Habitude

By B

August 1, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

I would say in the high traffic areas lay down a nice rug. Entrance ways, maybe even hallways. It’ll keep your floor from getting scuffed excessively in those spots and save your guests from being annoyed. I think it would be safe to say you don’t want a repair man getting that comfortable in your house plus there’s no telling what’s festering in them work boots..LOL My parents have white carpet so of course they have a no shoe policy, as soon as you hit the door it’s shoes off. It’s understandable but it’s also annoying sometimes.When they would have get togethers they started putting out nice runners in the high traffic areas and it works. Plus again, you never know what’s festering in someones shoes, could get ugly..LOL

By Katie Leslie

August 1, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

My fellow blogger -

I once attended a bridal shower with this problem; the hostess had just installed new wood floors and wanted everyone to remove their heels. With women dressed up in their Sunday best, expecting an upscale affair, many felt uncomfortable and embarrassed of their less-than-lovely toes.

You know how I feel about furniture and home aesthetic, but those hardwoods just aren’t worth it, and frankly, are built to take abuse!

Your floors in particular are new and pretty and shiny and wonderful, but I rather like the look of worn, aged floors anyway. Gives character! And I think “B” has it right…you need to get some rugs!

By Nedra Rhone

August 1, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

I hate rugs! surely there must be another solution.

i suppose i could put runners down when I’m expecting company…

By Melissa

August 1, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Maybe you could invest in some of those little flip flop/slippers like they have at the spa for pedicures and get a variety of sizes and have them ready at the door (in a discreet storage piece, of course). Or shoe cover booties (that’s what a plumber recently wore over his work boots in our home while he was doing work). It would be neat if you could find those in fun patterns or vibrant colors that people wouldn’t be aghast to wear. Some folks will be offended by a no shoe policy, but I don’t blame you for wanting to preserve the beauty of your floors…at least for a little while. If I had that policy and someone had their shoes stolen, I would replace them, but then again, my friends are frugal and don’t wear $425 shoes!

By :-)

August 1, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

We had friends who lived in a beautiful old Victorian house with gorgeous wood floors. They always asked us to take off our shoes at the door but had an antique wood basket just inside the door in which they kept an assortment of very nice, soft orlon booties for women and quality argyle and wool socks for men (for those guests who didn’t want to go barefoot). It was a nice tradition to slip into comfy, cozy socks when we walked in their home (and then we simply dropped them in another basket on our way out). It was fun and cozy/comfortable, even when we were dressed up.

By Debora

August 1, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Flat shoes, sneakers, ok. Heels, especially pumps with thin heels, on my hardwoods, absolutely not. They ruin them.

By R

August 1, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

We have had a ‘no shoe’ policy for almost 17 years. Most people comply especially when I offer them socks or booties.

We have carpeted floors and don’t want the outside germs inside.

By Voice of Reason

August 1, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

Girl, please. Life is short. Stop obsessing over pits in your floors from somebody’s shoes. Enjoy your friendships without those superfluous restrictions.

Reread Erma Bombeck’s writing about (something like, if I’d had more time, or something; what’s really important).

I like to keep my things nice, too. But I don’t see this as a major issue. However, that might be because I’ve stopped having a bunch of folks over to my home, eating up my good food I bought. Got tired of cleaning up after them and getting my floors rewaxed. (oops!) :-)

Put down a nice rug (not carpet; rug/runner).

By sathefari

August 1, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

No shoes in my house.. Just think about all the nasty crap you walk on during the day, restroom floors to dirty city streets.. Just the though of tracking those particles around the house makes me cringe..

By csra

August 1, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

We have hardwood floors throughout our 3800 square foot home. My 3 year old makes laps on her tricycle daily…that’s why I got hardwoods. I think the more beat up they get the better! I was disgusted with the allergens and funk in carpet and just ripped it up….we have thoroughly enjoyed our hardwood flooring…tricycle and all!!

By mjaay

August 1, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

We have a no shoes policy in our house; my family is Muslim, and so are many of our guests, so they are used to it. (Muslims don’t wear shoes in masjids (mosques) and our congregational prayer requires lots of movements that include your forehead pressed against the floor, so it is a really practical issue.) The main reason we started a “no shoe” policy was because of the filth tracked in by shoes. I have asthma, and my young toddler has allergies, so it helps to keep grime out of the house. I am so used to taking my shoes off when I enter people’s homes that I do it automatically, even when the person doesn’t ask for it.

