TSA Proof Shoes

[Otto_Pilot]

In our never-ending battle to prevent harassment by the TSA professionals I am looking for types of shoes which do not have a metal shank. They are, unfortunately, rather expensive.

The ones i've found are:

Dunham Ruggards - Nice looking shoes -- look much less like sneakers than other varieties, but appear to wear unevenly around the heel on the inside of the shoe.

Bostonian Akron

Has anyone else found a pair that wont set off the hyper sensitive metal detectors?

Now if only they would invent a laptop that I could leave in my bag rather than take out every single time I go through security life would be almost back to normal...

 

[Pikey]

Ecco shoes, I have worn the City Walker for close to four years. They do not have a steel shank but have been extremely durable and comfortable. A TSA agent "wanded" them a few weeks ago and we didn't hear a peep. They are around 100 bucks but I feel that they are well worth the price.

 

[metrodriver]

Look in the interview section either under general or corporate, there is a thread about justin boots and non-metal shanks

 

[TriStar_drvr]

Deer Stags. Similar to Rockports. They are very comfortable, and have never set of the alarm. The one drawback is that the leather is very soft and scuffs easily. They come in several styles, smooth toe, wing tip, etc. and can be found at Penny's and other similar department stores for around $40.

 

[de727ups]

From the boot thread...

Model 3170 Justin Roper. It is made with a fiberglass shank.

 

[Eagleflip]

I second the Deer Stags--they are a very comfortable shoe and look great.

 

[V1Cutt]

Do it yourself

I cut the metal shanks out of my Rockports. Just pull out the padding in the bottom, get a sharp razor blade and cut through the cardboard. You'll find about a 2 inch strip of stiff aluminum (at least in Rockports). Pretty easy job, took me about 10 minutes total.
If you have a pair of shoes that are somewhat worn, what have you got to lose?
I can't tell any difference in the shoes at all and I now I dont have to worry about wasting my time with the Nazi's.

 

[Ismokedya]

I have had the best luck with Kenneth Cole. No metal.

 

[DO328-JET FO]

I bought some Dr. Martens from www.zappos.com (free shipping, and if you don't like them, free shipping back too!)

I had heard they have a wood shank, but just to be sure, I had them run through the scanner at the airport, sure enough, no metal!

It's great not to have to take my shoes off every time I go through security.

 

[JBcrjca]

Hey D328FO, a question for you sir-

Which style of Dr Martens did you get? I checked the Zappos website, and I can only find one style that looks suitable for uniform use...the 8501 series, without the bright yellow thread. Most of the other styles look a bit odd. If there's no metal shank, I'll have to order a pair.

My trusty Skechers have been very comfortable and durable, and they take a lot of abuse. But the heels are wearing down, and I'm absolutely sick of taking my shoes off every time I go through a checkpoint. Time for new shoes with no metal!

Thanks for any additional info.

 

[Captain X]

Re: From the boot thread...

Model 3170 Justin Roper. It is made with a fiberglass shank.

Yep. Been about as long as lift has existed. Never set off them thar' beepin' thangs.

 

[DO328-JET FO]

JBcrjca

I actually have the ones with yellow thread. You can take a black sharpie and color the yellow in if you want.

But, before you do that, wear them a bit on carpet to make sure they fit well. Mine took a long time to break in too. But they are nice now, and I haven't had to take them off yet.

Cheers,

DO328JET FO

 

[ahaly]

Check the ad in the ALPA Airline Pilot magazine. There is a small quarter page ad somewhere in the magazine about a service that will remove the steel shanks in your shoes and replacing them with plastic ones.

Its on page 45 in the April 2003 issue.

 

[VGerect]

Has anyone tried Thorogood shoes? I've been looking at a pair of their lightweight uniform shoes model #834-6056 , they are postal approved (nothing like postal shoes in the cockpit) they also have fiberglass shanks.
JGear.com has them for $97
http://www.weinbrennerusa.com/dspNavCategory.cfm?catid=13&subcatid=14&level3=12&productid=71#

 

[Frank Bama]

Dr. Marten's

Hey JBcrjca,

The shoe store you by them at will dye the yellow thread black. That is what I did with mine. They match my uniform nice and the TSA doesn't hassle me anymore going through security. Fly Safe.

 

[wil]

Check your local surplus store for "Royal Mail" shoes. They are Doc Martens that are issued to the UK Post office (you know the Brits- have to be a dandy!!). They are about 1/2 price in comparison to regular Docs and are black with black stiching. Super comfortable and it is great to walk through security without removing my shoes!!

 

[JediNein]

SAS - San Antonio Shoes. Their black "Time Out" line has been through airport security about 3-5x per day for three years and never been a problem. They are dressy, lace-ups, and polish just fine. About $90-120 a pair, and if you have different sized feet, they'll make a pair just for you.

Fly SAFE!
Jedi Nein

 

[jsoceanlord]

i was going through security in philly and a young oriental high school kid was being searched and had his pants half way down.

he had like burgundy boxer shorts on.


i said like a shocked "duude!?" and he almost passed out

 

[turning2]

WTF

i was going through security in philly and a young oriental high school kid was being searched and had his pants half way down.

he had like burgundy boxer shorts on.


i said like a shocked "duude!?" and he almost passed out

LOL.

Wow, duuude you've gotta lay off the green

 

[RocketRob]

Can't say enough good things about ECCO shoes. Look nice, really comfy, no.... repeat no metal!