Shoes are never allowed in the house. Maybe it's a Chinese thing but I see people in their shoes on tv and it just pisses me off.

Shoes step on dirty public bathroom floors, disgusting public transit surfaces and there is probably trace amounts of dog crap on them as well.

There's no way I feel comfortable having all that on my floors.

Then its a Danish thing as well. Or maybe its only an American thing to leave your shoes on.

But why do you need your shoes on is my question?

We've always had a no shoe rule. I don't feel a need to buy socks or slippers for my guests but most of the people who frequent our home already know the rule.

Our family members have at least 1 pair of shoes(or slippers, flip flops, etc) that don't leave the house. That is our only exception that is allowed to be worn indoors.

Sunnydark said it--it really is just GROSS to have all of that come inside our home to cuddle up with.

We have done a no-shoe policy for a few years now and we love it. We are also renters and find the carpets stay cleaner longer which helps with the moving out inspection(military). However, I do find it really hard to enforce with extended family. No matter how many times I remind and offer alternatives I always, ALWAYS find them with dirty shoes on light colored carpet. It's a respect thing for me, my house my rules. We are in the process of buying our forever home, I guess I need buck up and enforce my rule!!

Why shoes in the house? Cat litter. As soon as I find a way to keep cat litter in the box without vacuuming three times a day, I'll be happy to ditch the shoes at the door. Also, my dog cannot drink water properly and there's always a puddle around the bowl and across the floor.

shoes in the house is gross and unsanitary...a guest of mine once stepped in a homeless man's urine on the street...then (at the end of the night) was confused when i flipped out on her for not taking her shoes off in my house. ugh.

Its also a Canadian prairie thing. We surely do NOT wear shoes in the house.

We have white carpet in our apartment, hence no shoes indoors. It's sometimes hard to get the fiance to comply. After I lugged up a Rug Doctor carpet cleaner up three flights to clean the dirt patch left from muddy water that dripped off his boots (vacuuming did nothing), I threw a fit and he's been better about it. But I can no longer imagine running around in shoes indoors, although I guess I must have in previous apartments or growing up.

As for cat litter, why are you stepping on it with your shoes at all? We keep it in an out of the way closet, and put a piece of carpet remnant underneath it to catch anything the cat might track out.

I usually take my shoes off at the door but its not necessarily because I am thinking about tracking things across the floor. I just like to have my shoes in one place and have found that if I don't take them off at the door then I tend to take them off wherever I sit down first (by the couch, near my bed, under the desk) and then I have to find them the next time I go to put them on. It saves time if I know exactly where they are and the sanitary thing is just a bonus to me.

When i lived in michigan i didn't know anyone who allowed shoes to be worn in the house. Snow and carpet never mix. I also never felt the need to provide slippers or "nice socks" for guests. The point is that since the shoes stay at the door the floors are clean enough to brave without extra precautions.

I would say if your having a large gathering lighten up on the no shoes business and concentrate on having a good time. no one like a hostess who badgers people to take their shoes off.

plus you would have to have enough room to accommodate all your guests shoes without people tripping over them to get in the door.

pet peeve...shoes on in the house. my inl-aws actually require all their guests to leave their shoes on because someone stepped on a sewing needle one time. (don't get me started.) i take some cozy slippers to wear at their house.

I see the appeal of no-shoes, but I'm better off wearing mine- back gets sore if I go barefoot indoors all day, especially if I'm cooking a lot. Also, cold feets!

margrietta - I have no such closets or out of the way places available, and I use a litter tracking mat as well, but it's ineffective. I sweep constantly, but frankly, it gets tiresome and I'd just rather wear shoes than step on wayward bits. The water is actually more annoying, though.

Well, uh... I wear shoes in my house and don't give it a second thought! I have two dogs who are always running in and out of the house, so I figure whatever trace amounts of stuff I drag in on my shoes are a drop in the bucket compared to the dirt and mud they drag in several times a day. But then again, I don't have kids (or adults) playing on the floor, so whatever nasties are crawling around on the ground don't come in direct contact with hands, food, etc. (And yes, I realize I have totally just outed myself as a contaminant-ridden slob to all you "no-shoe" practitioners.)

I agree with shoes indoors as unsanitary but have had a difficult time implementing a no shoes policy with my extended family.

I never ask anyone to remove their shoes, wouldn't dream of it. Some do, some don't.

I like to take mine off and put on slippers (or flip flops in the summer) because it means I am *home*.

I grew up in a no-shoe household, and think it's a great way to keep germs and dirt at bay... I also have friends who insist on no-shoes policy, and keep a basket of Land's End slippers handy for anyone who gets, um, cold feet. Go for it!

I hardily agree with the shoes-off crowd. I live in a studio apartment in the city and cannot understand wearing dirty shoes in the house. Also, I cringe when I see people in movies or on TV wearing their shoes in bed or on the couch. Do people really do this in real life. Gross!

ZERO FUN. It always struck me as a rule a really uptight mom would enforce... I personally don't like going shoeless when I'm not at home and don't like the look of nude toes. As for the sanitation argument, it seems less sanitary to me to have a bunch of naked feet rubbing all over my apartment.

I live in New York and and my family does not wear shoes inside the house. My son's friends also have to take off their shoes.
But adult guests who come to our house (other than family) don't normally offer to remove their shoes nor would I ever ask anyone to (except maybe during a snowstorm?).
Ask the 10 people who were here last night for a volunteer committee planning meeting to take off their shoes?
I can't imagine it. I would be embarrassed.

I've lived "no-shoes-on-in-the-house" for scores of years and it's a much cleaner way to go. Most visitors don't mind taking off their shoes, and for any who are uncomfortable with that, I have little booties they can put on over their shoes.
Over the years, I've seen more and more people adopting this way of living. Some do it purely for reasons of cleanliness, like my scientist aunt, and others for reasons that are both physical and spiritual, as is the custom in many Asian countries.
I am sorry that Mand feels the way she does. From a partygiver's perspective, no host or hostess enjoys having a guest who disrespects the rules of the house. To keep the atmosphere compatible, I would suggest that people who can't stand being shoeless not be invited or, if they are invited, that they not come.

My mother had a strict no shoes rule when I was growing up because she had light colored carpet. I have friends who also have a no shoe rule. You can either remove your shoes or wear the shoe coverings they provide.

In my home I remove my shoes and wear flip flops that are for indoor use only. I don't like to walk barefoot on hardwood floors.

Oh yeah -- seconded about being grossed out seeing people with shoes on in bed or on furniture. While I'm fine with shoes in the house, shoes on furniture is gross. But so are bare feet on couches, upholstered chairs, etc.

But how did it start this wear your shoes indoor?

Im sorry, if I'm culturally challenged, I really don't understand. (ok you have back pains, but couldnt you keep a pair of indoor shoes in a bag if you went to someones house? I dont mind the shoes so much if they were clean, but no shoes you wear outside are clean.