By Stephanie

August 1, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

As a family we are just now trying to remember to remove our shoes at home - and that’s simply b/c I don’t want my floors to be so dirty on a daily basis with my toddler constantly on the floor (we also have two large hairy dogs). But I would never ask a guest to remove their shoes, especially not at a party or anything more than just a neighbor dropping by or a playdate situation (even in the most casual situation I would never ask, I just wouldn’t think it was weird if they did take their shoes off). I know for me, shoes are usually part of my outfit when I go to a party and would never want someone to feel uncomfortable in my house. Floors are not that important to me, friendships and comfort are! I invested in a Dyson and a Roomba to help me manage the daily dirt :)

By Liz

August 1, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

I let adults wear their shoes, but the children have to take theirs off. It’s saved so many hours of searching for those little sneakers, sandals, etc. And it isn’t so bad when they put their feet on the funiture if they’re barefoot or wearing socks… This one rule helps me relax a little.

By Kat

August 1, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

If a repairman is due to come to your home (you should know when), then lay out a runner/rug or whatever to get him/her from the front door to the repair location. When you get your oil changed or car fixed, they usually forget to take out those pieces of paper that they put on the floorboard of your car - that shows that they wouldn’t feel bad about it in your own home.

By Rob

August 1, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Stupid, obsesive Americans. HAHA

By Del

August 1, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

My sister in law make us take our shoes off in Michigan for Christmas dinner. We had to take them off outside, and step inside and get a pair of slippers. It was really weird because the winters are cold and icy in Michigan, and the childrens feet were cold outside. She didn’t care though, because no one, not even her husband wore shoes in the house. The carper was dark green, but no shoes had ever been on it.

By Donna P.

August 2, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

Yes, I ban shoes in the house even when relatives visit. I went to Wal-mart and purchased some slippers for each of my relatives and frequent friends who visit so when they come over, they can wear their “own” slippers. As for the repairmen, pest control men, etc., I make them wear booties (one of them had some already). They don’t seem to mind. My husband told me once that he had stepped in pee at a men’s room and I thought how gross to have that in my house. Some people may find it strange but think about all the places you step everyday and then think about that in your house where your kids and pets play.

By john

August 2, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

I think it’s totally acceptable to ask visitors to remove shoes if you want. You might want to check out flor.com for some ideas in high traffic areas. They make carpet squares that are about 20” square that you can lay down as runners, area rugs and even wall to wall. The great thing is that they can be rinsed off in the sink when dirty and if they get really dirty you just pull up the soiled ones and drop in new ones. Also you do it yourself with no adhesives or tacks/staples. Check it out!

By Ron

August 2, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

IF you are going to ask visitors to take off their shoes have a mat/rack at door in which to put them. No stolen shoes or cold shoes when leaving.

By Xanthippe

August 2, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

I’m kind of amazed at all the people who don’t allow shoes in their house. My attitude is hardwoods look better with some worn in character (also, with some rugs!) and germs are welcome.

I would never ask someone to remove their shoes in my home. It’s certainly anyone’s perogative but it strikes me as more than a little neurotic.

By Mikayla

August 2, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

I don’t know maybe it’s me, but I grew up in a home with hardwood floors and we never had this policy in our home. Our home was a home and not a museum and my parents just didn’t see the need to make visitors go through this. Now that I own my own home, I don’t do this to people who choose to visit. My home is three years old and the entry, kitchen and laundry areas are hardwood and the rest is carpet. On the chance that I do have visitors come over, it’s not a requirements that they remove their shoes. Most of the time they do it anyway but I tell them it’s not necessary. When repairment have come over they automatically do it but I guess it’s just a habit with them from being in other people’s homes but it’s not a requirements. I have a dog whose is always shedding so I’m always sweeping or cleaning my floors anyways and so it doesn’t really matter if someone enters my home with or without shoes. I can understand this rule for people with small kids because of a germ or allergen issue but I have friends who implement this rule/policy and sometimes it’s a little aggravating but it’s there home and so I abide by their wishes. But they are also the same friends that will go and by white furniture and don’t want you sit on it but place it in the family room. Or they will fix up a living room and don’t want you to use it because they want it to remain perfect. What’s the use in having a home if you can’t live in it comfortably or make it feel like home because you have turned it into a museum.

