Rental shoes are not a source of tinea pedis

Tinea pedis is a common disease that affects up to 70% of adults during a lifetime. Most cases are caused by Trichophyton species. Worldwide, terbinafine resistance among dermatophytes is rising, which is concerning as terbinafine is the first-line treatment. Due to concerns regarding potential epidemics, this study was conducted to investigate whether rental climbing and bowling shoes are a source of societal spread.

A sampling was conducted on 103 pairs of rental climbing shoes and 102 pairs of bowling shoes across four climbing clubs and four bowling clubs, utilising a previously published swabbing technique and culturing. Positive cultures were identified by microscopy and internal transcribed spacer sequencing. Additionally, a questionnaire was completed regarding shoe material and disinfection method.

No dermatophytes were detected on any of the rental shoes. All bowling clubs and one climbing club employed fungicidal cleaning methods.

Rental climbing and bowling shoes are unlikely to present an immediate risk for the societal transmission of dermatophytes.

The Royal Hofbundtmager Age Bang Foundation is acknowledged for funding the laboratory work (number 9622-3439).

The local committee of research ethics (Region Zealand, Denmark, EMN-2021-01399) waived ethical approval.