Writer Tom Pugh investigates German hygiene practices, particularly the insistence on removing shoes indoors, through a scientific lens. He contrasts Germany's approach with similar practices in Japan to highlight cultural differences. While some German hygiene recommendations appear rooted in science, such as evidence linking shoe soles to harmful bacteria and toxins, Pugh questions whether all these practices are scientifically justified or simply cultural quirks. His research reveals a mix of valid concerns and traditional beliefs within these hygiene rituals.
A study conducted at the University of Arizona found more than 421,000 bacteria on the soles of a single pair of shoes, including strains that can cause diarrhoea, meningitis and pneumonia.
The endless business of taking shoes off and putting them on again feels like less of a chore in Asia than it does in Germany.
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