House Rule: Off With Your Shoes

feeny I very much appreciate friends of ours with shoes off policies who offer a wide range of cute slippers from around the world in their entryway for guests to choose from when they arrive. Being faced with a charming array of embroidered, woven, furry, or silk slippers in a variety of colors, sizes, and cultural traditions makes arriving and taking off your shoes into an adventure in style.

Janet Paik Shoes-off in our house! I've never known anything else, and people usually get the hint when they see the pile of shoes by the door.

the_misfit Hmm. I prefer to be barefoot as much as possible, and I usually take off my shoes whenever I enter someone's home, even if they don't have a shoes-off policy. This can get complicated with people who entertain principally outdoors (or who entertain outdoors AND indoors at the same time - I have several friends who do so habitually. In that case, the shoes need to stay on!). In my house, nobody wears shoes (we all have slippers), and I never needed to lay down the law about it - it just happened that way. But when WE have guests, I don't tell them to take their shoes off. They may wander outside for a beer or a cigarette (I don't like them either, but I would certainly rather they smoke them outside), and in any case, I'm concerned it might make someone uncomfortable. My floors are always a mess after parties...but I think our shoe area gives the hint to those disposed to comply, and I don't want to pick a fight with those who aren't. Perhaps if I, too, had a basket of fun slippers, I could get to 100% shoelessness with no hassle...

deenarae123 Maybe it's a Canadian thing, or just an Albertan thing, but we (or anyone I know) would never, ever wear shoes inside. It's just an automatic thing that you take your shoes off when you enter someones home. To do otherwise would be incredibly rude. And no, we do not provide slippers either, it's very common place to be barefoot indoors, especially during the summer.

Cathy Lara I have a toddler who eats everything off the floor, so I tell guests to take their shoes off. I used to have a lovely "Mahalo for removing your shoes" sign but I've done away with it; no shame!

the_misfit, I see your point about it being tricky when entertaining indoors and outdoors. When I'm a guest in someone's house and that's the scenario, I just take my shoes off before I go back inside the house from the lanai or patio.

This is making me think of an awesome Sex and the City episode ("A Woman's Right to Shoes") where Carrie's aghast that she has to take off her shoes at a kiddie party/friend's house. AND someone ends up stealing her shoes. One of my favorites!

amandaclured Shoes off at the door in our house. I find that most of my friends are really good about removing their shoes when coming over. Same goes for my kids and their friends. We have had a shoes off house rule for years now so it is just kind of a known fact that our house is the no shoes zone. Not everyone in our area has this rule, but it is growing in popularity. One of my friends converted her home after seeing how clean it made mine.

marco69 We keep slippers by the door for the family and change into them when we get in. Our guests are asked to remove their shoes and generally it's not a problem. The majority choose to bring their slippers to wear. It's always a good idea to warn people in advance. Just about everyone we know expects shoes to come off at the door.

leticiashaquana Also from Alberta, and shoes off is just the way of life around here. I would imagine that any locale that has to deal with snow 4 or 5 months out of the year has this type of culture ingrained. No one wears snow boots inside, and the habit simply carries throughout the rest of the year.
I am surprised at all the reference to barefoot. Doesn't anyone wear socks anymore? Shoes without socks is yucky.

kreativehaus I don't impose all shoes off (yet); just when going to the upstairs, carpeted areas of the house. I'm also not a total proponent of shoes off indoors; I don't like having cold feet or to feel crumbs from small children on my bare feet. I also don't like the extra seconds/minutes of taking off/putting on routine - every second is precious. Also, I prefer to plan ahead of time if I'm going to someone's house - I want to make sure I'm wearing intact socks or my toenails are painted.

I never thought about the bacteria issue on the bottom of shoes - just tracking dirt issue. Now I'll have something new to dwell on...

suzywilson absolutely a Canada-wide rule... and there's something so wonderful about a Canadian winter house party where you pass a mountain of boots and coats in the foyer.... actually, now I want a photo series of Canadian front door shoe piles!!!

pradance I have a no-shoes policy at my home for two reasons: (1) I have light carpet and (2) I hate the idea of filth being tracked into the house (I don't know where guests' shoes have been).