By Lauren

August 2, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

This is interesting to see people’s different opinions on the topic. I laugh at Rob’s stupid Americans comment because this has long been a sign of respect upon entering people’s homes in both Europe and Asia. I remember growing up in Scotland and never ever would we even think of wearing shoes in someone’s home. It was considered disrespectful to track in mud and germs into a place where people live and work hard to maintain. It has nothing to do with being superfluous, but everything to do with respecting other people’s property. I remember once my parents threw a huge party and all of the guests had no problem removing their shoes…except one. I had no problem telling them they were welcome to stay in the finished basement but that if they wanted to go upstairs, the shoes needed to come off (it had been raining). Needless to say, the person took a very arrogant stance and declined to remove the shoes. Friendship over. It may seem silly over shoes but what it seemed to me was this person did not care about other’s traditions or about respecting my parents’ property, and come to find out, it was a pretty good indication of that person’s personality. Long story short, if you don’t like or agree with something, that is ok. Just don’t be offended or take it personally if others choose certain actions when it comes to their home. Homeowners should be proud of their investment, keeping it clean and in good shape is nothing to be angry about.

By Shoeless

August 2, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

The first thing I do when I get home is take off my shoes in my tiled foyer. I do have hardwoods and I’m sure I step in germs all day, but I don’t do it for either of those reasons. I simply hate wearing shoes and like my feet to be free! When guests come over and see the 1-3 pairs of shoes lined up in the foyer, the response is usually, “Oh! Should I take my shoes off?” I tell them to do what makes them comfortable. 90% take theirs off too.

I also have friends who ask people to remove their shoes when entering their homes. As you can imagine, this makes me quite happy :).

Nevertheless, whether or not you think the reason for the request is frivolous, when you’re in other people’s homes, you should respect their rules unless they are asking you to do something illegal or immoral.

By No clothes in the house

August 2, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

I have a no clothes in the house policy. All residents and guests have to derobe in the foyer. Shoes in the house are not even an issue.

By D. C. Spinks

August 2, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Dew wee band shooz en hour howse? Whut kinda qweschun iz thaht? Hell, wee band shooz en hour kowntee!

By Journ

August 2, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

I’ve always considered it rather tacky to ask guests to remove their shoes. I’ve had people do it automatically, which I always tell them to do what is comfortable for them - but I certainly don’t require it. I recently had a guest leave her shoes outside! I was mortified when I opened the door as she was leaving to see them on my stoop…

By Fer Fer

August 2, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

I don’t require guests to do it, but I definitely prefer it. My boyfriend got me started in the habit as it was his family’s policy, and I love it. There’s less wear and dirt on the carpet and I’m more comfortable without shoes.

I really think it is a respect thing though. I respect my house enough to take my shoes off, and I respect other people’s houses enough to take my shoes off if they ask. Just my $0.02.

By doglvr

August 2, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Our house has had carpet in it now for 7 years and it still looks BRAND NEW. We take shoes off as soon as we get to the door and all our friends and family know this is our policy and it’s now habit for them to kick them off when they come in the house. Our 100lb. dog has done a number on our wood floors so whenever someone (repairman, etc.) is coming over for just a few minutes and I know they won’t be on the carpet I don’t stress about them leaving their shoes on so long as they’re not disgusting, if they are, OFF with them! Heck, our bug guy automatically takes his shoes off now upon entering our house, we don’t even have to ask him…the “unwritten law” of the home…shoes off, or don’t enter! It used to annoy me, the taking your shoes off, but now I’m so used to it that I kick them off anytime I go to someone else’s house as a sign of respect. It’s only the polite thing to do I think, especially if you think or know that your shoes are/ might be dirty.

