Has anyone actually been grounded for refusing to remove his or her shoes? According to the TSA’s new policy that took effect on August 13, you won’t be allowed to board your flight if you don’t put your shoes through the x-ray machine. In truth, the former shoe policy wasn’t exactly “voluntary” since noncompliance usually earned you a secondary screening. However, I was never hassled when I wore sandals or flip-flops, and a grin was sometimes enough to get through the metal detector with my sneakers still on my feet. But now, they’re making everyone walk barefoot or in socks! It’s gross and unsanitary, not to mention inconvenient and embarrassing. I still can’t believe that the TSA has gotten away with this practice, which clearly disregards any concern for public health. Several recent studies have definitely shown that it can spread disease. I know we’re allowed to wear disposable booties, which is certainly a lot better than walking barefoot. But can you imagine how much slower the security lines would move if everyone did that? Besides, booties don’t offer much protection from a shard of glass...and don’t think it can’t happen. A few months ago at NY LaGuardia, I noticed a TSO sweeping some broken glass from the tiled floor on the opposite side of the conveyor belt. She’d apparently dropped a confiscated bottle of perfume. Of course, none of the TSO’s checked to see if any bits of glass had scattered across to where everyone, including me, was walking barefoot. So, what would happen if I refused to join the “shoe carnival” the next time I fly? Would I really be grounded, or would they agree to swab my shoes instead? What if I wore very thick socks with a pair of firm inserts (like Dr. Scholls) for added protection? If they noticed the outline through my socks would they be suspicious? Would they force me to take off my socks, and could they ground me if I refused?