I try to be a gracious hostess and treat others the way I would like to be treated. I don't like the idea of walking on anyone's bathroom floors with bare feet or even stocking feet so I offer foot covers for guests to cover their shoes and also footies if they prefer. The foot covers are disposable but the problem I'm having with the footies is that some guests will just put their shoes back on over them and run off with my footies! I do my best to remind everyone to leave them in the "dirty" bin but I'm not always able to monitor it. It's to the point that I feel like just letting guests walk around in their bare feet or their own socks. I'm tired of replacing footies!

I'm considering ordering something I saw on eBay: a mechanical contraption that automatically covers shoes when guests place their feet on top of it.

appytrails I, too, have a no shoes rule in the house. The worst is when someone comes in and doesn't take off their shoes, and everyone else is shoeless. At parties, it's essential that everyone either leaves shoes on or takes them off.

sagmoorecottage Interesting discussion. My husband is often exasperated that our children won't keep there shoes ON.

sunnyc I agree. Take off your shoes!! But do have slippers or footies for your guests. Did you know that if you have carpeting, it will get soiled by bare feet? The oils coming from your skin will make carpets dirty!!

patricia beharry we do not all live in Canada or in cold climates;we also would look foolish wearing socks with high heels or sandals when it is 80 or 90 degrees. would any of you think it rude of Mrs Obama if she does not take here shoes off in your house; or would you dare to ask her to. Treat all your guests like royalty and equally.

sunnyc Mrs. Obama should take her shoes off too.Her shoes are just as dirty as ours.

puppynose Yeh, definitely shoes off! If you live in an inner city area of London, as I do, where there's plenty of 'dog mess' on the pavement, and you can see where people have accidentally skidded in it, then there's other things on the pavement eg mud, dirt, chewing gum.

The thought of someone trotting into my home with some or all of these things wedged in the bottom of their shoes terrifies me! So, I have bought loads of colourful slippers which I leave on the passage for guests to wear. I also give people good notice of my shoe policy too before they visit.

Everyone who comes to my house generally will notice the heap of shoes aligned along the passage and will instinctively say 'should I take my shoes off?' or will just take them off automatically.

I have carpet in some areas, so definitely no shoes, and though parts of my flat is tiled, I still wouldn't accept shoes as I really have enough of a task keeping the place clean without having to deal with external factors adding to it!

krisiemullah We never wear our shoes in the house, it's just gross so many germs and pesticides. Krisie in Florida

sofewladiew No shoes...... it makes for a wonderfully clean home and a relaxed atmosphere..I do not ask the elderly, but I do provide a sturdy chair at the front door. Yes, (patricia beharry) I would ask Michelle Obama to take her shoes off and yes it would be rude if she did not. She is no better than my neighbors who take their shoes off. I would ask her to peel some potatoes too, treat everyone the same..

barbiesparkle I would never consider entering someone's home without removing my shoes. To me it is simply a sign of respect. Living in the rural Midwest, it is a guessing game what might be carried in on shoes. Besides bacteria, think about pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, etc. I simply don't want that on my floors.

We've had a long-standing no shoes policy in my home so everyone who visits regularly knows and the sight of a grouping of shoes inside the door is enough to give new visitors the hint, but we we still have a few . . . and no, I won't be confrontational -- even with a couple of relatives who enjoy being challenging & defiant, one even telling me, "I've decided your floors were made to be walked on." Whatever! Those attitudes do not win points in my book. MOST people are kind and respectful.

And sofewladiew -- cute & well said!