By Anne Walden

August 2, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

I HAVE A NO SHOES POLICY, MY GUEST ENTER BY WAY OF MY LAUNDRY ROOM WHICH HAS A LOT OF SPACE AND IS CLEAN, BEFORE THEY ENTER THE FAMILY I ASK NICELY FOR SHOES TO BE REMOVED. I ASK IF THEY WOULD LIKE A PAIR OF SOCKS EXPLAINING I WANT THEM TO BE COMFORTABLE. REPAIR MEN DEPENDING ON THE JOB I HAVE A PIECE OF PLASTIC LIKE A RUNNER FOR THEM TO WALK ON, IF THE JOB IS UPSTAIRS THEY ARE ASKED TO REMOVE THE SHOES, IF THEY HAVE TO GO IN AND OUT I WILL ALLOW SHOES AND CLEAN THE AREA AFTER THEY LEAVE. WHEN MY UPSTAIRS BATH ROOM WAS BEING REPAIRED UNDER THE SINK THE WORKER ONLY WENT BACK OUTSIDE ONCE AND THE JOB WAS NOT LONG FOR LEAK UNDER THE SINK. WHEN FRIENDS VISIT THEY WILL NOT MIND. IF SHOES GET TAKEN I WOULD REPLACE THEM.

By Willie G

August 2, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

When I used to go to the cat houses in Japan, you had to leave your shoes at the door. when I would leave, I always picked out the best pair that fit good, and was shined good. Worked for me. LOL

By Luella J.

August 2, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

I think it’s rude to ask people to remove a piece of their clothing to enter your home. Geeze. Whooppee you have nice looking carpet. Guess your things are more important than people.

By Eric

August 2, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

This is the stupidest topic and discussion that I’ve ever come across on this paper’s website. And no I’m not joking.

By Eric

August 2, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

This is the stupidest topic and discussion that I’ve ever come across on this paper’s website. And no I’m not joking.

By kam

August 2, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

TEE HEE HEE. THAT IS TOO FUNNY. NO CLOTHES IN THE HOUSE POLICY. I NEEDED A GOOD LAUGH. THANK YOU.

By nono

August 2, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

Whether it’s a baby shower, immediate family for dinner, or what have you, these people are GUESTS in your home. A proper hostess would NEVER request that a guest remove attire unless of course you’re hosting a bachelorette party and a stripper’s come to dance! If you’re so concerned about germs, you can buy a nice bottle of hardwood floor cleaner for about $12 and mop AFTER your guests have gone home or get out the vacuum cleaner. But by all means—unless it’s a religious or cultural norm, don’t do this to your guests. It’s incredibly rude to put the needs of your FLOOR above the comfort of your guests.

By Del

August 2, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

I had my light beige carpet cleaned last week because my 2 sons were comming to visit, and they had not been home for 9 years. We had 2 cookouts with people over, and my daughter tried to get the children to take their shoes off, which was really a task because they would forget. Well today, the 6th day, and the carpet is dirty again. Some took their shoes off, and some didn’t. The adults didn’t think they should, and I didn’t mention it to them. I had never had a practice of asking people to take their shoes off, because I thought it was a bit pretentious, like the people who have the room where no one can sit. I live in my home, and I want my guest to enjoy it when they visit, and not be uncomfortable thinking that they will mess something up. After all its only a house, and you can’t take it with you. Everything can be replaced. Don’t fret!

By My House, My Rules

August 2, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Okay this is the thing, If you want germs in your house and people to think they run your house, then be scared to have a no shoe policy. If they can’t respect your house rules then oh well. Like previous comments, as long as you have socks or booties or shoe covers,it should be no problem.Because all our bedrooms are upstairs I don’t allow any shoes whatsoever up there, and if there is a problem then oh well. No guests should really be upstairs anyway, unless they are close family. Service men wear shoes covers. Too many germs and kids roll around on the floor and whatever they do when they play. Its their house too and I have a right to portect them from all the crap that is collected from the bottom of people’s shoes. it’s just nasty. Yeah, life is too short, but is it too short to be getting sick and running kids to emergency rooms too.

By My House, My Rules

August 2, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Okay this is the thing, If you want germs in your house and people to think they run your house, then be scared to have a no shoe policy. If they can’t respect your house rules then oh well. Like previous comments, as long as you have socks or booties or shoe covers,it should be no problem.Because all our bedrooms are upstairs I don’t allow any shoes whatsoever up there, and if there is a problem then oh well. No guests should really be upstairs anyway, unless they are close family. Service men wear shoes covers. Too many germs and kids roll around on the floor and whatever they do when they play. Its their house too and I have a right to portect them from all the crap that is collected from the bottom of people’s shoes. it’s just nasty. Yeah, life is too short, but is it too short to be getting sick and running kids to emergency rooms too.

By MOT

August 2, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

When we had all 10 kids home, right after the last one was born, I decided it was time for new carpet. I got beige berber (easy cleaning with kids spills) and a light oak wood foyer. Prior to this I had already trained the kids to remove their shoes at the door. So it saved the huge amount of wear and tear on carpet and foyer floor.

