Antimicrobials in shoes?

[HRJ]

I am finding that most children's sandals have some sort of antimicrobial treatment.  For instance, Keen uses an Aegis technology and Teva uses a Microban technology.  They say that the Microban is " environmentally friendly zinc technology".  I am pretty partial to the Keens b/c they work well for my son, and I feel that they protect his feet really well.  the Aegis website says that it doesn't leach to any other organism it comes into contact with.  I read somewhere on here or another parenting forum a few years back by a mother of a child with autism that she would not use any clothing/shoes that had antimicrobials.  I can't remember why.  Can anyone shed any light on this?  It is going to be hard to find shoes w/out the treatments it seems. 

[mamayogibear]

I don't think berkenstock or earth shoes use antimicrobials in them. I just spray my shoes with vinegar and tto if they get wet...