Can Ladies Wear Shoes During Umrah?

Yes, ladies can wear shoes during Umrah, including closed shoes, trainers, sandals and socks. The Ihram footwear limits, such as uncovered ankles, apply to men, not to women. Women who ask whether they can wear shoes during Umrah follow only 2 clothing limits in Ihram: no niqab and no gloves. This guide covers the footwear rules for ladies in Ihram, the Hanafi view and shoes for Tawaf and Sa'i. The guide then covers the best shoes for women, common footwear mistakes and frequent questions.

Can Women Wear Shoes During Umrah?

Yes, women can wear any shoes during Umrah, as long as they are modest and practical. Shoes that cover the whole foot, the heel and the ankle are allowed for women in Ihram, and so are socks. Scholars rule that a woman in Ihram can wear normal shoes and socks, and does not leave her feet uncovered.

Footwear Rules for Ladies in Ihram

The footwear rules for ladies in Ihram come down to 1 rule: women can wear any footwear, as the footwear limits of Ihram apply to men. The 4 sections below explain why, and what each type of footwear means for women.

Why the Footwear Limits Apply to Men Only

The footwear limits apply to men only, as the Prophet ﷺ set them for the man in Ihram. The Prophet ﷺ said that the man in Ihram should not wear khufuf, leather footwear that covers the ankles. A man who cannot find sandals cuts his khufuf below the ankles (Sahih al-Bukhari 1543; Sahih Muslim 1177). For women, the Prophet ﷺ named 2 limits only: a woman in Ihram does not wear a niqab or gloves (Sahih al-Bukhari 1838). Her feet are not on the list.

Can Women Wear Closed Shoes and Trainers in Ihram?

Yes, women can wear closed shoes and trainers in Ihram. Closed shoes, trainers, sneakers and flat walking shoes are all allowed, and they suit the long walks of Umrah.

Can Women Wear Sandals During Umrah?

Yes, women can wear sandals during Umrah. Wear socks with sandals, if you want your feet covered for modesty.

Can Women Wear Shoes That Cover the Ankles?

Yes, women can wear shoes that cover the ankles in Ihram. The scholars differ only on men: shoes covering the ankles are not allowed for a man in Ihram. Women are free of this difference.

Can Women Wear Socks in Ihram?

Yes, women can wear socks in Ihram, scholars state. Socks are forbidden for men in Ihram, as they cover the feet like khufuf.

Hanafi Ruling on Ladies' Footwear in Ihram

The Hanafi ruling on ladies' footwear in Ihram is the same as the other schools: women can wear any shoes and socks. The Hanafi rule that the top of the foot stays uncovered applies to men. Hanafi scholars allow a man in Ihram footwear that does not cover the ankle, as it counts as sandals (As-Sarkhasi, Al-Mabsut 4/127). Women in Ihram can follow the general guidance on what to wear for Umrah for the rest of their clothing.

Can Ladies Wear Shoes During Tawaf and Sa'i?

Yes, ladies can wear clean shoes or socks during Tawaf and Sa'i. Women can do Tawaf and Sa'i in socks and carry their shoes in a small cloth bag. The bag keeps the shoes with you, so you leave Masjid al-Haram by a different gate without losing them.

Which Shoes Are Best for Women on Umrah?

The best shoes for women on Umrah are flat, light and worn-in walking shoes. Women who walk a lot during Umrah need shoes with support and grip. The 4 qualities to look for are:

• Worn-in: shoes you have worn for weeks, so they do not cause blisters.
• Flat: a low heel, for hours of walking and standing.
• Breathable: light material for the heat of Makkah and Madinah.
• Easy to remove: slip-on shoes, as you take them off at the mosque doors.

Women with foot problems can wear medical shoes in Ihram. The Jordanian General Iftaa' Department allows medical shoes in Umrah for a need (Fatwa No. 800).

Common Footwear Mistakes Women Make on Umrah

The 4 common footwear mistakes women make on Umrah are:

• Thinking that women must wear open sandals, like men.
• Buying new shoes just before the trip.
• Wearing high heels, which tire the feet over long walks.
• Leaving shoes at the mosque door without a bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can women wear sneakers or trainers during Umrah?

Yes, women can wear sneakers or trainers during Umrah.

Can women wear closed shoes during Umrah?

Yes, women can wear closed shoes during Umrah, including shoes that cover the ankles.

Can ladies wear shoes during Umrah in the Hanafi school?

Yes, ladies can wear shoes during Umrah in the Hanafi school, as the Hanafi footwear rule applies to men.

Can women wear high heels during Umrah?

Yes, women can wear high heels during Umrah, as Ihram does not forbid them, but flat shoes suit the long walks better.

Conclusion

Ladies can wear shoes during Umrah, including closed shoes, trainers, sandals and socks, as the footwear limits of Ihram apply to men. A woman's only Ihram clothing limits are the niqab and gloves, in every school, the Hanafi school included. Choose flat, worn-in shoes for the long walks, and follow the other Ihram rules for women.

Now you have a clear answer Can Ladies Wear Shoes During Umrah? For your Umrah, Labbaik Hajj Umrah, a UK travel agency since 1991, offers UK Umrah packages. Get in touch with us to know more about them.