It was never an issue with friends b/c they would see all the shoes at the door and just automatically remove theirs. If it was someone I was not close to, I would say you don’t have to, or only if you want to. But close friends never had a problem. In fact I got several calls through the years from folks thanking me for giving them the idea-usually people with kids.

Taking shoes off is not about material things nor is it about just saving money—It is respectful of someone else’s home for several reasons: think of the environment (smaller footprint—parden the pun, b/c you don’t have to replace, or use cleaners for carpets, or waxing for wood floors or run electricity to run the buffer, vacuum/carpet cleaner or roomba, etc as often. It also saves medically—as it has been pointed out, less germs enter. One of the dirtiest surfaces that is full of nasty disease causing germs that has been tested is the bottom of purses and bags—-why? Because they sit on floors in public places, including bathrooms!!!! And this is the same stuff we track in on our shoes!!!!

If you feel funny asking, then don’t. If you feel funny wondering what is being tracked in, then figure out what system will work best for you.

If I knew my friends wore such expensive shoes I would offer to put them in my bedroom. Seems like there should have been someone willing to play detective to get those shoes back and nab the thief. How awful to think there was someone like that in their own home!

By TCH

August 2, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

Yes! We absolutely ban shoes in our house. The reason for this is more for health reasons, not so much in an effort to protect our hardwoods. We step in all kinds of debris, junk, general bad organisms all day (think of the spitters at the gas stations, or the people who miss in public restrooms) and I do not want this same gook in the house. My husband doesn’t feel quite the same, but as usual in a marriage, he compromises to keep me quiet. :)

By Soontobenurseal

August 2, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry about the marks on the floor, worry about what is on the bottom of the shoes. Think of the places the shoes have been. Do you want those germs and grime in your house? I work in a hospital and my shoes do not even make it in my car without being put in a bag. I don’t want to bring home hospital germs. I don’t want to even think about what all is on the bottom of my shoes just going to Wal-Mart. The shoes need to come off. Life is short, but with all the germs that are resistant to drugs now, it could get shorter if your not careful. Take a microbiology class and you will grow what is on the bottom of your shoes in class. It will make you want to never bring your shoes inside again. People may not like it at first, but if you ask most people will comply.

By Struck a Nerve

August 3, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

I think people who place the requirement of guests to remove their shoes are #1) totally full of themselves and #2) crass and rude to “guests” who they would welcome in their home.

I can’t stand flaky people, and these types are at the top of my flaky list…

I look at it this way..When I invite someone into my “home”, it is as a guest and therefore it is my job to ensure that guest the most comfortable temporary stay as possible. I do not place the responsibility of maintaining my floors upon my “guests”. That’s my responsibility; that’s why I am the homeowner.

Now yes, I operate within reason..if there is a rainstorm or something I have a runner at my door for guests to wipe their feet really well, and if they voluntarily remove their shoes then that’s okay. But I don’t want anyone and everyone’s germs and fungi from their feet traversing and being absorbed into my floor which I and my family happen to often walk across - barefoot. Imagine that bourgeois people!..you have one of your elegant shindigs and require everyone who attend remove their shoes. You have just unleashed a colony of foot fungus and smells into your floors!!!

These are probably the same type of people who buy nice furniture for a “living room”, yet doesn’t allow anyone to sit in it!! Yeah….”look at what I got, isn’t it nice?” $4000-$5000.. and it isn’t even used. That makes sense.

By sam

August 3, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

A no shoes policy is a GOOD thing but not necessarily for the reasons stated here….I am thinking of all of the nasty germs and bacteria that are brought into the home on the soles of our feet. We should have in house shoes and outside shoes for sanitary reasons..Just take a minute to think about what you see on the ground while you re walking and then realize you re taking it home with you…Children and babies maybe crawling around on the carpet or floor…Things fall on the floor and we pick them up without washing our hands afterward…

By Dave

August 3, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

We let the Georgia Football players into our house when we have weekend parties. They are too drunk and stoned to take their shoes off. We let them keep their shoes on so after they pass out they don’t have to look for them when they wake up and try to stumble home.

By Respect goes a long way!!

