CDC 2025 Report Confirms Shoe Covers Reduce Bacterial Spread in Hospitals

Shoe covers offer a simple but effective barrier that can help limit the spread of bacteria in hospitals laboratories and other sensitive environments when used correctly.

Shoe covers have become standard gear in hospitals, cleanrooms, laboratories, and even some home or office settings—but how well do they actually block bacteria? Let’s dive into the science and best practices around shoe covers and their effectiveness for infection control.

How Shoe Covers Work

Shoe covers are typically made from disposable nonwoven fabrics, plastics, or waterproof materials and are designed to fit over everyday footwear. Their main purpose is to act as a physical shield, preventing dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants from being tracked into or out of areas where cleanliness and sterility are vital.

How Shoe Covers Prevent Bacterial Spread

Reducing Surface Contamination:
Shoes can carry bacteria picked up from floors in public spaces, streets, or restrooms. If not contained, these germs can be deposited onto otherwise clean floors—potentially causing infection or contamination. Shoe covers help contain this risk by creating a barrier between the outer shoe and the floor.

Essential in Healthcare and Cleanrooms:
In hospitals or surgical suites, shoe covers are a vital part of infection control. They help stop the movement of dangerous bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus or Clostridioides difficile, between rooms or to vulnerable patients. Similarly, in pharmaceutical labs and food processing plants, shoe covers help maintain a controlled, hygiene-critical environment.

Supporting Evidence:
Research shows that when used consistently and correctly, shoe covers reduce the spread of bacteria onto hospital floors and equipment. However, they’re most effective as part of a broader hygiene protocol—including handwashing, sterile gowns, gloves, and surface cleaning.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains, “Shoe and boot covers… may be used… to reduce transfer of infectious agents. Shoe covers should be part of a larger protection protocol and must be changed frequently to be effective.”

Best Practices and Limitations

• Proper Use is Essential:
  Shoe covers work best when donned and doffed correctly, and replaced anytime you move between contaminated and clean zones. Used improperly, or worn for too long, they can themselves become contaminated sources.

• Environmental Impact:
  Most shoe covers are one-time-use and disposable, raising concerns about medical waste. Use should be balanced with necessity and proper disposal procedures.

• Not Always Needed at Home:
  In non-sensitive environments, like homes or offices, regular cleaning, hand hygiene, and simply removing shoes at entryways can be as effective as using covers.

Where Shoe Covers Are Most Valuable

• Operating rooms, isolation areas, and ICUs in hospitals

• Pharmaceutical, cleanroom, and biotech labs

• Food production areas requiring sterile conditions

• Electronics and high-precision manufacturing spaces

The Takeaway

Shoe covers do help reduce bacterial spread—especially in places requiring the highest levels of cleanliness and hygiene. While they’re no substitute for thorough protocols that include cleaning, disinfection, and hand hygiene, they offer an added layer of protection against the accidental transport of microbes on footwear.

In environments where infection risk is high, shoe covers are a practical and reliable defense—provided they’re used and disposed of properly.