What is the footwear step in gowning?

• A. Put on boots
• B. Keep shoes on
• C. Wear sandals
• D. Remove shoes; paper slippers are provided

Answer: (D)

Footwear must be kept clean to protect the sterile or clean environment. The correct step is to remove your shoes and slip into the disposable paper slippers provided. This creates a clean barrier between your feet and the area, preventing dirt, dust, and microorganisms from being carried in. Wearing boots or sandals or keeping regular shoes on would introduce contaminants, so removing footwear and using the supplied paper slippers is the appropriate practice.