller UK airport. I’ll just put them in the checked in suitcase.

Maybe not but asking in case others have had this issue. If you don’t feel it warrants a thread then surely it doesn’t warrant a reply by yourself. 🙄

I have sandals which look very similar to these (mine are Hotter Tourist). I’ve not worn them at the airport as I travel in trainers but I’ve never had a problem with them in my suitcase. I think when they ask you to remove footwear at security it’s mainly if they think something could be concealed in the soles.

They are Hotter tourist which felt ironic given the issue I had at the airport 😂 they screen and machine showed they had a heat on the scanner but thanks for letting me know no issues in your case.