Metal-Free Footwear Helps Alleviate Travel Stress (NAPSA)—Whentraveling via the world’s airports these days, putting your best foot forward often means having to take off your shoes—or does it? According to a recent survey, more than half of U.S. consumersbelieveit is mandatory to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints or are unsureif such action is optional. In fact, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), shoe removalis only necessary if metal—found inside some shoes—is detected at airport security checkpoints. Yet nearly 30 percent of survey respondents believe airport policy mandates shoe removal, while 23 percent are uncertain, and an additional two percentfeel it varies by airport. Whyis it so bad to remove your shoes? According to the survey, many Americansfind airport shoe removal to be inconvenient (40 percent) and time-consuming (20 percent). Others (11 percent) are embarrassed to remove their shoes or fear getting their socks dirty (nine percent). To ease travel, especially for business travelers who frequently find themselves at security checkpoints, some footwear companies, such as ECCO, now offer shoes free of metal. Metal is often used in a shoe’s mid-sole to provide supportfor the foot. More than 90 percent of ECCO shoes are produced with nonmetal shanks that provide the same support but are lighter weight and don’t set off airport screening machines. “We understand the stress associated with flying and are ah a Shoes made without metal are a convenienttravel option. pleased to provide comfortable and metal-free footwear to make the airline travel experience less time consuming and more enjoyable,” said Jan Stig Andersen, president and chief executiveofficer of ECCO US. When searching for shoes for your next business trip or vacation, ECCO offers the following recommendations: Metal-less shoes—confirm that the footwear does not have a metal shank, so you can eliminate one headachein airport security. Comfort—You want the shoe to fit your foot; you don’t want your foot to have to conform to a poorly fitting shoe. Lightweight—Light, but supportive shoes will ensure your feet don’t get fatigued logging endless corridors through airports, and are easier to pack and tote along. Keep Moving—Onlongflights, walk around the plane or conduct in-seat exercises to prevent foot and leg swelling. To learn more about travelfriendly shoes, visit the Web site at www.buyecco.com.
