An image of the famous footprint on the Moon is being widely shared alongside a photo of the Apollo 11 astronauts’ pressure boots, with claims that the two do not match — suggesting the Moon landing was faked or staged. However, the claim is false. The confusion stems from comparing the wrong type of boots.
Users like @BGatesIsaPyscho and @AndreGA_Pe circulated the comparison, stating:
“Fact checkers say they left their ‘over boots’ on the Moon, hence the different prints. Reality is it’s just something else NASA didn’t fully think through.”
This kind of confusing claim keeps popping up on social media, stirring up old Moon landing conspiracy theories.
Truth: Lunar Overshoes Match the Footprint — Moon Landing Image Is Authentic
As this post went viral, it drew our attention. The D Intent Data Team started the investigation immediately. We reviewed NASA’s official website and astronaut suit manuals, and here’s what we found that the Apollo astronauts wore lunar overshoes — a protective outer layer with distinct tread patterns — over their pressure boots during moonwalks. These overshoes were designed specifically for walking on the lunar surface and match exactly the footprint shown in the famous image. NASA’s official documentation and mission photographs confirm this. The iconic footprint, often shown in textbooks and media, belongs to Buzz Aldrin, not Neil Armstrong.
These overshoes, along with many other mission tools, were left on the Moon to reduce weight during the return trip.
3587
— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) June 29, 2025
ANALYSIS: Misleading
FACT: An image of the iconic footprint on the Moon is being circulated alongside a photo of the pressure boot worn by Apollo 11 astronauts, with claims that the footprint doesn't match the boot worn by the astronauts, (1/5) pic.twitter.com/cIVGPgXT5h
Intent:
Influencers and conspiracy theorists are circulating misleading Apollo 11 images with false claims to push anti-NASA narratives and revive baseless Moon landing hoaxes.
Conclusion:
Claim: The Moon footprint doesn’t match astronaut boots, proving the landing was fake.
Fact: Astronauts wore outer lunar overshoes with distinct tread, which match the footprint exactly.
Related Article: NASA Used the Same Background for Different Photos in The Apollo 17 Mission? Fake Moon Landing?: Fact-Check