Fine at your own home, (your home your rules/your cat litter) but it seems really rude to keep dirty shoes on at someone elses home.

What about putting up "no shoes please signs" (like the non smoking signs" for those family members that dont get it, just point and smile)

Oh and mention the poop they are probably dragging around your house on their shoes if they argue.

I was raised with no shoes on in the house. However, I've never asked guests to take them off unless they bring it up and ask (which many do). We had company over the other day and this one guy (who did not have much respect for our home or probably even his I could tell) immediately went and lounged on our sofa with his filthy sneakers (literally- I could see mud & dirt) on our sheepskin rug below. Really??? I mean c'mon!!

It keeps everything cleaner and cozier. If you can't go barefoot- they make tons os cozy slippers (many that even look and feel like shoes) these days.

Sorry Mand, I hadn't read the first paragraph of your comments when I made my comment on the rest of them. Since Mand is a person who has a generally no-shoes-on household, but wouldn't mind bending the rules to accomodate guests at a party, that's fine for her house, but when dealing with homes of people who would prefer that no shoes be worn there EVER, I think my comment can still apply.

We do no shoes in out apartment, but at the same time, we don't flip out if people don't take off their shoes. Unless, of course, it's raining outside, then I insist people take off their shoes. I don't want to walk around with my socks as paper towels all day walking through your street puddles.

I think the best thing about leaving shoes by the door is that it's a subtle and polite way of saying "Dear guests, please remove your shoes as well."

It's a normal thing in many European countries to take your disgusting shoes off at the door. At special occasions like cocktails or graduation parties or whatever we might keep them on, but otherwise the germs are left at the door.

@no accounting for taste: I have a cat as well and it has a kitty house with flapping door to keep most of it in there. In front of it, there is a plastic carpet designed to catch what might fall out or what has stuck under its paws. We used to have the litter spread out over a huge area before the "tray" was introduced, but it's non-existent now. Try it!

@kevoncubine: I wonder where your logic lies regarding crap from outside vs. sweaty feet. Or are your aquaintances very bad at personal hygiene? Have endless fun with dog poo, vomit, urine, assorted bacteria, leftover food and what not in your apartment! Oh and nude toes are a normal part of the human body, which is a pretty poetic machinery.

My dads batshit crazy gf claims "A carpet installer told her the oils on your feet will ruin carpet so you should wear your shoes indoors".
My dad then told her homeboy wanted her to ruin the carpet so he could replace it faster, and she wasn't allowed to wear shoes in his house. Now they shack up and my dad has a strict no shoes policy.

@luftskibet - thanks :) As for the slobbering dog and water all over the floor, I guess the whole thing would be moot if I just designated clean "indoor shoes" and dirty "outdoor shoes."

But it does make me think about the dogs ... they step in all kinds of stuff going in and out of the house.

I'm also quite sure this is an Asian thing where shoes were never allowed in the house. It was never allowed while I was growing up, and I was taught to take them off at other people's house as a common courtesy. It's weird to me that people would get so upset at a no-shoe policy. When my friends come to visit I always remind them that shoes aren't welcome on my carpet, but no one seems to mind.

As a general rule, I don't wear shoes inside. Trading shoes for slippers at the door is a way of signaling the transition from public to private. For me it is mostly about comfort, but I do appreciate the cleanliness issue.

That said, I would NEVER ask guests to remove their shoes in my home. And I dislike being asked to remove my shoes in someone else's home.

---Shoes are often part of someone's outfit. Can you imagine attending a cocktail party at someone's home, and being asked to take off your shoes? So rude.

---Despite your ridiculous advance notification (imagine how this comes off!), some people might not be prepared to go shoeless. They might have dirty socks on, or no socks, or a hole in their socks.

---Some people have foot odor issues. Or foot fungus. Or some hideous toenail issue. Why would you want to embarrass someone in this situation? Geez, give your guests a break. They are your GUESTS. Don't you want them to feel comfortable in your home, above all else?

---I don't want to wear the slippers you so kindly provide for me. Maybe you have a raging case of Athlete's Foot. Or maybe the last person who wore them did. Or maybe I do. Or maybe I just have a thing about wearing another person's intimate footwear. Or just maybe, I hate the look of them and they make weird noises when I walk around and I feel like an clown in your ill-fitting slippers.

Shoeless people, get over yourselves. Your pets and kids are probably far more bacteria-ridden than your shoes. What's next... you have to change your pants because your seat on the bus might have been occupied previously by a homeless person?

I can't believe people wear shoes in their houses. I take my shoes off in everyones house and I expect people to take theirs off in my house, unless they are standing in my front entry with no intention of venturing further.

I'm always intrigued when this discussion comes up. In Texas where I live, it's extremely rare to be asked to remove your shoes at the door. It's just not done around here, and many people would be offended by it. Do you think it's a regional thing, especially since I live in an area that has extremely mild winters and not a lot of rain? I definitely see the merits to going shoeless, but most people I know get their carpets cleaned on a regular basis. Fascinating topic!

@kevoncubine: You and I have very different ideas of what's FUN. I'll take a little foot sweat on the floors over shoes covered in dog crap, mud, and other city gunk.

@ladymantle: Someone who's fastidious enough to ask you to remove your shoes and who's thoughtful enough to provide slippers for you is unlikely to neglect to make sure they're clean. Plus, the ENTIRE reason someone is asking you to take your nasty shoes off in their house is because they don't want you to get their floors dirty. It makes no sense to claim that they want you take your shoes off because their floors are already dirty. In fact, I'd say you wouldn't notice the floors' dirtiness as much when wearing shoes.

I don't wear shoes indoors because I was raised to think doing so is dirty. But I also don't because it's greener. Your carpets/rugs don't need to be cleaned as often, which means you use less water and energy and chemicals and you extend their lives. It's also a time saver since you spend less time sweeping, vacuuming (more energy savings) and mopping (less product).

Shoes used strictly indoors (if you don't like slippers or socks) is another solution that the blogger didn't mention. As for guests, I don't demand that people take off their shoes; I ask politely and casually. No one has refused yet. If they do refuse? Well, I wouldn't want to have people over who were rude enough to make a big deal out of something like this. Entitled much?

Also regarding people being weird about asking guests to remove their shoes or being offended if they are asked to take them off. Once a girl in stilleto boots was over and when asked to remove her shoes she sheepishly asked if she could keep them on. I replied no because our floors had just been re-finished and she was wearing stilleto's. She said she'd be careful and I sweetly persisted . Eventually she took them off and she didn't die. The only reason the situation was awkward was because she made it awkward. Lol.

I have a no shoes policy for myself and general everyday living. I recently started really enforcing it with myself this year and have seen a huge improvement when I sweep and mop. Plus it keeps me from having all of my shoes strung out all over my apartment because I took them off somewhere between the front door and my closet.

But like others have said, I don't enforce it if I have a party or some other gathering. Mostly because I have wood floors and I figure I can just as easily wash them the next day.