August 3, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Well one of my Aunt’s who lived in Florida and she was a Buddhist. I went to visit her for the summer and every time you entered her house or anyone else house you were required to take your shoes off! It was because of their religious beliefs. When I was in Korea, it was also a common thing to do when you enter someone’s home there as well because they sleep/sit/eat on the floors (hardwood)! Now that I have a child and see how dirty my floors get and I have allergies & asthma, I think about enforcing this in my home. I take off my shoes every time I enter my home. I also take them off when visiting friends whom when I enter I see there shoes at the door or if they have small children! Normally people without kids could care less. I don’t think it’s a bad rule to have and people should respect it and if you can’t don’t visit someone in their home that has this rule!! Now if someone stole a guest’s shoes I would be contacting every guest that was at my house and said um did you take so and so shoes by accident or something. If no one fesses up, I would replace them and I would think twice about having that group of people in my home! I would offer booties/slippers for guest to wear. So, they can feel more comfortable. I would also not have their shoes out in the open where neighbors/strangers could take their shoes (living in an apartment, etc). Just my opinion!

By ed

August 3, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

If you don’t want people wearing shoes in your house then move to Asia or Hawaii! I am from the south but live in Hawaii now and have to put up with this stupid no shoes B.S. everyday, everywhere I go. Enough already! Get real!!!

By yankee

August 3, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Good to see it’s the important things that concern you. Good luck with the rest of your life. Start looking for a shrink.

By FCM

August 3, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

We do have a no shoe policy in the house….Though its because of the children and my not wanting dirt tracked over the beige carpet. I have a shoe rack in the coat closet where the shoes ‘live’. That way the asthetics are preserved.

When guests come over I do not require they take off their shoes. Some of my ‘regular’ visitors do remove their shoes but that is only because they wish too. It is never ‘enoforced’ on guests. As to paying for their shoes, NO….if we had a party and they had something taken from their purse I would not replace that either. I do not wear shoes in my home even if my guests do. I do love a pretty shoe, but I still only wear them because I have too. Give me a good pedi and bare feet anyday.

By Nedra Rhone

August 3, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

I have to say I’m a surprised by how polarized the comments are.

It’s interesting. When I was in grade school, my best friend had a no shoes policy at her house. I don’t think anyone ever asked or cared why, they just complied.

It sounds as though people think the policy is okay if it’s cultural or religious, and not okay if it’s for environmental or aesthetic reasons.

But just from reading the comments on this post, it seems that removing shoes in the house has become part of American culture as well.

Personally, some comments (as in those from soontobenurseal), have me more terrified of germs than a few nicks in my floors.

I do think it’s is a good idea to offer some type of indoor shoe, or boot cover for visitors/workmen…

Those of you who thinks this blog/post is a waste of time, click here. ajc.com has lots of blogs to chose from. Feel free to find one that suits you better.

By Gah

August 3, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

If someone asked me to remove my shoes before entering their home, I would promptly turn around and leave. You take off your shoes, and you never know what kind of fungus, etc. your host or other guests may be harboring, and that you could pick up on your bare feet. If you want to see me, take me shoes and all. If not, then you don’t want my company.

By Grammaw

August 3, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Taking off shoes just exposes you to a different sort of danger…fungus, germs, etc., plus puts your guests in danger of “swapping germs” between themselves and YOU. At least with my own shoes on, I know my feet are protected from whatever you might have deposited on your floors from YOUR feet. And if you have pets, it’s even worse. You can say your dog/cat is house-trained, but you can’t believe that your animal has never had an accident while you were out of the room. I sure don’t want to step in THAT (dried OR wet) in my stocking feet.

By jeed

August 3, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

*By Shoeless

The first thing I do when I get home is take off my shoes in my tiled foyer. I do have hardwoods and I’m sure I step in germs all day, but I don’t do it for either of those reasons. I simply hate wearing shoes and like my feet to be free! When guests come over and see the 1-3 pairs of shoes lined up in the foyer, the response is usually, “Oh! Should I take my shoes off?” I tell them to do what makes them comfortable. 90% take theirs off too.*

DITTO. Even if my shoes are not visible in the foyer, guests who see me in socks always ask if they should take their shoes off. I tell them that they do not have to. Most kick them off anyway. Even if they choose not to, no harm.

