My experience throughout the UK and Ireland is that only "bulky" shoes have to come off, which in practice means anything that goes above the ankle and any high heels. In the UK, some airports (MAN and LCY being the ones I have observed) require that your shoes are x-rayed if you trigger the WTMD (and have cute little shoe carnival machines right after the WTMD for this purpose). Some airports (LHR is the one I've seen) from time to time require everyone in some of the lanes to remove their shoes.

I'm unaware (with the exception of DUB as mentioned above) of the treatment being any different depending on whether or not one is flying to the US, although I understand there is some secondary screening that takes place near the gate for US-bound flights.

I agree; the pictures in the UK also show/state that. 'Bulky' shoes or boots, including those rather, er, bulky Crocs that some people like to wear. My ballet flats have never caused any concern at all.

Thankfully there are several countries where you keep your shoes on, even if you are flying to the US. Mexico, for instance. ^

I've only flown out of LHR and FRA en route to the US and didn't have to take my shoes off at either one. Never had to take them off for intra-Europe flights either.

You always know who the Americans are when in line at security at foreign airports because they're the ones without shoes on.

BKK was shoes on however that was the VIP/Diplomat/CIP Fast track lane and I don't know if the regular lines have a different set of rules. Liquids were left in the suitcase, I don't think they cared about that vs. a rules saying yes or no.

SAL all shoes off as there is one entrance for all international flights. Liquids out.

MGA VIP entrance you could have a bazooka and all they'd want is to x-ray it before giving it back, regular entrance, shoes off. Computers in sometimes, out sometimes, liquid bag, leave in the suitcase.

HKG shoes on and the most efficient security, passport control system, check-in in the world I think. For transfer security it is very casual, not even computer out of the bag. Liquids leave in the suitcase.

I'm not exactly a globe-trotter, but the times I do fly out of non-US airports, I watch and do as the locals do. Haven't had any issues yet. How hard is it to observe, "Hey, everyone is going through the WTMD with shoes on, guess I can leave mine on, also!"

The mindset seems to be 'everyone else is wrong; I am right' and many also try and influence those around them to take off their shoes as well. I think that is the same mindset which says that TSA is the 'best' airport security in the world. After all, other countries don't require shoe removal, therefore their airport security must be lax.

It really slows down the line during busy periods, as I noted earlier.