I put a tray at the door in the winter. Done.
Or keep some shoes at the door on a rack. Done.

Wearing shoes inside if it's a quick romp or if it's gonna inconvenience guests to have to unlace them, then it's fine. But they should always offer to take them off.

But longer than 5 minutes, they must be off. I'll ask nicely.

I hate when friends wear their shoes inside on my white shag carpet. I mean, what the hell is going on there?

This discussion makes me think of Mad Men. Bert Cooper, one of the head honchos at the advertising agency, has a no shoes policy inside his office suite. Very awkward in the work place!

As some have noted before me, I haven't encountered the shoes-on policy in many other places then the US. It is very uncommon in Iceland to wear your shoes indoors. However, slippers are very common, and some people even have knitted ones, that fit in your pocked, handy on their person when visiting :o)

I've lived in NYC, Copenhagen and now Montreal so no shoes at home is a natural. It goes without saying in Montreal with 6 months of winter boots. You don't even have to ask, everyone automatically takes off their shoes at the front door.
It's also better for the hardwood floors, they are less likely to get scratched. One of my friends walked around her new condo with heels on and now the dark stained floor is full of tiny round heel marks!

I think it's annoying when people aske me to take my shoes off. Sorry. It shouldn't bother me. And of course I oblige. And for repeat visits, I remember and make sure I'm wearing socks or bringing slippers. I'm not a jerk. Especially to those who aren't jerks about it. Because it makes total logical sense. But ugh. Nothing worse than a judgemental holier than though attitude about something like that. Like since I allow shoes on my floor I'm gross? It's a floor. And what if your guests are barefoot after taking off their shoes? Now maybe you've just traded dirt for foot fungus. What about that!?!? Haha!! ;-P

arroyo, you rock. Guest Pants for everyone!!!!!!!!

Here in Atlantic Canada, I've encountered all of one home where it wasn't standard to remove your shoes at the door.

I have to agree with arroyo. I'm from Texas, too and this topic is fascinating. Now that I have a baby walking around I've considered leaving my shoes at the door, just to cut down on daily chores.

But, I would never ask guests to do this should they come over. They are my guests and if they feel comfortable with shoes on then, no worries. If they want to kick them off, mi casa es su casa. The floors are washable, the carpets are washable and I cherish my guest's company and comfort more than the inconveniences of cleaning up. I"m not going to sweat the small stuff or start catastrophizing about all the germs that someone may or may not be bringing in the house.

I know for a fact that my Mexican family would find this request offensive. We once had a family member with white carpet and she requested members of our family to take their shoes off in her home. Oh man! I heard about this for years! "Her carpet is more important than her own people." Yea, it got ugly.

As a side note, I'm curious to know how many "no-shoes" folks share their homes with dogs.

I also always take my shoes off in the house/apartment since I was brought up that way. This way you'll have much less dirt on your floor. Also, my feet need to "breathe" after an entire day of being in shoes! I tend to have smelly feet when I wear shoes for too long.

I'm surprised only one person mentioned the "oil on your feet stains the carpet" claim. I had also heard this from a carpet cleaner and after years of going barefoot on my oatmeal carpet, I have to agree. Since I hate wearing shoes or socks though, in the future, I'll just forgo carpeting!

I entertain all the time and guests usually take of their shoes because they see we don't wear shoes indoors. But I hate tripping over the piles of shoes that accumulate whenever I have a big party or when my relatives entertain. It's especially annoying when part of the party is in the backyard and people have to go back to the front door to retrieve their shoes! Sometimes I tell people to feel free to leave their shoes on and I just do a thorough cleaning after the party (which you should do anyway).

I hope you don't require middle-aged or older guests to take off their shoes. Aside from the "foot conditions" issue - I'd rather not air my bunions, thank you - it is less comfortable to be barefoot when you're older. The fat pads under your feet thin out at about 75,000 miles. Your knees, back or hips need support.

Taking shoes off is a long tradition in Central / Asia - in some countries, they further refine things by having special shoes for the toilet - but here in NYC, my neighbors are shoes off - but they have a dog...

It's definitely an Asian custom. I once had my aquarium club come over to visit my saltwater aquarium. I was so surprised when I opened the door and 8 young asian men immediately took off their shoes. LOL.

I've always gone barefoot at home. Not because of a "shoes are dirty" thing, but simply for comfort. I can't wait to take off my shoes. It never occurred to me to go barefoot in someone else's home, but now I think the Asians are on to a good thing.

This must be a regional thing (makes sense in snowy climates). I have only been in one house in Texas where I was asked to remove my shoes. It made me a little uncomfortable........I'll deal with the dirt and grime, and it gives my immune system something to occupy it's time

i prefer no shoes en la casa but many of my friends were raised that barefoot isn't proper or respectful (it's cochino) so they don't feel comfortable. Another issue is if people are coming to your house kinda dressed up...it's weird to ask them to take off their shoes. Lol, unless the evite says "bring your own house shoes".

My sister lived in a brand new building in the Upper West Side when the pediatrician informed her that her infant daughter had elevated lead levels in her blood. Since her apartment was built in the late 90s, her residence wasn't the problem. They finally figured out that their shoes were carrying around lead dust from the brownstone renovations around their neighborhood. Since then, no shoes allowed in the house, period.

I understand why some (or seems like most)people take off their shoes, but what a pain. The entry to our house is less than 3'x3'. When my fiance and I come home at the same time am I supposed to make him wait outside while I'm taking my shoes off? What if my arms are full of groceries? Am I supposed to figure out how to untie my shoes or remove knee high boots without using my hands? We don't have kids and if I had a little one crawling around the floor and sticking everything in their mouth, I'd probably think differently, but right now the only thing touching the floors is our shoes and I'm not real concerned if the dirt from the bottom of his shoes gets onto the bottom of my shoes, or my feet, I don't eat with them after all.

This topic gets people, especially the 'how dare you ask me to remove my shoes' camp all fired up! There have been many comments on AT postings on this. Just a couple of remarks from the shoeless side:

1. The slippers I provide to my guests are NEW, UNUSED. After they use them I wash in hot water with clothes' detergent and reuse them myself.

2. An advantage of not wearing shoes indoors is that the floor becomes part of living. You can leave your bag and your clothes and your books on the floor, sit and lay down and do yoga on the floor. To me it's way more about comfort and the feel of clean and less about actual germs.

3. @ cwswann: My Greek family also find this strange. Somehow more 'warm' cultures like Mexican, Spanish, Italian, Greek would find this more weird. Maybe because snow is not common so culturally there has never been a real reason for it, and possibly also because these cultures are so much about hospitality and accommodating. I believe you can have these things and not have shoes indoors!

4. Having said all that, I agree with SydneyBristow that it would be strange to have people all dressed up be shoeless. For me this is an issue that hasn't come up as I don't host formal parties or dinners (at least I haven't so far). Dunno how I'd deal with it when it comes up.

I don't like being barefoot in my house (yep, cat litter is gross to step on) but I have "house shoes" that I change into when I get home.

