From the Research
Warts can potentially be spread through shoes, particularly plantar warts which affect the feet, as the human papillomavirus (HPV) strains that cause them can survive on surfaces like the interior of shoes. These warts are caused by HPV strains that can survive on various surfaces, including shower floors, pool decks, and inside shoes 1. When someone with plantar warts wears shoes, the virus particles can be transferred to the shoe's interior. If another person then wears those shoes, especially if they have small cuts, cracks, or softened skin on their feet, they may contract the virus.
To prevent transmission, it is recommended to:
- Avoid sharing shoes, socks, or other footwear with others, especially if you or they have warts
- Wear socks if you must share shoes or try on footwear in stores
- Consider using disposable insoles in your shoes and replacing them regularly during treatment for those with plantar warts
- Keep feet clean and dry, as the virus thrives in warm, moist environments, to reduce transmission risk
If you have plantar warts, seek treatment from a healthcare provider who may recommend salicylic acid products, cryotherapy, or other removal methods depending on the severity, as supported by studies such as 2 and 3. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, although focused on genital warts, underscores the importance of preventive measures against HPV transmission, which can be applied to other types of warts as well.