I have just returned from a trip to SEA where on the outbound (PHX) everyone had to remove tennis shoes and all other shoes in the line I went through. I thought this young looking guy might be better, but no such luck. After going through barefoot due to no booties being available anywhere near the actual screening area and my sandals being "profiled" (they look over 1", according to the screener), I stated my dismay with their being no booties available (and having to remove my sandals) to a TSA female who's response was "Richard Reid".
On the return this am in Seattle, once again, all tennis shoes and other "profiled" shoes.
They also had this great system for first class and employees, you go into the lane with the elite and employee sign which goes nowhere. It ends and I guess you are to stand there until the woman about 20 ft further down sees you and decides to come over and check your bp, which is after you are well behind any other person who had gone into the "normal" line. Oh, if you are an employee, however, you are supposed to cut under the divider and smile at the TSA agent sitting there. If you are first class and ask about this, you are told to go wait for someone to get to you. Great system!! So, I stand there waiting for the preson checking bp, when she finally has time for me, I ask about the first class line, and the fact that I am further back now than I would have been if I had gone into the "normal" line. She tells me she doesn't work for security, and can't do anything. I look at her shirt which says xx airport security, and as tempted as I was to say something, it was just too early in the am for me! (5am).
Oh, all the while everyone in the "normal" line is trying to tell you that you went into the wrong place, and the entrance is "over there".
Sorry for my little rant, it was just stupid. But, the point of my post is that Bart says tennis shoes shouldn't have to be removed (unless you set off the alarm or have "thick soles") but in both PHX and SEA, I saw people being told to remove them.