I would NEVER ask my guests to remove their shoes, if they want to keep them on, that's fine with me. I'll just mop. However, I always remove my own shoes at someone else's house, unless they ask me to leave them on....cuz they don't want me stepping in cat litter....;)

I have an assortment of haz-mat suits for my guests.

Nothing like a sure-fire commenting getting, albeit dull, post. I wear slippers at home, shoes outside, and don't have rules for guests.

Are we done with this meme yet?

It's not about valuing your floors over other people, but cleanliness. My floors aren't precious to me, but I'd prefer not to have someone grind icky stuff from the street into the rug. Yes, it can be cleaned, but why not avoid the fuss, time, energy use of cleaning products and wear on the rugs by having a shoes off policy?

The comparison between dirty shoes and pants is completely off. Shoes are always on the ground, in the dirt, mud, snow, slush, salt, dust, poo, gum, puddles of grossness on the subway platform, etc. Pants generally don't make contact with the ground and most people don't voluntarily sit on a seat that seems dirty.

As for guests, there has to be flexibility on both sides. As a good guest, I follow my host's cues. If they leave their shoes on, I leave my shoes on. If they take them off, I take them off. And I ask guests to take their shoes off politely but without making a big deal out of it. Most people are polite enough to not object.

Finally, all the apparent hassles listed above (the time it takes to remove shoes, the piles of shoes by the door, cold feet, etc.) are not hassles if you've been socialized in a culture where people always remove their shoes in the house. In my culture, people keep shoe racks by the door and have (obviously) clean slippers for guests. Guests know not to wear hole-y socks (seriously, fix your socks or get new ones!). No one minds wearing slippers or standing in stocking feet with fancy clothes because that's the norm at a gathering in someone's home. You become very good at putting on and taking off your shoes quickly. And I think being barefoot is healthier for your feet than keeping them in shoes all the time. Your gait is different with shoes on and your feet don't get to breathe (leading to skin and fungus issues).

I'd like to add that this is not just an asian custom. Here in Saskatchewan (Canada), its farm country. I understand that the custom of taking shoes off before coming inside originated when literally EVERYONE worked on a farm, and would get muddy/dusty/wet shoes working out in the field. When workers came inside for lunch and at the end of the day, they would remove their footware to avoid getting the house more dirty than necessary, thus creating less work. The custom has continued on for many people.

Basically it comes down to cleanliness.

Plus... it snows here. A whole lot of snow. No shoes get worn in our house in winter.

I wear slippers in my home. I cannot imagine people wearing shoes in their home on a regular basis.

When I visit, I go by their rules as to whether to leave them on or off. But it grosses me out because even in relatively clean homes the floor has some dust or dirt, and it makes me sick to put my dirty feet back into my shoes. So I sometimes bring extra socks.

Oh, and to arroyo's comment, I try to avoid sitting on buses and trains whenever possible, for exactly that reason! And when I absolutely can't avoid it, I sure don't sit on my sofa or anywhere in my home until those pants are washed.

Stop and think how filthy public transportation really is. You probably don't want to think about it too closely or you'll never want to use it again. Alas, some of us have no choice.

Call me crazy, but there you have it!

no shoes!

but we're not fanatics about it. we have a beloved friend who is diabetic with neuropathy in his feet. we would be devastated if he stepped on something in our house, a nail or other sharp object that could pierce his skin, and didn't realize it. so we bought him some slippers to wear when he comes over. our toddler throws crap on the floor all the time so there's always something we inadvertently miss.

but everyone else takes their shoes off. sometimes not. sometimes even we don't. i just make sure i use my Bissell Flip Ease frequently, because i think about those gas station bathroom floor germs, too. ew. xo

I grew up in rural southern Maryland. Snow was rarely a problem.

In many households I saw growing up, work boots and work clothes (like waders) came off on the porch or in the garage. For both guests and residents, shoes were expected in the public part of the house (living room, kitchen, dining room, guest bathroom, etc), but came off before you went into the private parts of the house (bedrooms, upstairs, etc). I'm surprised no one else has mentioned this hybrid practice.

Maybe the public/private shoe solution is a Chesapeake Bay thing? It just reminds me of the fact that the oldest farmhouses in this region have two front doors - one that opened into the guest parlor, and one right next to it that opened into the living room. That way, the kids never walked through the fancy room, and the minister didn't see the family room where you did your daily living.

We didn't have a no shoes rule in my house growing up, because it was just assumed that shoes weren't worn in the house (atlantic canada).

I can't imagine having to keep my shoes on in someone's house! It's uncomfortable - my shoes and socks are off as soon as I'm in my door, but if I'm visiting I'll deal with the socks staying on... :)

i never encountered this growing up in the midwest. in the wintertime yes, dirty boots off. now that i am on my own in california i always take my shoes off at the door. i appreciate when guests do the same but do not enforce it. a good door mat helps a bit. i always put away my rugs when i have more than a few friends over. much easier to clean hardwoods than shag the next day!

also, i don't mind when someone else asks me to take off my shoes. i follow my host's conduct. if they take their shoes off at the door, i take mine off too. i try to keep sock holes at a minimum so this is not a problem. :)

Growing up, it was instilled in us that you take your shoes off when coming in -- even if they *look* clean, they're not.

Yesterday, I read an article in LIving Etc., and the homeowner in question says that "she likes to be comfortable, and so doesn't take her shoes off". Huh? Personally, we find that we get comfortable the closer to barefoot we get... shoes, socks, all are shed. Maybe it is a factor that she has some stone floors in her house... I keep a pair of Merrill slides (which have wonderful soles) for the times I am cooking, and don't want to feel uncomfortable on our hard floors.

AT has had this debate many, many times over the years, and I just don't get why people think it is uptight or uncomfortable to take shoes off -- for me it is the opposite. The only time that would not be true is at a fancy party, with women dressed up in heels (but those are usually indoor and not walking shoes anyway...)....

p.s. I really think that flooring surface is a key part of the debate.

In homes with wood floors and carpeting (especially wall-to-wall), shoes off is both more sensible and more comfortable.

In homes with cold, hard floors -- concrete, tile, stone (and here in Switzerland, this is the norm) -- shoes on is perhaps more comfortable. As "See" pointed out, the "warm" cultures -- Mexicans, Greeks, Spanish, Italians -- find it weird an improper to take their shoes off. But they are the ones with tiled or stone floors -- which are more impervious to dirt and grit, and wash up easily too.

Re "Asian thing": I know of no home in neither Finland, where I come from, or Denmark, where I live, in which shoes are kept on inside the house.

Re dogs in the house: Dog owners wash their pets' paws after a walk, especially common in the winter.

Re cold floors: This happens in both Finland and Denmark at times, but we are resourceful and wear slippers.

Re "rude to ask a guest to remove their shoes": No, it's not. I adjust to whatever is put on my plate when I'm a guest in your house, too.