Cathy Lara Oh, @patriciabeharry, I think the great think about Mrs. Obama is that she'll do The Dougie with your kids at school, eat burgers at your Fourth of July party with her hands, and take her shoes off if that's your house rule — just like everyone else.

caps54 I always had hardwood floors and never had a shoeless policy. Now, however, I have carpet and would like to institute a such a policy. Thanks for the many suggestions on how to start such a thing. I have a bench in the outer hallway and will now get a basket and slippers of varying sizes. Fortunately, I am new to this area and only know 3-4 people so it is probably a good time to start such a policy. I hope to have everything in place by summer when family comes to visit.

Heather Hdh54 As a designer and Albertain I will add my two cents. Let people know before hand if you prefer " shoes off". Then they can bring their own indoor shoes, but also offer a substitute( not Micky mouse slippers). Nothing is worse than a designer dress and a fluffy pair of "theme" slippers( unless it's for a gag gift for that special guest).

Also replace the old and much loved slippers as needed. Also be prepared that those slippers may go home with the odd guests. We have even given slippers as
gifts to our guests. It's a fun gift that makes your guests feel welcome. Well that and a drink at the door.


Remember that floors are floors and made for walking on but it is important to
remember that bare feet on carpet is the worst thing for those carpets as the oils
from your feet, lotions and talcum powers are a magnet and will deposit on the carpets causing them to grab dust and dirt. Having lots of slippers and options is key to the longevity of your carpets, natural sustainable floors,grout color and just much more hygienic.

If one wears shoes on hard surfaces but removes them on carpets they will eventually cross contaminate and the effort lost. Keep in mind that for a special occasion when the ladies are dying to show off their new stilettos or knee high boots it's a good idea to let them. Just be prepared to wash and rug clean as soon as possible. It's just part of the planning and overhead costs of a fancy bash.

Heather from Okotoks, Alberta.

PS. There are amazing area door carpets that have 24 peel off tacky sheets attached( replacements available as needed). We use them in our California home as no one takes shoes off there so we just ask them to walk across the matt upon entry. It literally removes any dust and hopefully some of the germs upon entry.Great for delivery guys too. It is always a crowd pleaser. Wish I had thought of it first.

danceswithmonster Walking barefoot is extremely uncomfortable for me so I wear shoes in my house. Even slippers don't provide enough support for my high arches and narrow feet. Guests can do whatever they prefer. Asking someone to take off their shoes sounds incredibly rude to me.

billakinley My first Houzz email, and it includes a perfect article for me!
I just moved to Spain to marry my husband, and soon after arriving, I remarked that it's a very sad think when your feet are blackened from walking in your own house :)
Now we keep a basket of brightly colored slippers (like $2/pair from IKEA; very easy to toss in the washer) in different sizes, and we're installing a bench right beneath an oversized pop art photo of my husband's dancing shoes (he's a renown flamenco dancer). We love the visual humor of it.
We're still working on a way to store our shoes. Currently, we each are allowed to keep no more than two pairs in the hallway, and we have a policy about washing off the soles of shoes before they get taken to their respective closets.
I can't believe how clean our floors stay now!
And so far, no guests have minded the house rules.

I LOVE Houzz!!!

Bill

mrsben In Canada, generally people just automatically remove their foot wear. (Boots, shoes, sandals etc.) With that said; particularly when entertaining it is customary for the hostess/host to provide indoor footwear and the seating to accommodate.
P.S: @ 'Ispswr': When it comes to family, it is a training process. :) When my children were young each had their own storage bin, tucked away inside the front door vestabule closet.
@ 'patricia beharry' I am sure that the First Lady would be courteous enough to take her foot wear off without having to be asked to. :)

lspswr Question for handling shoe piles -- we end up having every pair of shoes at the door and those worn occasionally don't get put away either. Do you ask your family to put them away or do you have a tidy space for them at the door? I know there are cubbies and shelves, etc, but does your family really use them? Mine is usually in too big a hurry to deal with the details and I get tired of tripping over the pile.