I feel like you should buy things that you can afford to keep clean/maintained under any circumstances. That might be rugs for some, hardwoods for others. The “no shoes” rules reminds me of people who buy nice light/white furniture and keep it covered in plastic or cloth or simply tell people that you can’t go in “that” room. LOL

By michele

August 3, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Yes I do have a no shoes policy in my house & ask nicely that repairman take their shoes off. All my family knows that they aren’t allowed to wear shoes in my house.

I institutied a no shoes policy after I really thought about how disgusting shoes are….think about everything you step in over the course of the day & then you wear them inside? NO WAY!

I wouldn’t replace anyone’s shoes. If you are dumb enough to have a $500 pair of shoes then maybe you should only wear them in your house.

By Old Lady Who Lives In Her Shoes

August 3, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Come to my house, and wear your shoes. I prefer you did. I don’t want your fungus, germs, etc. from your feet transferred to my carpet. I keep a shoe-cleaning mat at the front door, and it works great to remove dirt, etc. I’m not a hillbilly, and will NOT go barefoot in your house, or anyone else’s…customs or not. I just won’t visit.

By thomas

August 3, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

I think the idea of a “no shoes policy” is ridiculous. I have heard of people from Asian or Indian countries doing, also some Muslims. It was started over here by arrogant, pompous liberals who thought it was cute and give them some power over other people. I ever read in the AJC recently about this “green” daycare center (run by white liberals, btw) where all the kids have to take their shoes off and wear “booties.” The lie given was that it was to help keep out “chemicals.” BS.

Personally I believe that no shoes BS is about power and control.

By catlady

August 3, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

What kind of people do you hang out with that would steal another guest’s shoes? What kind of house do you have that you have that many visitors frequently? A house of prostitution? Dear God, someone get a grip!

Our pastor has a shoes off policy at his house because of his beige carpet, but I find it offensive to take off my shoes and to see others with their sockie footies sitting about. Just me, I guess.

I would like to be able to require children not to come to school reeking of cigarette and dope smoke, or of cheap perfume and aftershave. Now THAT makes me truly sick!

By Katherine

August 3, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe that people would ask you to remove your shoes before entering their home because of hardwood floors. What a total lack of class and taste. If you cannot afford the upkeep and cleaning of hardwoods, then either don’t get them, or don’t entertain. I would NEVER put on a pair of slipper/booties/socks to enter someone’s home. Then, of course, I don’t know anyone that requires this… Where are your manners people?

By catlady

August 3, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

After reflecting on some of the comments, I must ask: do you germ o phobes KNOW what is on your skin, and inside your mouth? And that of your baby? Things like tetanus and yeast on the skin every day. You folks trying to protect your babies are gonna LOVE it when they go to school—hope you plan to homeschool. And you never go shopping for food, clothes, etc, do you? How could you endanger your family like that! Have you ever discussed this fear with your pediatrician? Or your shrink?

Now, if you have someone come in who has been slopping the hogs, I certainly would understand asking them to remove their shoes, pants, etc.

Or if you have someone who has been SERIOUSLY immunocompromised, well, shoes would be down my list of concerns for their safety. There are other things I would worry about for them before I started on taking off shoes to protect them.

The idea of protecting your floors: like the others, I value my invited guests more than my possessions. Uninvited guests do not get in, so that is a moot point. If someone tried to come inside in cleats or ice skates, I would probably ask them to take them off, regardless of my floors.

The only other exception I can think of is if my yard has been totally torn up and stripped down to Georgia red clay and I have no stepping stones available for folks to use to get to the door, well, yeah, THEN I might well ask them to remove their shoes.

By rosemary

August 3, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

puppy poop, spit, garbage laden streets and sidewalks…not in my house ! off with the shoes for sanitary reasons…keep some hospital booties for the repairman to put over his/her shoes

By DB

August 3, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

I only go to someone’s house once if they are the shoes-off variety. Frankly, I can’t imagine being friends with someone so obsessive about their floors. And that includes my brother-in-law and his wife. They put in a white carpet, and then don’t allow anyone to walk on it. WTF?!?! She shampoos that damn carpet every week. The carpet OWNS her!

A floor is meant to be walked on. If you can’t afford to care for a floor the way it needs to be cared for, then you probably should put in a different kind of floor. Otherwise, you come across as pretentious and more interested in your possessions than your friends or family.