@mschatelaine: I find your comment regarding indoor shoes at parties true; this is a common way to respect the home of a hostess/host!

Oh, it's the shoes debate again!

Welcome to Northern Europe. It snows, it rains, it's friggin cold 8 months of the year. (Make that 12 months of the year if you're from California). I don't know what kind of shoes you *think* we're wearing, but warm winter boots would be a pretty good guess. And with an in/out temperature difference of 30C (54F) or more, the kind of footwear that'll keep your feet warm when you're *outside* simply isn't very comfy when you're *inside*.

Being Chinese, I learn by the fact that yes, it's pretty much an Asian thing. But that doesn't make it seem it's though we don't wash our feet or that we're filthy.

For homeowners
Step 1: Take off your shoes by the door.
Step 2: Wash your feet / best of all SHOWER.
Step 3: Enjoy the home with clean floor.

As guests
Step 1: Be polite enough to ask whether to take off shoes or not.
Step 2: Wash if you feel uncomfortable, OR if you do know your feet reeks.
Step 3: Enjoy your friend's home!

Yes and I agree, have indoor shoes for those homeowners who doesn't practice barefoot policy.

What I still don't get is why shoes indoors? Dirt everywhere, tonnes to clean, scars and markings on floors (wood and marble alike), feet doesn't even take a breather. Why make things so difficult for home-living and yourself? And worst of all, shoes in the bedrooms (on beds/sofas even, ugh!). THAT FRACKING blows me away.

@cashew I have lived in Alberta Ontario and New Brunswick Shoes off is pretty common across Canada

I have to convince people it is ok to keep their shoes on especially when we are having an outdoor party. Come in and grab what you want and leave don't worry about your shoes.

My daughter doesn't know anything but to keep her shoes off as soon as she gets in the door. Many doctors offices also require a shoes off policy.

I never understood the whole well my socks have holes in them I don't want to take off my shoes. Buy new socks cheaper than me cleaning or replacing my carpets

I honestly don't get why some of you think it is rude to ask a guest to remove their shoes when they come into your home. It is YOUR home after all, not theirs - if they absolutely can not stand not wearing shoes, maybe they should stay home. Shoes are not really a part of an outfit - they are something you wear outside. And if you think no shoes will ruin your outfit, bring a clean pair to wear inside. And if the guest is enough of a slob he/she can't buy a new pair of socks without holes, well maybe that is just the kind of person I do not want in my home.

I am finding it hilarious most of you would hate my father-in-law. No one uses his front door mostly b/c he never built the step to get into it and you park in by the back door anyways. If you come in through the back door, you are entering through the laundry room. (Most family enters through garage and takes them off before entering house) By the time you leave that area, all shoes are off and stacked. If you don't take them off, you will be asked to leave. I don't find it rude - it's his house and he likes to keep it clean.

not only that i dont wear shoes in my house. i dont wear any in my backyard or lawn. it just feel more comfy barefoot.

we are almost always shoeless, except for big parties where shoes are part of people's outfits and we don't want to be the shoe police. for extended family, regular visitors (babysitters, neighbors, close friends) we have no problem asking for shoe removal. we also picked up tons of cheap slippers from chinatown for $2/each to keep for regular visitors. They all have a set of slippers of their own at our house.

Wow, this is fascinating! I thought people only keep their shoes on in the house on TV! But I guess it's a common American thing. I've lived in many different parts of Canada (both urban and rural), and it is generally considered rude to keep your shoes on. Maybe when you're at the cottage, or if someone has a very rustic house, or at party when everyone's dressed up, but otherwise you leave your street dirt and filth at the door!

I don't understand why this is such a big deal for anybody. You wear shoes inside because it's too much trouble to unlace them or to take them off when you come home with groceries!?
Why would you need slippers? Doesn't anyone wear socks?

To me, as coming from Sweden (we also insulate our homes, you should try that) this whole discussion is a total mystery - what kind of weirdos wear shoes inside!?
I laughed out loud reading your comments.

I'm Polish and we also have a no shoe rule. Most of our family knows to bring their own slippers. :) But just in case we do have a spare set or two!

In my apt I've incorporated the same rule - no shoes in my place. I've never had anyone ask me to keep them on. Perhaps it's also a Canadian thing?

I'm with cdulude & cwswann. . .

I had no idea that wearing my shoes in a friend's house could be so offensive.

Am I the only one without perfectly pedicured toes every day and feet that smell like honey and roses? I would feel naked walking around someone's house in bare feet if I had not been given a heads up to bring socks ahead of time.

I attended one party where the hosts asked us to take our shoes off, but they provided slippers (new and inexpensive) and I appreciated that!

I guess it is an "American" thing.

(And I also have 2 dogs -- no babies crawling around yet either.)

I'm guessing in Sweden, Canada and colder areas, you also wear socks on most days, so you don't have to go totally bare when you take your shoes off. . . ?

we don't wear shoes in our house. when friends come over for everyday get-togethers, they remove their shoes (we rarely have to ask, they see our shoes by the door). when we invite a larger group for a cocktail party or the like, we don't ask people to remove their shoes. we don't have large groups more than a few times a year, they're only in the more public areas our home, and i figure i'll be mopping the following day anyway.

I don't wear shoes in my own house, but I don't expect guests to take theirs off unless they want to.

As for this:

As soon as I find a way to keep cat litter in the box without vacuuming three times a day, I'll be happy to ditch the shoes at the door.

I had this problem when I was living in an apartment, and I didn't want to worry about it ruining the carpet. So, I bought a massive rubbermaid and cut out a hole on one end. I placed the litter box inside and it works great as a shield. I usually keep the lid off, but I can makes the litter box "disappear" when guests are over just by putting it back on.

When it is snowy or rainy outside, everyone's shoes come off - dirt I don't mind but cold puddles I do. Otherwise, during cooler months, I wear shoes in my house almost always (unless they're really hard-heeled) because I am COLD. I could buy slippers, but I'm not germ phobic, and I really don't think that the bottoms of my shoes pose a serious health risk. We have hardwood rather than carpeting and I don't mind the cleanup - I sweep up daily anyway, having two cats, one dog and four children. I DO make the kids take their shoes off at the door though - I figure that grown-ups are more conscious of what they may be tracking in and will remove shoes if they are excessively dirty.

During the warmer months, I don't wear shoes at all unless required (the grocery store won't let me in without them) and as a result my feet are FILTHY all summer long. Maybe I should put shoes on when I enter?

I don't ask my guests to remove their shoes, but I always ask before entering someone else's home. That seems pretty basic to me.

@mere1975 - I don't think the shoes vs no-shoes debate is dependent on socks. I know everyone thinks we Canadians are in perpetual winter, but from May until September it's flip-flop season here (and a stinking hot one at that usually) and even then I don't know many households where you could walk in and keep your sandals on.