lessismoore I recall being invited to a Christmas buffett cocktail party at a friends house - I was not aware that they had instituted a "no shoes" policy. While they provided ample paper slippers or sock type things in their foyer, I found my newly "styled" shoeless state to be a distraction to my enjoyment of the evening. I had spent some time putting together an outfit - one with shoes that matched my dress as a matter of fact, and didn't feel very comfortable in my new paper slipper look, let alone safe on their newly refinished floors (slip n slide anyone?) I can appreciate where some people, cultures, living styles make this a good choice for them. But you absolutely have to give a guest the option to bow out. Shoeless is fine for some, but not for all. If you give an invite that specifies or implies "semi-formal" you don't expect to be walking around in slippers or socks or do you? I would suppose you'd have to tailor your entertainments around barefoot (though not necessarily pregnant) casualness. Which makes it sound delightfully "outdoorsy" but I don't go slippered or barefoot on my patio either.
If my shoes are dirty from outside, I take them off and put on a clean(er) pair for in the house.
Personally, I don't want to deal with that degree of germa-phobia or house fussiness. We have kids and pets and while I don't want them to scratch the floors, or stain the carpets, I get more germ wary around people scratching their heads, coughing, wiping their noses and wanting to help in the kitchen, or use the phone.

artistannie In Hawaii the pile of shoes by the front door tells everyone- No shoes in the house.

joygian We prefer shoes off in the house, which started when our children were very young and eating everything on the ground. Now its become such a routine, even though kids are older, and we have noticed how much better the carpets look, that we continue to leave shoes at the door. However, my family does not like this rule, and we have to constantly ask them almost every time they are over. We do provide them with slippers to wear. How do you handle guest that don't want to abide by your shoeless policy?

mathygerson Please keep in mind that not all disabilities are obvious. Some people require shoes for therapeutic reasons and asking a guest to remove shoes may lead to embarrassment and shame for them--certainly not the goal when inviting someone into our home.

lgtennes How do you avoid slipping when walking on hardwood floors and wearing nylons or even smooth yarn socks? Asking people to take their shoes off may be dangerous unless they will be only walking on carpet.

Bev I'm a native of Miami Beach and live in Fort Lauderdale... I'm almost always barefoot at home! (I am now!!!) My shoes come off the moment I walk in my front door... I only have tile and hardwood flooring in my home....not a carpet person. I keep a giant clam shell next to my front door filled with Tommy Bahama flip flops. Guests are free to keep their shoes on, kick them off, go barefoot or choose from my constantly rotating flip flop collection.

admire My husband and I always take off our shoes. However, when his mother and brother visit they will NOT take off their shoes. I have made comments on how I feel the home remains cleaner when shoes are removed but it makes no difference to them...they still keep them on. To keep peace, I say nothing. She is 87 years old and does not visit often and neither does his brother...thank goodness! I love the idea about the basket at the door and I will respect everyone's home when invited to come in.

pattimay It's always been shoes off in our house, it's slippers or indoor shoes. No bare feet! I think bare feet can pick up more dirt than shoes and besides some get sweaty and stinky then wipe onto carpeting.

People have always kidded us because we bring a bag of slippers wherever we go. We never wear our outdoor shoes in someone elses house.

We never tell people to remove their shoes, they just see us in slippers or they know us by bringing our indoor shoes to their house. But I had a "guest" say he doesn't want to remove his shoes, not happy, I said it was okay. I think he felt uncomfortable or guilty because he now brings his own "indoor" shoes and it's appreciated!

I keep a basket by the door with many different kinds of slippers for those that want them. I have some that flap over the top for those with diabetes or because of age and some with bling that want a little extra. Most people I find are comfortable walking around in their socks. I also keep a can of spray for those that may be nervous about the slippers even though at this point each visitor has "their own shoes" in the basket and look forward to grabbing theirs.

