Navigating the lines at airport security is miserable, we all know it. But wearing the right things can be the difference between a not-so-great and an awful situation by the time you hit security. While my Birkenstocks are practically glued to my feet, a recent visit to the airport convinced me that they may be better off left in the carry-on.
As a proud TSA Prechecker, I've come to rely on the fact that usually I can breeze through airport security in 10 minutes flat, laptop tucked into my bag and shoes still on. But, as I attempted to glide my way through the metal detector, I cringed as I heard the noise everyone in the terminal dreads most, an alarm.
While my Birkenstocks are undeniably comfy, it turns out they aren't exactly TSA-approved and my metal buckles had set off security. Now, I had to trod back, toss my shoes on the conveyor belt and barefooted (yep) go back through the checkpoint. What I considered my easiest pair of shoes turned out to be not-so-easy when it came to crunch time.
As it turns out, there are lots of other shoes with hidden metal, apt to set off a metal detector. Take stilettos, for example; many have a metal rod in the heel, but it's tough to tell by simply looking at them. To avoid the germy possibility of striding barefoot through the airport, it's best to avoid anything that might set of the machines and instead stick to basic slide sandals or my footwear of choice, slip-on sneakers. And if you find yourself still needing to remove your shoes, make sure you have socks handy.
Now that you know, avoid the TSA run-around and shop airport sandals below.
AVOID
- Any shoes with buckles or any other large metallic details
- High heels, especially stilettos
- Shoes you find uncomfortable (especially since your feet will swell in flight)
- Keeping socks only in your suitcase
These knotted sandals are stylish and comfortable.
Slides get a designer upgrade.
Slip into a little something satin.
A modern twist on the classic pool slide.
Your feet will surely be comfy in these.
These slides go with everything.
When you want to make your airport visit that much more luxe.
You'll be ready to head straight from your flight to the beach.
These comfortable slides are a fashion-girl favorite.
Take things up a notch with a punch of color.
A small heel adds a sophisticated twist.
These slides will fit the bill year round.
Millennial Pink is a must for the coming months.
Pair these slides with a light dress for a trip somewhere warm.
These affordable sandals are an easy choice.
Go full comfort in these ultra-furry slides.Want more? I always wear these sneakers to the airport.
-
Wait, Everything Is on Sale at J.Crew—These 29 Elegant Fall Finds Are the StandoutsGet 40% off full-priced items.
-
5 Street Style Trends From Milan Fashion Week That Will Be Everywhere This FallTake notes.
-
I Officially Have a Zordy Closet—31 Zara andReplica Store Standouts That I'm Living In Straight Through FallPlus, chic fall 2025 outfit ideas that I plan on re-creating ASAP.
-
I Know You're Stylish If You Replace Your Hoodie With This Equally Comfy (But Much Chicer) Jacket TrendInspired by Kerry Washington.
-
I Just Spotted the Easiest Way to Dress Up Casual Jeans For Fall on a Celeb in MilanThis three-piece outfit is as elegant as it is cool.
-
J.Crew Just Partnered With the Luxury Afrofuturist Jewelry Brand You Should Know About—6 Gorgeous Pieces From the Capsule CollectionAn elegant collaboration with Khiry's Jameel Mohammed.
-
The Naked Dress Is Dead—Unless It's the Plot-Twist Version Dakota Johnson Just Wore on the Red CarpetSee how she reinvented the trend.
-
Forget Minimalism—at Prada, Pastel Coats, Frankenstein Skirts, and (Lots of) Jewels Marked a New Era in FashionSay hello to every item chic people will be buying come spring 2026.