Must be an American only thing! Can't imagine anyone keeping their shoes on and thinking thats ok! ewww! dog poo, gum and good old dirt are just a couple of the miniscule things that get stuck in your shoe. Walk on carpet with that stuff, it ends up there. I have never entered a home that was in good order and left my shoes on, it's beyond rude when people do that at mine, my spotless (rental unit) white carpets tell no lies when it comes to house guests, and fortunately very few have been so rude!

(Verily Great idea! Love it!)

this is a mystery to me. i'd never met a "no shoe's" house until i moved to San Francisco. grew up in new england, the desert south west and went to school in oregon and the uk. everywhere i'd lived, it was shoes on and stay on. we are grown ups afterall. and it keeps your feet warm in cold places.

i find it icky to take of my shoes in other peoples' homes, but i will if asked and once i know, i prepare by wearing loafers or other slip ons so departing doesn't take ages.

and how many pairs of shoes are you supposed to keep at the front door? maybe if you only own one pair of shoes, it makes sense to keep them at the front door, but, if you have multiple pairs of shoes, which are kept rightly in your clothes closet, what do you do? carry them to the front door? clothing is cut to be worn with shoes.

whatever.

Wow. I have lived in Manhattan for 29 years and have been asked to remove my shoes at someone else's home exactly zero times. I guess my friends and I are slobs.

And take off my smokin' hot stillettos at a party? Fuggeddaboutit.

oh no, carrying the shoes to the door is almost as hard as taking them off when you come home with groceries! impossible!

why would it be icky to don't wear shoes as someones home?? I would be more concerned if you don't wear socks in your shoes. socks haven't made it to the states yet?

shoes are always off at the beach house for 2 reasons; sand is an absolute killer and gets EVERYWHERE! :( but the main reason is we have radiant heat and it's delightful to walk around barefoot in the dead of winter (foot fungus be dammed!) :)

when in NYC I always take my shoes off at the door. my floors always seem sticky when i lapse.

no stilletto's allowed in either home I have hardwoods and they ruin the flooring sorry. this has never been a problem as my friends don't wear them and by chance if they do, they volunteer to take them off.

well, it's a consensus in canada: because here on the west coast everybody automatically takes their shoes off. it rains 6 months out of the year, and shoes can get pretty mucky. i've never even heard of a host asking a guest to take their shoes off; it's just done.
maybe it's a matter of expectations?

Hot Topics on AT:

1. Shoes: on or off in the house?
2. IKEA: yea or nay?
3. KCACO poster: love it or loathe it?
4. Beige: color or neutral?

There are others, but these seem to generate the most debate. Interesting.

I'm for a shoes-off policy in the house.

We don't wear shoes in the house. It's not an issue for most of our friends, who do the same in their homes. Whenever new people come over and ask whether they should remove their shoes (it's obvious because we store our shoes near the entry), we politely tell them to do whatever they're comfortable with. No one has ever left them on!

Btw @cakowalik, I grew up in shoeless households (both my mom's and my dad's) in Texas.

We have just started implimenting this rule in our rental house. I'm having a hard time remembering it simply because we don't have much of a landing strip so I walk into the living room to toss my purse and whatnot down without thinking to kick my shoes off first. I'm really proud of my husband for keeping up with it, though. His shoes cost us nearly $400 in cleaning fees at our last apartment because he often has grease and oil on the soles.

I'm thankful to all of you for sharing your guests-with-no-shoes strategies. We're having a party this weekend and I wasn't sure how to handle the new rule without offending people.

I'd like to add that the no-shoes policy at our house applies only to everyday shoes. High heels can be tried on in the bedroom and I have a pair of flip flops designated for walking around inside the house only. This is mostly because I hate mopping barefoot.

"how many pairs of shoes are you supposed to keep at the front door?"

It's not rocket science, people.

My family always kept all of our shoes in racks in the attached garage (which is how we usually entered the house). In my current apartment, I keep all my shoes in hanging shoe organizers in a handy hall closet by the front door. If I didn't have the closet, I'd just line a few shoe racks by the front door. One side benefit to this system is that you always know where all your shoes are.

Looking over these comments, the guest issue is especially divisible into two camps:

1. It's MY house!

2. They're my GUESTS!

Being Southern (no, we're not all the same, but there are commonalities) the hospitality issue wins. When you have guests, they are what's important, not your carpet or your hardwood. I do respect response #1, but every time someone fusses at me for not taking my shoes off as a guest, I may not be angry or offended...but I am bewildered (it's not common practice here) and a little uncomfortable, as if someone demanded that I take off my shirt. I mean, I'm usually wearing a bra, but still...

Personally I take my shoes off and wear slippers during extended times at home, for comfort. Most of my friends will ditch the shoes too, during informal get-togethers, because we're more comfortable. But I know people with odd foot hang-ups, and a number of people with foot problems who -need- to wear supportive shoes, all the time, podiatrist's orders, and really good supportive shoes are very pricey. Having to have more than one pair of said shoes, indoor and outdoor, is not often feasible on a real-person budget.

/ramble

I'm not even sure it makes sense for me to reply. Every possiblity has been covered.
All I have to say is: I don't have carpets. I have a dog and I would never ever sit on my floor: it's dirty and I simply can't clean it enough. I need to start implementing a personal no-shoe policy simply for cleaning issues. In terms of germs: seriously?! People: it's full of germs everywhere, we need to build up our immune systems. I was in India for work and I survived. I think a little dirty dust or hobo-pee in Milan is nothing.
Gross but harmless if you are not immune deficient.

Nevertheless, I will start keeping slippers for my guests, if they want.
Some of you are like scary shoe police and I would feel unesy being your guest...

@ mirandabee: You forgot #5 Books arranged by color or not :)

seraph -- So you'd rather replace carpeting or refinish hardwood flooring years before you normally would have had to because either you are too scared you'll offend your friends or too lazy to keep up a rule about no shoes?

I also find the whole "shoes on" phenomenon to be really strange. I mean, if someone wants to wear shoes in their house then that's totally cool, but I just don't understand it! Grew up in SW Ontario and we NEVER wore shoes inside because of a) snow and b) Why would you? How can you be comfortable inside your own home while wearing shoes?

I don't ask anyone to take off their shoes, but that's because it's never a problem. I also live in an apartment and have a shoe rack outside my apartment door (in the hall) so it's just kind of a given, I guess.

It's not a dirt thing for me, I guess it's a comfort thing. I used to run around outside without shoes on and then come inside with my dirty feet anyway. I just hate shoes and socks, I think, lol.

But, I have stayed in various homes in Tennessee and they never take their shoes off. Obviously it's a regional thing, but I still don't get it!

@see: you are correct! Color-coding books = another polarizing topic... how did I miss that one? :-)

i love this topic...so polarizing. It's definitely a cultural/regional thing. As a Chinese-Canadian, I can't imagine wearing shoes inside. I plan my outfits knowing that I will have to take off my shoes when I go to a party at someone's house. And to be honest, I prefer wearing flip flops or slippers around the house. it just more casual. And its a great excuse to invest in some pricier flip flops and slippers. think about it that way ;)

Oh, it's definitely a regional thing. I live in Turkey we never ask any of our guests to take their shoes off because they would be like, "duh", if we did. No one wears shoes at home here.

