The shoe removal process was implemented in 2006 "in response to an attempt by an airline passenger to conceal a bomb in his shoe," per USA TODAY.

Kristi Noem announced on July 8 shoes are no longer required to be removed at airport security. No longer requiring shoe removal went into effect immediately. TSA began requiring travelers to remove their shoes in 2006, in response to an attempt by an airline passenger to conceal a bomb in his shoe in December 2001.

Kristi Noem holds a press briefing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to announce an end to the TSA's policy of requiring passengers to remove their shoes at security checkpoints.