When having a suspect remove his shoes for a search, don’t permit him to do it with his hands. Make him slide his shoes off with his feet.
A deputy in California followed this cautious procedure to his great relief. During a traffic stop he’d arrested a passenger, a parolee, for a drug offense. During the booking search, the deputy kept the arrestee handcuffed and had him wiggle his white tennis shoes off with his feet. Lying in the bottom of the left shoe was a fully loaded .22 revolver. The suspect had shown no impediment from the bulk and possible pain from the gun under his foot when walking.
Also, take a moment to check suspects’ wrists at the time of handcuffing. Savvy subjects may rub ChapStick or other lip balm on their wrists to make it easier for them to slip out of your cuffs.