I went through security at Hailey, ID: a very small airport. My dress shoes didn't set off the metal detector, but I was pulled aside for wanding. Wanding the soles of my shoes was negative. Wanding of the tops of my shoes was positive (at a range of 1 inch) because of the metal grommets for the lace-holes. I was told to remove my shoes for xray. He also alerted on my (small) belt buckle.
These are thin leather dress shoes with medium-thin soles. It should be obvious that there is nothing in these shoes, since the soles came up negative. It seems to me that this screener needs to have some common sense.
Do any of the TSA screeners who read this thread think that this guy went overboard? Is there no discretion or common sense?
The guy then proceeded to wand my stocking feet.
There is a balance between "xray everything to enhance security" and "respect a citizen's dignity and liberty". Both sides give a little when necessary; judgement is required here.
Maybe there's something in my shoes. But then again, maybe there isn't.