What is difficult, is when they want to walk out on the deck and then come back in, they now have dirty socks!
Some would say.... I'm now my mother after all. (we never wore shoes inside growing up either)

diannj4 We had lived in a mobile home first and even took our shoes off in that. It does make a great re-sell knowing how clean the home was and when we showed it to sell, they were requested to take their shoes off. We now have a new home and still have a no shoes policy. We do wear socks and really don't even like slippers that could make rubber markings on the floor. The problem is, I want to get a dog. I am a little less fussy than my husband, but I am afraid I will have to wear socks on the dog! LOL

moiramc I think it's very bad manners to ask a guests to remove their shoes, particularly if they have been invited to a social event. Do people not clean after a party? I would much rather wash my floors or vacuum my carpets than insist my guests remove shoes. Also, the smell and oils on feet are much harder to remove than dirt. I have a rough mat outside my door and a long mat inside...most dirt is off the shoes before they enter my living area.
I also live in Canada and in BC we definitely do not insist on shoes off. If the weather is bad and people need to wear boots, they'll bring their shoes in a bag.
If I am invited to a shoes-off house I'll bring a clean pair of shoes with me to change into....I don't want to wear slippers or socks with my outfit.

suszzyq Yes we have a shoes off policy. I wish it was more wide spread in the US. It has always been descusting to me to think of all the germs that some people drag into their homes. I have recently started to keep a basket of shoe footies by my front door for those who wish to keep their shoes on. People ask why I never get sick. This combined with washing my hands when I first come home is a big part of it.

ronnie1950 While I respect a homeowner's choice to make their home a "no shoes" environment, I consider it a safety hazard to go without shoes, as socks usually do not allow for a good gripping surface and other people walking barefooted can be a hygiene issue. I would never by choice consider wearing shoes or slippers that belonged to someone else. However, I have done so to keep the peace, even though it creeps me out. (Anyone ever hear of athlete's foot?) When one invites someone into their home, the comfort of the guest should be what takes precedence, not whether or not the hosts might have to clean the carpets afterward. It shows that you value possessions over people.

einportlandor Really, folks? I'm a barefoot girl from way back -- shoes off the minute I get home. But that's because I prefer to be barefoot. I would never think to ask my guests to remove their shoes, although some of them do. I raised two kids on what was apparently germ-infested floors, and they both survived! Imagine!

I recall being invited to a dinner party at an acquaintance's home. I wore slacks and high-heeled boots. She asked me to remove my shoes upon entering and I spent the rest of the night with my pants dragging on the floor, trying not to trip. I looked and felt foolish.

Also consider that some folks (like me) have arthritis which makes bending over to take shoes on and off difficult and painful. Other may have balance problems, or toe problems or foot odor problems . . . just because it works for you doesn't mean it works for others.

Lighten up, guys, people are more important than floors.

lavedam I'm 61 years old with very painful bone problems in my feet and cannot walk without my shoes on along with back problems that makes it difficult to put on and take off my shoes. We live on a cattle ranch and don't have the time or inclination to deal with shoes on or off policy. They stay on until we're ready to come in and go to bed. I would never ask anyone to take off their shoes and those that ask me to do so . . . I thank for the invite to their home and leave. Life if too short to worry about such silly thing things. People and their feelings will always be more important than my floors. Sorry I even looked at this post, it makes me sad!!

fubarjess I wear shoes as little as possible, but anyone entering my home can go barefoot or not-their choice. My guests are so much more important than my floors!!!

T S I have plantar fisciitis and need my shoes on all the time. Even when I get up in the night I have to put orthotic flip-flops on to get to the restroom! Sorry, my shoes stay on.

blair601 Shoes off at our home. The basket of shoes by the door seems to be the perfect hint.

Kate L I would never be so rude as to ask someone to take their shoes off and would never want to be in the position to take mine off. Especially since I spent the time picking the right shoes to go with or even make my outfit.

howmad44 In wet/rainy/snowy/muddy weather we offer guests slippers, from a basket we put out near the door, but I normally tell folks to leave their shoes on - "no worries, the whole house is covered in floors." It may sound like a bit of humour but we take it quite seriously and we tell people that are floors are just that - they are floors, meant to be walked on, and they are not fine furniture or expensive fabrics, aka expensive carpets.

alilh We have a shoes off policy in our home, but I can no longer go barefoot or get
by w/normal slippers. I usually have clean shoes by the door but if not, will wash the bottoms before wearing and clean any shoes by the door before putting them in the closet. My husband has a couple of pairs he wears only indoors. When visiting someone's house or attending my grandson's "no shoes" Kindermusik class I bring a clean pair of shoes along, leaving my street shoes at the door.