My cousin moved in Cleveland a couple of years ago and she stayed there for a year. She says she never felt the need of no-shoes policy because the streets are so clean in spring and summer. It's just impossible to do so here when you see so many people who spit on the streets and don't bother with cleaning their dogs' poo.

About guests, I don't think it's rude to ask them take off their shoes as long as there's a certain relationship between you and them. For example, my friends and family often come to my house, uninvited for short visits almost everyday and I would expect them to take off their shoes even if I were living in some other country with clean streets.

If there is a serious visit though, like a dinner or a cocktail party, it'd be rude to ask them to come in shoeless, I think. No matter how much you love your carpets.

I grew up in a family where we routinely took our shoes off and changed into slippers at the door. Guests, however, were not asked to remove their shoes.
Now as I find myself in the same position as my parents we also all change into slippers and/or go around barefoot. But as we have white carpets it goes without saying that everyone do as we do. We don't provide guest slippers, but regular visitors either bring a pair of leave a pair to change into when they arrive. And as its wet and cold for the majority of the year, it seems common sense to wear slippers.

This is my second shoes/no shoes thread (fairly new to AT). People get excited about the funniest things! I can't resist dropping in a few notes of my own. You'll probably surmise I'm in the "I don't really care either way" category, but don't hold it against me....

On foot fungus: My boyfriend's cousin once came into our place (where we weren't wearing shoes, if I recall) and asked, "Do you mind if I take off my shoes? I have a foot fungus and I need to air out my feet!"

On filthy floors: I was a property manager for a $10k/mo. rental where the renter had implemented a no-shoe policy to cut down on indoor pollution. Visiting repair men insisted on wearing shoes, citing OSHA requirements for foot protection, so I bought a box of disposable shoe covers for the renter to keep by the door. As it turns out, I ended up wearing the covers as well, because my socks would end up filthy and covered with hair from her dog. So much for reducing indoor pollution!

On culture: Despite the Asian sterotype, my boyfriend's Chinese mom never had a policy on shoes, nor did her parents. They lived in Hawaii, though, so that mixes things up a bit. However, that didn't stop his fastidious brother from enforcing a strict no-shoe policy in the bedroom he shared with my boyfriend growing up!

On manners: Miss Manners would say it's rude to tell guests what to do, but it's also rude to object to a host's request. She also says also rude to tell someone they're being rude, so I guess in the end, good manners is all about intuition and knowing unspoken rules. You can't win!

Oh, and I love that landing strip in the pic!

Bwahahaha!!!! This discussion ranks right up there with 'Do you use your bath towels more than once?' :0

Seriously, folks...life's too short...

I giggled today as I got a notice under my door from the management of the condo building I live in. It was a list of reminders and rules and whatnot, and one actually addressed shoes. It requested that you not wear them indoors, because of how much noise it generates for the people living below you. I, of course, thought of this discussion here.

I'd theorize that there are shoes off policies in cold climates where the issue is mud and water.

But in hot climates, the issues people worry about are getting parasites and creepy-crawlies on your feet: poisonous spiders, mosquitos with diseases, hookworm, fungi, etc.

I know we all live in hermetically sealed houses up in the northern climes, but it makes a lot more sense to keep your shoes on if you have a recent experience with such things or a cultural history of worrying about foot parasites.

I have a basket of slippers by the front door and a little frame that is sitting next to the basket that says, please take off your shoes and stay a while.

I always take my shoes off in the house. Baltimore is a dirty, dirty town.

I have a shoe rack with a mirror on it as a landing strip in my apt. That's basically bcz I was too cheap to buy a table, and I kept tripping over the shoes that I would just kick off when I walked in the door. People automatically take their shoes off when they see it. I don't worry too much about asking bcz my apartment building is all carpet and I figure peoples shoes are pretty much cleaned of by the time they make it to my door :-/

I don't mind a shoes off policy at other people's home as long as their floors are clean. If you have nasty floors, sorry, my shoes are staying ON.

Speaking as someone who is literally mortified by my sweaty, stinky feet; I can't imagine the embarrassment of being asked to remove my shoes upon entry of a person's home. Fortunately, I have not yet been in a situation where this was requested or required. I grew up in Ohio, and live in DC and to the best of my recollection, have not yet run into a "no-shoes" home.

I once lived in a building with really poor sound insulation. The chicks upstairs would come home drunk at 2am, stomping all over their hardwoods in high heels, back and forth, back and forth. I sent my little brother up to ask them to quiet down since he wasn't pissed about it like I was. But when I heard his booming, Barry White voice saying "Could you take off your shoes, it's kind of hard to sleep", I thought maybe i should have gone up there :-D They must have been scared sh*tless (but not shoeless, bcz those heffas kept stomping around:-P)

drunk people don't remember anything 2 seconds after you tell them something; that's why it's so fun to mess with them!

These comments were fascinating! People sure do get offended/offensive on both ends of the spectrum. I think it's a matter of opinion either way, and it's a shame that it could be a deciding factor in a friendship if one person was raised shoes-on and one was raised shoes-off. I am staunchly shoes-off (for everyone) but I can see both sides clearly. For me, it's about what makes the most sense.

Do people really wash each dog paw for the standard minimum of 30 seconds after EVERY walk?

I don't think asking guests to remove their shoes is any different than asking them to refrain from smoking in your house. It's not rude.

People do carry germs on other parts of their bodies, yet no one asks their guests to wash their hands first, for example. On the other hand, growing up in a shoes-on, I was very rarely ill. And when I was, it didn't last long. So how bad could it *really* be? I think it's just more apparent.

What is the no-shoer to do about service people entering homes? People like maintenance, delivery people, housekeeping, and others. Do you ask them to remove shoes? I don't, but I cringe when they leave and then convince myself that their shoes weren't *that* gross.

I agree with some of the points arroyo raised. There's nothing more embarrassing than not anticipating that you'll be asked to remove your shoes at someone's house, only to discover that today you've worn your favourite white socks with all the lint perma-stuck to them. Then again, I'm not sure that the responsibility for that can be pawned off on the host. There's taking care of your guests but there's also respecting your host.
I wear my shoes indoors because I live with people who are slobs and don't clean, so as I'm responsible for most of the cleaning, sometimes the floors are not conducive to walking around barefoot or socked (at least I have no carpets). I never ask guests to remove their shoes, for the same reason (unless the shoes are covered in mud or snow).

The apartment dwellers I know tend to keep a no-shoes policy to preserve their carpets, rental deposits, and sense of squeeky clean sanitation. The last time I visited a house, seeing both immaculate hardwood floors and light colored carpeting, I was sure that I would be taking off my shoes. But in fact, my hosts were wearing theirs, and the reason soon became clear: dinner was being grilled outside, and the door to the deck were open. It was convenient for neither hosts nor guests to take their shoes off at the front door, carry them to the back door, and put them back on there -- especially as we came in and out all evening. No physical evidence of dirt tracking appeared, though I am sure that vacuuming and mopping followed our visit. The fact that our hosts have control over their own drive way, walk way, and lawns probably helps: I wonder if there is a general apartment vs. house component to this debate?

