Expert: Walter Hintz - 10/18/2005

Question
I am doing a science fair project on "which type of shoes are the best environment for bacteria to grow?" and I am not sure what type information to research. I've already researched bacteria cell structure, sweat that attracts bacteria, and what causes the smell in your shoes, but I feel that I need more information and that I am missing something very important. If you have any more information for me or any topics to  research that would be great.
Thanks,
Hailee Thornton

Answer
Hi Hailee;
This sounds like an ambitious project and unique. I have never seen this done. Have you thought about the kind of materials that are used to make shoes and the shoe linings.  Leather,canvas,plastic etc.  Once you have formed a hypothesis and an experimental design let me know what's happening.