On any given day, about 1 in 31 hospital patients has at least one hospital-associated infection, according to the Center for Disease Control and Infection (CDC). Clothing, especially worn by healthcare professionals, is susceptible to a high level of contamination in a hospital setting. Yet shoes––which nearly 40% in a community setting contain traces of Clostridium difficile (C. diff)––are often overlooked as a contributor.
A new study conducted by Hospital Epidemiologist Victor R. Lange, found indisputable evidence of Gales® shoes being the only footwear proven effective against contamination in a healthcare setting. This groundbreaking research, published in a report available on Nurse.org, highlights Gales® as the only footwear that adequately removes contaminants from the shoe surface while preventing strike-through of harmful bacteria and disease.
Key study findings include:
- Gales® Tops in Germ Removal & Prevention: The study analyzed eight footwear brands to determine their resistance against contamination. A staggering 7 out of these 8 shoes could neither effectively combat the strike-through of disease nor efficiently clear germs from their surfaces. Emerging as the singular standout, Gales® shoes showcased unparalleled efficiency in both protective and germ removal capacities. The brand's proprietary technology, distinctive design, and superior materials contributed to the highest scores in cleanliness and contamination reduction, both externally and internally.
- Unbeatable Protection from Strike-Through: Beyond mere surface cleanliness, Gales® demonstrated unmatched capability in preventing contaminants from migrating from inside the shoe to the wearer’s sock. This feature is paramount, ensuring healthcare professionals are shielded from possible pathogens, thereby minimizing the risk of inadvertently transporting these pathogens outside the workplace.
- Footwear: A Game Changer in Infection Control: Dr. Lange’s insightful research draws attention to the instrumental role footwear plays in infection control. The healthcare setting, prone to heightened risks of pathogen transmission, demands intensified scrutiny. The findings emphasize that even with rigorous cleaning and disinfection protocols in place, footwear remains a vulnerable point for pathogenic organisms to linger. This study serves as an urgent call for reconsidering footwear hygiene protocols in healthcare.
For those invested in safeguarding the health of our healthcare workers and ensuring the highest standards of infection control, Gales® shoes have established themselves as the unequivocal choice.
About Gales®
Gales® Founder and CEO, Rob Gregg, used his ten-plus years in footwear design and enlisted feedback from over 1,500 healthcare workers to create a lightweight, comfortable, and protective shoe at an affordable price point. For more information, visit https://www.weargales.com
