Short answer: The blue covers people wear over their shoes in hospitals are called disposable shoe covers. You will also hear them called surgical shoe covers, booties, boot covers or foot covers. They are usually made from lightweight polypropylene, and they keep dirt on your shoes from being tracked into a clean space.
What are the blue covers called?
There is no single official name. The same product goes by several:
- Disposable shoe covers
- Surgical shoe covers or surgical booties
- Boot covers or booties
- Foot covers or overshoes
If you are searching online, any of these works. "Shoe covers" and "booties" return the most results.
Why are they blue?
There is no rule that says they have to be. Blue is simply the most common color for disposable healthcare supplies, so it is what most people picture. Shoe covers also come in white, black and other colors.
What are they used for?
People wear shoe covers anywhere the floor needs to stay clean:
- Hospitals and clinics: in areas where staff or visitors are asked to cover their shoes.
- Labs and cleanrooms: to limit the dirt carried in on shoe soles. Blue Shoe Guys covers are suitable for clean room use.
- Homes and open houses: to protect floors and carpet from dirt and moisture.
- Job sites: when contractors, painters and service techs work inside someone else's home.
Each facility sets its own rules, so always follow the requirements of the place you are in.
Are they the same as sterile surgical booties?
Not always. Some covers are sold sterile and labeled that way. Many everyday disposable shoe covers are not. Blue Shoe Guys covers are suitable for clean room use. If your facility requires sterile covers or a specific cleanroom class, check the product label and the facility's requirements before you buy.
What are they made of?
Most disposable shoe covers are made from a lightweight non-woven plastic fabric, typically polypropylene. Ours are 100% homopolymer polypropylene and are latex-free, PVC-free and phthalate-free. Some covers add a non-slip sole, which helps on wet tile and hardwood. See our product specs for details.
How to put them on
- Hold the cover open and slide your toe in first.
- Pull it over your heel so the elastic sits snugly around your ankle.
- Check that your whole shoe is covered, including the edge of the sole.
- Take them off when you leave the area and throw them away. Disposable covers are made for one use.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy hospital-style shoe covers for home use?
Yes, they are sold to the public. Our disposable shoe covers fit shoe sizes 6 to 14 and men's work boots up to size 13, and stretch to about 16.9 inches long.
Can I wash and reuse them?
Disposable covers are designed for single use. If you want covers you can wear again, look at reusable waterproof shoe covers, or read our guide to disposable vs reusable shoe covers.
Are they waterproof?
Disposable covers are usually water-resistant, not fully waterproof. See how water resistance is tested.
Can they be recycled?
Polypropylene can be recycled where local facilities accept it. Read what to know about recycling shoe covers.
Need shoe covers?
Our buying guide covers colors, sizes and materials, or shop shoe covers directly.