1,901. If the Chalitzah Shoe is Improper

Yibum v’Chalitzah 4:19

Chalitzah is valid if a wooden sandal was covered with leather or had leather soles and goat hair sides; if the yevama removed a left shoe from the yavam’s right foot; if the shoe didn’t belong to the yavam; if the shoe was too large but the yavam could still walk in it; it the shoe was too small but it covered the greater part of his foot; if the shoe was torn but it covered the greater part of his foot; or if the sole was opened but it covered the greater part of his foot.

Yibum v’Chalitzah 4:20

When there’s a question as to whether or not a sandal has been infected by tzaraas (colloquially “leprosy” but not really), or if it has been determined that it has, or if a sandal is placed on the feet of an idol, it may not be used for chalitzah. If such a shoe was used, the chalitzah is valid even though deriving benefit such a shoe is prohibited. If the shoe was made of leather from an animal that was offered to an idol, was from a condemned city, or was made for a corpse to be buried in, then if used for chalitzah, the chalitzah is invalid because such a shoe wasn’t made to be walked in.