[doikor]

They most likely have the new fancy 360 degree xray machines. Basically the operator can look at the stuff inside your bag from any angle so having a laptop (hunk of metal blocking you from seeing what is behind it) won't block them from seeing the other stuff in the bag and thus no need to take them out anymore.

Shoes we never had to remove shoes or if we had to it was for a very short period of time.

At least that is what they did at Helsinki-Vantaa airport here in Finland. This is what is being used now https://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/products/920ct