Compression cubes. Dopp. Kit Bags for clothes. There are many great products on the market to help you organize your suitcase while traveling.
But one important type of item is conducive to organization and, perhaps more importantly, to hygiene. We accept shoe bags.
While some people are comfortable just putting their shoes on along with clothes and other luggage, the more germ-conscious of us may think twice. After all, do you really want your sneakers or the dirty soles of your work shoes to touch your clean clothes?
Why are shoe bags important?
“I think it’s a good idea to put the shoes in a grocery store plastic bag or one of the reusable bags you can buy before putting them in a suitcase,” she says. Filippo M. Tierno Professor of Microbiology and Pathology at the Grossman School of Medicine, New York University.
He noted that the level of “zoom” of a pair of shoes depends on many factors such as the design of the shoe, where it will go and how often it will be washed.
“If the bottom of the shoe has ridges or side edges or other points that can collect material, then imagine what they will get,” Tierno explains. “Depending on the city you live in, you are likely to walk on sidewalks and streets where people cough, spit and vomit. There is urine, human and animal feces, and some other elements that are quite germ.
Studies have shown that a pair of shoes can contain millions of bacterial organisms, including E. coli and other types of disease. And in addition to the soles of the shoes, there may also be germs on the inner side.
“Some people sweat more than others and wear Staphylococcus aureus, which can spread from the inside of the shoe until you see it below,” Tierno said. “Sweat also spreads odors that can spread around the suitcase.”
What is the risk level of not putting shoes in the bag?
“People do weird things in the community and when you walk down the street you can pick up all sorts of things that can be contaminated.” But the risk of infection is still pretty low, ”Tierno said.
He pointed out that for most people, our immune reactions and barriers, such as skin, protect us from infection, even when we encounter germs that spread through our shoes.
“You have to break down the skin to get a lot of germs,” Tierno added. “And even if you encounter microorganisms, you’ll need to harvest enough cells to cause infections. You can switch to harmful organisms, but I generally define it as low risk.”
Even if your risk of getting sick is low, you’re probably not interested in mixing your clothes with embryonic shoes with all their microscopic syringe, urine, vinegar, and dirt covered in glory. Sometimes, family members pack the same suitcase when traveling together or share the same luggage that is alternatively used for a separate trip.
And while your suitcase may have a separate outer compartment where you can store your shoes, you should also use it inside the bag. This is where shoe bags come in. From cubes for wrapping laundry to colorful ropes, there’s no shortage of storage options for your shoes.
If you’re looking to invest in a shoe bag before your next long flight, we’ve combined the options below. HuffPost may receive a portion of purchases made through links on this page. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Source: Huffpost