Frankly, I sometimes have a problem with foot odor, despite some pretty heroic measures. I once stopped by an acquaintance’s home for a luncheon, and was ordered to remove my shoes. Reluctant to stink up the joint, I made some polite excuse and left — and NEVER went back.

By Clean Feet

August 4, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

Think about this….When you step outside of your home, footwear protects your feet from the harsher and unclean conditions outside of your home. When you come back home, you remove the unclean footwear. When this is followed by all the members living in the house and by the visitors, it works well. Some exceptions situations may arise from time to time (repairman) and may be dealt with in a consistent way.

In some societies/cultures, it is not uncommon to have a small place to wash your feet near the entrance of the home. So you remove the footwear and wash your feet before you step in. The whole concept behind this is the ability to maintain a clean house for everyone (from crawling babies to adults).

Of course, today we now have foot wear which has been ‘elevated’ to become a fashion element that is to be treated as part of the attire and ‘how dare’ someone requires removal of the footwear inside a home!! So for fashion sake (and ‘good manners’) we need to wear it and allow wearing it inside homes even if it is unclean or can damage the house flooring.

Talking of uncleanliness, we also have homes where dogs (and cats) which are not just allowed inside the home but also on the beds and sofas right after they come back from a walk outside!

As with many other things the purpose of footwear is now lost or gone beyond the basics in quite a few cultures. So it is not uncommon to find wardrobes filled with footwear right inside the homes (the bedroom wardrobe) as the advt & marketing tries to ensure you buy and store dozens of them inside the homes! (irrespective of them being put to real use anytime)

One thing for sure, those in the fashion industry and those who manufacture and market footwear would certainly want ‘allowing footwear to be worn inside homes’ as part of good manners?

By mita

August 4, 2008 7:34 AM | Link to this

Unless it is your religious belief, I think that is very rude to ask your guest to remove their shoes when they come to your home. It sends the message that people are messing up your floors with their shoes. I hate when people do this, and personally, I try to stay away from homes that have this policy. If you can’t afford to keep your carpet cleaned or your hardwood floors maintatined from normal wear and use, then you shouldn’t invite people over.

By Shun

August 4, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this

I strictly enforce the no shoe policy at my house. It has nothing to do with scuffing floors. My 21 month old son does a good job of that by dragging his toys over my nicely polished wood floors (or used to be). I have a 7 month old that crawls around and picks up things off the floor and puts them in her mouth. The last thing I want is for my children to consume bugs/dirt from the bottom of my guests’ shoes. My friends and family comply with this policy even if they are only stopping by for a minute. I keep a basket of new socks at the door for their inconvenience. As for repairmen, I just lay out large blankets for them to step on. I’d rather do an extra load of clothes rather than have my children spend a day in the ER!

By Tyrone Biggums

August 4, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

I always expect people to remove their shoes in my home. Pretty much every friend’s home I’ve visited have asked for shoes to be removed. This is why I think it’s important to remove shoes:

1) Fewer dirty street germs in your home 2) No ugly pock marks on nice hardwood floors 3) Being in socks or barefoot (to me) is MORE comfortable than wearing shoes. If I’m relaxing at someone’s home, shouldn’t I be comfortable?

By vicky

August 5, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Yes i too like the majority of you have a strict no shoes policy.My experience of living in Scotland is the same as has been mentioned already here.Given the weather etc i found that it was not only the norm,but a necessity to change straight into slippers.This was the practice in my house and when visiting other homes.It most certainly was not considered eccentic to take your slippers with you when visiting, rather it was seen as being polite and considerate and the norm.In my house for my family and guests etc,its simply shoes off at the door and slippers on.This is what done all my life and have found it to be the most effective way of maintaininging a clean, relaxing and comfortable environment.Comfy and clean slippers are provided for whoever needs them.Frequent guests tend to have a pair left at our house or bring some with them.Which indeed they do not consider “strange”Consequently my carpets(beige)are totally unmarked.My family and i find our lifestyle convivial and welcoming.Indeed were are neither stigmatized nor ridicules by our peers.And thats good enough for me.

By kim

August 12, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

I think this is a great topic and a good habit. Have you ever gone to a public restroom and the floor in front of the toilet was wet? Imagine all the gross things we walk on all day. I personally think it’s gross to drag it through someone’s house. When i get out the shower or come inside, I want to know i’m not walking on remnants of who knows what. On the same token, I can not understand how ppl can put their shoes on their bed. You may as well eat off the floor.