Putting on Shoes
Question
Is it true that Jewish law requires one to put on shoes in a special way?
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question!
Yes, indeed! The proper manner to put on shoes is to put on the right shoe, but not tie it, then put on the left shoe, then tie the left shoe, and then tie the right shoe.
The reason for this is in order to give honor to both the left and the right sides of our body. As a general rule, the right side always takes priority. For example, when putting on a shirt, one should put one’s arm through the right sleeve first, when putting on socks, one should put on the right sock first, when showering, one should wash the right side of the body first, and one should ascend for an aliya from the right side. However, when it comes to tying, the left side is to be given preference. This is in order to recall the tefillin which are tied on the left arm. Lehaloch we say that it is only for shoes that one gives priority to the left when tying, this halacha is not only when tying but even when buttening which is also considered as tying. However, velcro would not be considered as tying and does not need to be closed on the left side first.
There is some discussion whether women should also give priority to the left side when tying shoes and other garments. le'halacha we say that since women don’t wear tefillin, there is no reason for them to give preference to the left side.
It is rather important to put on shoes in this manner. However one does not need to until the right shoe becomes available before putting on the shoes.
According to Halacha, a lefty is to give precedence to the right when tying. Even a lefty, however, should put the right shoe on first.
Source
Shabbat 61a; OC 2:4;
OC 141:7; Shulchan Aruch Harav, OC 2:4,6;
Mishna Berura 2:6,7, 260:1;
Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 3:4.