My parents had light colored carpeting so there has always been a no shoe policy. The only exception were infrequent guests. Very close friends and family took off their shoes, which is the same policy that I now have in my own home.

i love how passionate of a discussion this has become

I'm all for clean floors, but sometimes in shoeless homes my feet get cold. So I bring my own slippers...

I come from Spain where it would definitely be considered weird to ask people to take off their shoes. If I were asked to do so, of course I would comply (thinking ruefully of the hitherto invisible hole in the toe of my tights...) but I would be unable to help making a mental tick of "weird picky person" next to my friend's name. Of course, if I was in another country, I would put the whole thing down to culture and remember to put on good socks the next time...

I never do take off my shoes at home (unless I really feel like it, and then my socked feet absorb all the dog pee and poo my shoes dragged in...), nor does my husband or my two children (1 and 3 years old). So far we have all survived and enjoy rude health in our germ-infested household. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

ChrisGal: I guess you wouldn't understand, because you clearly don't care whether you offend someone. Ad hominem much?

Actually, I don't have large groups of guests over often, -because- the guests-first attitude gets exhausting after a while. The friends I do have over are very close and we have a mi-casa-su-casa attitude with each other, so we all hold to our ideals of comfort. Foot-hangup girl keeps her shoes on, shoes-off people take their shoes off, nudists get naked.

If you're a no-shoes house, please provide a place to sit near your door so I can untie my shoes without kneeling on your floor while your dog licks my face.

Elderly guests should never be expected to walk around without shoes, especially if you have wood or tile floors. It's a good way to break a hip.

Wow, I can't believe that this thread is still going on (well maybe I can). What I'm surprised by is that no one (at least in the 80 or so comments I've read) has mentioned door mats. Do people not bother to wipe their feet before entering? I've never lived in a shoes off household and I live in the north. If it happens to be wet and snowy out you are probably wearing boots and would usually take them off at the door. Puddles of salty water will ruin almost any type of flooring more so than everyday dirt. The rest of the year you wipe your feet (vigorously if necessary) outside before coming in. Sometimes there's another mat inside as well to catch whatever the outdoor mat may have missed. Anything leftover at that point is pretty minimal. Plus with any sort of furry pet you are going to have to vacuum regularly anyway, you're not saving yourself any time there.
If my socks get dirty, they get dirty, I'm okay with that. I'm not eating with my feet and I'm not eating off the floor. If I visit someones house who wants me to take my shoes of I have no problem with that. Oddly, the only time I've ever been asked to do that was when visiting a friend in Texas (they had light colored wall to wall carpeting). Everyone I know up north leaves shoes on, maybe we're just a bunch of slobs.

seraph -- Obviously if someone can't abide by the rules of your house, they aren't much of a guest. It's really not that hard to take off your shoes - untie them if they have laces, slip them off, and well you're done - that took about ten seconds.

Not even my father-in-law gets off - he loves his expensive cowboy boots, but he's not coming in until they are off. He has continued visiting though.

The house I grew up in had a no-shoes policy for a couple reasons: keeping the house clean AND very white carpeting upstairs. So at the very least we could never wear shoes upstairs. After moving out of that house, I've never had a shoes-off policy and never thought I would.

But -- the place I live in now has hardwood floors and it just seems to get so dirty with shoes on -- shoes on the floor, carpets, on furniture, etc. Now that I'm expecting a baby in a month, I think I'm ok with the shoes-off thing since the baby will be crawling around on the floor and I don't want to have to worry about germs that might be on the bottom of shoes. For guests (since we don't have many), I think it will be ok for them to leave their shoes on since the baby probably won't be crawling around when guests are here.

I second arroyo's comments. Going without shoes is all well and good, but when entertaining the guests should be top priority!

wow. if YOU prefer to have no shoes in your home fine. that's you. why would you insist that someone who doesn't is dirty or nasty? how rude. obviously, as a guest you comply with your host, footwear prepared or not (although i would appreciate the warning that some of you propose). i live on the east coast where there is plenty of snow and it is consistently SHOES-ON, and the SHOES-OFF were a definite minority.

i mean really, if you are are in a SHOES-ON area you are aware of issues of dirt and snow, etc. you obviously take those off along with any boots, or utilitarian footwear - do you also assume that people sit around in wet raincoats? if you have someone who comes over and insists on tracking mud through your house - they are a inconsiderate, messy INDIVIDUAL; not some representative of people who choose not to remove shoes at the door if not necessary.

personally, i hate the feeling of being barefoot, it's actually physically uncomfortable to have "naked" feet for me. also - bare-feet, and people in socks that have been stuck in shoes all day gross me out way worse than the shoes they came in with (and yes, i primarily do the cleaning in my house, and yes it is clean).

i think the biggest thing in this "debate" is that SHOES-OFF have a definite POLICY. and SHOES-ON is not. it's the ABSENCE of SHOES-OFF. NOT the OPPOSITE. i think people are forgetting this. it's not this - i am going to wear these shoes all day and on all my furniture. sometimes they're on, sometimes they're off. sometimes they're slippers. sometimes they're shoes that are relatively for in the house. the only policy is that there's not a policy.

ChrisGal: thanks for replying in a civil manner. I was feeling snippy the day I wrote that and your "scared or lazy" comment hit a nerve. Sorry my reply was so harsh. Guess we'll agree to disagree? Just remind me not to visit your house. :-/

I totally get where arroyo is coming from. Growing up, the household was very lax about the shoe thing and I remember being confused by the whole shoe-removal request in other people's houses. It was ALWAYS a home with light-colored, wall-to-wall carpeting. My ignorance/what-have-you always had me wondering, in annoyance, what the point of having carpeting like that was when floors are meant to be walked in.

After having my own home and realizing how particular I am about cleanliness and my private space, I have come to understand and respect what others desire in the privacy of their own homes, without question. HOWEVER...

Although I prefer no shoes in my home as a general-yet-not-strictly-enforced rule due to allergies and slight germophobia (especially fear of dog feces), I would never dream of asking guests to remove their shoes if it's not raining or snowing. I personally feel that it puts people off in general, and reminds me of that "Curb Your Enthusiasm" episode when the woman screams her face off at Larry for not removing his shoes in her home. Besides, the people I let in are usually sensible and respectful enough to remove shoes that are obviously not fit for indoors. There IS a reasonable amount of "germs" I will let in; there is no escaping that 100%.

I must add that after recently living with three dogs when we stayed with family for a while, I became quite unsettled by the amount of debris and poop they tracked into the house several times a day, in addition to the puddles of water and dog drool they would leave behind. There was no way I would walk barefoot in that house.