Yes, you can bring shoes in your carry-on.
If you’ve flown in the last two decades, you’ve stood in line and pried off your sneakers or boots before the X-ray machine. That near-20-year ritual ended in July 2025, when the Department of Homeland Security announced that domestic passengers could keep their shoes on. The change caught many travelers by surprise — especially those who habitually pack extra shoes in their carry-on.
So yes, you can absolutely have shoes in your carry-on luggage. The TSA’s official policy has always allowed footwear in cabin bags. The new rule just means you don’t have to take them off when you go through security. This article covers what’s allowed, what’s restricted, and how to pack shoes smartly for your next trip.
Shoes Are Welcome In Your Carry-On — With One Main Rule
The Transportation Security Administration’s “What Can I Bring?” guide lists “Belts, Clothes and Shoes” as permitted items in both carry-on and checked bags. That means you can toss in your sneakers, dress shoes, sandals, or boots without worrying about a TSA officer pulling them aside.
The only real restriction is size. Your carry-on must fit within the airline’s maximum dimensions and weight limits, typically around 22 x 14 x 9 inches for domestic flights. A pair or two of shoes usually fits easily, but if you’re packing multiple bulky pairs, you may need to check a bag or adjust your packing strategy.
The TSA maintains a complete alphabetical list of items travelers can and cannot bring, and shoes appear as a straightforward “yes” in both carry-on and checked categories. No special permission or declaration needed.
Why The Shoes-Off Rule Finally Ended
For nearly 20 years, travelers had to remove their shoes at security checkpoints. The mandate started after the 2001 “shoe bomber” incident, when a passenger tried to ignite explosives hidden in his footwear. Children under 12 and adults 75 and older were eventually exempted, but everyone else had to bend down, untie laces, and send their shoes through the X-ray belt.
On July 8, 2025, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and TSA Administrator David Pekoske announced the end of that policy. Aviation experts explained that screening technology had improved enough that routine shoe removal was no longer necessary. The change frees up time for travelers and lets TSA officers focus on higher-risk items instead.
This shift also means the old age exemptions are gone — all passengers can now keep their shoes on. However, if you’re traveling through an international airport on your way out of the U.S., be aware that other countries may still require shoe removal for outbound or connecting flights.
What About Bulky Or Unusual Shoes?
Most footwear is fine in a carry-on, but there are a few exceptions worth knowing about. Items like shoe and snow spikes are never permitted in a carry-on — they must go in checked luggage. These are considered potential weapons, not everyday shoes. Per the TSA shoes carry-on policy, standard shoes are explicitly allowed, but anything with sharp metal protrusions may be flagged.
For heavy boots, especially steel-toe work boots, the main concern is weight rather than security. As long as your carry-on stays under the airline’s weight limit, you’re good. Some travelers prefer to wear their heaviest shoes through the airport to save space and weight in the bag — and the new shoes-off policy makes that option even more convenient.
| Shoe Type | Allowed in Carry-On? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday sneakers, flats, sandals | Yes | No restrictions |
| Dress shoes, heels, loafers | Yes | May take up space; pack carefully |
| Boots, hiking boots (no spikes) | Yes | Heavy — watch carry-on weight limit |
| Steel-toe work boots | Yes | Allowed, but heavy |
| Shoe spikes / crampons | No | Must be checked |
| Roller skates / ice skates | Check airline | Generally allowed, but blades may be restricted |
The table covers common footwear choices. When in doubt, the TSA’s online search tool gives quick answers, or you can ask the airline directly before packing.
Tips For Packing Shoes In Your Carry-On
Packing shoes well keeps your clothes clean and helps you fit everything you need. Travel experts suggest a few simple strategies to make the most of your limited cabin-bag space.
- Clean and dry your shoes first: Dirt and moisture can transfer to your clothes. Wipe off any mud or sand, and let damp shoes air out before packing.
- Use a shoe bag or plastic bag: Cover each shoe individually. Many modern suitcases come with dedicated shoe compartments or zippered sections — use those to keep footwear separate from your clothing.
- Place shoes at the bottom of the bag: Heavier items go at the bottom, closer to the wheels if your bag has them. This balances weight and prevents shoes from crushing softer items.
- Stuff shoes with small items: Fill the inside of each shoe with socks, chargers, or rolled-up belts. This saves space and helps shoes hold their shape.
- Limit the number of pairs: For typical trips, one pair worn and one pair packed is plenty. More than two pairs may push you over the carry-on weight or space limit.
These tips are practical for any trip. Keep in mind that your airline’s specific size and weight limits apply — check before you pack.
International Travel And Future Changes
The July 2025 policy change applies to domestic airports within the United States. If you’re flying internationally, other countries may still require shoe removal during security screening. Some airports use different X-ray technology or follow local regulations, so it’s wise to wear shoes that are easy to slip off on international legs of your trip.
Aviation experts point out that the policy reflects improvements in security technology. The advanced scanners now in use can detect threats through shoes without needing them removed. The improved technology allows officers to focus on higher-risk items — the aviation expert explains article from Msudenver provides more context on how these systems work and why the change was possible.
Could the liquid restrictions be next? TSA officials have hinted at revisiting the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, but no timeline has been announced. For now, shoes are the big win for convenience.
| Screening Region | Shoe Removal Required? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. domestic (post-July 2025) | No | All passengers may keep shoes on |
| U.S. international departures | Usually no | Follow officer instructions |
| Canada, UK, EU | Often yes | Check local airport guidelines |
| Other countries | Varies | Wear easy-off shoes |
The Bottom Line
Shoes are fully allowed in carry-on luggage — the TSA has never prohibited them. The big change is that you no longer have to remove them at domestic security checkpoints. Packing clean shoes in a dedicated bag, placing them at the bottom, and limiting yourself to one or two pairs keeps your bag organized and within airline size limits.
If you’re flying internationally soon, check the security rules of your departure and connecting airports. For the most current guidance on your specific trip, verify with the TSA’s official website or contact your airline directly — they can confirm any regional variations that might affect your packing plan.
References & Sources
- TSA. “Belts Clothes and Shoes” The TSA “What Can I Bring?” guide lists “Belts, Clothes and Shoes” as permitted items in both carry-on and checked bags.
- Msudenver. “Keep Your Shoes on Tsa Policy Change Explained by Msu Denver Aviation Expert” Aviation experts note that the policy change reflects improvements in security technology, allowing TSA officers to focus on higher-risk items rather than routine shoe removal.