Why can't you wear shoes in a coffin?

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If you’re curious about funeral traditions and practices, you may have learned that most people aren’t buried wearing shoes.

However, it’s often unclear why shoes are not commonly placed on a body when being prepared for burial. Is it for practical reasons? Are there environmental concerns at play?

People are buried without shoes for practical, environmental, and traditional reasons. Shoes are difficult to place on a dead body due to the effects of rigor mortis, while many materials found in shoes are harmful to the environment. Some religious burial practices also forbid the use of shoes. Keep reading to learn more about why most people aren’t buried without shoes, as well as if shoes can be used at the request of the deceased’s family.

Five Reasons Why People Are Buried Without Shoes

There are various environmental and traditional reasons why people are buried without shoes:

Reason 1: Mourners Won’t See The Feet

Many open-casket funerals are half-couch. This means that the casket lid is split into two halves, and only the half which shows the upper body is open for viewing. Technically, you could still put shoes on your loved one. However, many choose not to, as they don’t see a point in clothing a body part that won’t be on display. However, if an open casket funeral is full-couch (meaning the whole casket is open and the body in full view), you might want to consider shoes. This is one of the more practical reasons for burying someone without shoes. It’s also one less thing for funeral directors to worry about when preparing the body for burial.

Reason 2: The Deceased Wanted a Green Burial

If your loved one wants a green burial, shoes might be completely off the table. The idea behind a green burial is to let the body – and whatever’s on or with it – naturally decompose into the earth. If anything on the body isn’t biodegradable, like zippers, velcro, polyester, or elastic, it defeats that purpose. Most shoes are made from non-degradable materials, such as treated leather and synthetic rubber. In addition, these materials might leach dangerous chemicals into the earth, which would go against the idea of an eco-friendly burial. If your loved one chooses cremation, they won’t be able to wear shoes for that, either. Both treated leather and synthetic rubber are environmentally dangerous to burn.

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Reason 3: It’s Hard To Put Shoes On A Dead Body

When someone dies, the entire composition of their body changes. Rigor mortis causes the body to lose flexibility, locking the ankles, knees, and toes into place. In addition, the process of dying can cause the feet can change shape. If your loved one went through a long illness before death, their feet might have shrunk. This makes it much more difficult to put shoes on the body. For this reason, unless the family specifically requests that shoes are worn, most funeral directors and embalmers won’t bother.

Reason 4: The Family Doesn’t Want The Shoes To Be Buried

There are a few reasons why the family might not want to give up the deceased’s shoes. For example, if someone else in the family can wear them, it might feel like a waste. In addition, the shoes might serve as a memento for the lost loved one. These reasons echo back to the cultural practices of Europe in the Middle Ages, when shoes were considered an expensive luxury. Passing a dead person’s shoes to someone else was a better, more practical option than burying them. Many also believed that shoes stored the personality and characteristics of the previous wearer.

Reason 5: It’s Part Of A Cultural Tradition

Two religions in particular – Judaism and Islam – traditionally bury their dead naked in a shroud. Therefore, shoes are not a necessary or practical aspect of these burials. In addition, some Buddhists – like those in Tibet or certain parts of China – practice sky burials. A body is completely unclothed for this ritual, which again makes the use of shoes redundant. Obviously, these are not the only examples of funeral customs which exclude shoes. However, they can provide an explanation for certain burials.

What do Bodies Wear Instead of Shoes?

Some companies have previously tried to market shoe alternatives for burial. In 1912, the Practical Burial Footwear Company patented a line of stylish shoes with laces in the back. These served dual purposes; the deceased could wear a pair of nice shoes for their burial, and morticians wouldn’t have to struggle to put them on.

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Though this trend lasted well into the 20th century, it has since fallen by the wayside. Many funeral directors now provide socks instead of shoes as standard. If you want your loved one to be buried either with shoes or completely barefoot, you might have to request that specifically.

Can The Deceased Wear Shoes If The Family Provides Them?

Yes. In fact, a family request for shoes is one of the few reasons why a funeral home will put them on the body. If the embalmer or director can’t get the shoes on, they will usually tell the family. Tight shoes – such as dress shoes or boots – might be impossible to put on your loved one’s body. In this case, the family can choose whether they’re ok with the shoes being in the casket next to the feet, or if they’d prefer to forego the use of shoes. There are certain types of shoes that are easier to put on the foot of a body than others, such as sandals and slippers. If your dad had a favorite pair of soft slippers, for example, you could probably bury them with him. In virtually all cases, a funeral director will try to accommodate the family’s wishes as best as they possibly can. You should always feel free to ask questions and clarify with them.

Wrapping Up

There are many reasons why most people get buried without shoes. These include environmental concerns, religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and just plain practicality. Deciding what clothes your loved one will wear for burial will take some consideration. However, if your decision doesn’t involve shoes, that’s perfectly ok. If you found this piece insightful, be sure to read our guide on why the legs are covered in a casket next.

casketquestions.com - Why Are People Buried Without Shoes? - Casket Questions

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