Most students don’t see a problem with wearing no socks with open-toed shoes, such as Birkenstocks, flip-flops, or slides, to school, but having your toes out in a learning setting can actually be repulsive to some, making those around you uncomfortable. In a place where everyone is packed together all day, exposed feet can feel unhygienic, inappropriate, and out of place. Open-toed shoes might be pleasant for the person wearing them, especially living in San Diego, but they create hygiene issues and make the classroom less comfortable for others.

   Having your toes out poses a significant hygiene concern, especially in a school setting. At UC High, over 1,500 students walk through the hallways each day, making the floors extremely unclean. In fact, according to the National Science Foundation, surfaces in public high schools can contain over 2.7 million bacteria per square inch, and even after cleaning, up to half of the germs remain and quickly return within days (nsf.gov). When students wear shoes that expose their feet, they come into contact with dirt, germs, and who knows what else, making it a major safety risk. Students also may get upset about the smell. According to Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials, feet have over 250,000 sweat glands, which release a terrible smell. (clevelandclinic.org) Having unclean, exposed feet can create smells that nobody wants to deal with while learning.

   Just a few months ago, wearing shoes that expose your toes was seen as extremely unusual and unhygienic in a classroom setting. But now, since it has become popular, those same students who would have pointed and laughed if they saw this are starting to follow the trend. It seems like students are just hiding behind trends that may feel uncomfortable or forced. Just because social media and peer influence are making this style feel acceptable doesn’t mean it is suitable for the environment. What was once considered gross is now being overlooked, even though the setting has not changed.

   As mentioned, having your toes out at school can make others extremely uncomfortable, especially in an environment where students are trying to focus and learn. Classrooms are shared spaces, and when someone has their feet exposed, it can be distracting and unpleasant for those around them. Many students don’t want to see someone else’s feet while they are trying to pay attention in class. “In my opinion, having your toes out at school is really weird, especially for guys. No one wants to see your feet when I am trying to learn at school, and it just makes the whole classroom feel more uncomfortable and distracting,” said Junior Malcom Solt. Open-toed shoes can really take away from a comfortable learning environment and make it harder for students to stay focused.

   Some may argue that open-toed shoes are more comfortable, especially in hot weather. Others might say that since there is no dress code at UC High, they should be able to express themselves however they choose. While these points make sense individually, people who have this opinion are selfish and do not take into account that their choices can affect others negatively.

   Open-toed shoes do not belong in schools; they are unprofessional, cause hygiene issues, and definitely don’t belong in a learning environment. Classrooms are places where students should be able to learn without being uncomfortable or distracted, and feet can take away from that. Just because something is trending doesn’t automatically make it appropriate; students should choose more appropriate footwear so everyone can learn comfortably.