Thanks to those who wrote about slipper baskets!

Ann Smitt We have a 'no shoes please' policy at our house. People who don't want to remove their shoes sometimes stand on the rag rug, scoot to a kitchen chair and visit awhile.
We always remove our shoes at family and friends homes unless their floors are really dirty because they go barefoot outside or track in oil & dirt on their boots.
No one has complained in our 35-years-of-marriage about removing their shoes in the house.

ebea We used to live in Hawaii and there everyone takes shoes off before entering a home. It's expected. Outside the rooms at the grade schools were piles of little flip flops and barefoot kids inside. I was raised in a no shoes home and think its the guests who are rude by refusing to remove shoes. I will make it a point from now on after reading theses comments to: not have friends over with Smelly feet OR Foot problems OR Foot phobias OR Clothing issues OR Excuses. Sorry, it's my house, my rules.

marco69 Hi pattimay, when we visit friends and family we also take a bag with our slippers in it.

Judy I don't like the feel of walking around barefoot either so I have inside shoes that I wear at home or bring along when visiting no-shoe homes. I have gym-shoes or flip flops, depending on the weather. It's not a problem.

aerworthee Shoes on or off in my house. I have beautiful Terrazzo floors and don't worry. In fact, in some respects, it's rude to ask people to remove their shoes....guess it's just a matter of geographics. Rebe in Florida

avrilarts I always have a selection of slip-on 'kung-fu' shoes, socks, ballet slippers and knitted slippers. If they are plain, in neutral colours; even the most conservative guests (of which I don't have too many) are comfortable. Most actually bring their own - as I do when I go to a house visit. 'Flip-flops' make a good summer option when many people are in sandals without (please god) socks.

tsemdkel I purchase machine washable slippers in many sizes whenever they go on sale at a big box store. I keep them in a cute basket next to the bench in my entry hall.

geo55 I think it is RUDE to ask guests to remove their shoes, especially if you don't let them know before they arrive. I have taken my shoes off and been uncomfortable the entire evening! My feet have been cold (thus, making my whole body feel cold), pants dragging on the floor, being substantially shorter than most others at the party, perhaps not wearing the nicest of socks, not to mention the embarrassment of trying to hide my bad bunions. Loads of fun!
Thanks, but I'd rather stay home.

stali08 Honestly, don't care if people get offended or not. I have bone light carpeting and I am not going to allow people to walk over it in their street wear shoes. It is not the same if you vacuum over the dirt and grime after it has been dirtied. I will probably let some people know ahead of time, just in case. I will also take the advice of some on here and get a few paper slippers and foot odor spray to leave by the door. Thanks for this post :)

Lauren Gray Kitchen Designs I've never had a "no shoes in the house" policy. I just never understood why some one wouldn't walk on their floor with shoes...isn't that what they're for? I feel a house is meant to be lived in, but I think I'm in the minority on this one-atleast on here. Now if shoes are muddy, of course they come off first, but regular everyday traffic should be expected. Solves the problem of making people uncomfortable about taking shoes off.
I've also never been afraid of germs, I figure if the human race has survived this long, probably we'll make it a little longer. Especially since cleaning and hygiene products have come a long way.

carteke2 In Western Canada, it is also deemed the correct thing to do to remove your shoes. As an ex patriot Brit who has lived here for the past 30 years, I believe it came from the fact that in the early days of the west, streets were unpaved and many did not have the luxury of wooden or concrete sidewalks. When it rained, the streets would be a field of mud, so everyone removed their boots or shoes at the door. This has continued over the years. As a Realtor I show many homes and always remove my shoes and the client's usually follow suit however, I have seen German people say no, please do not walk around in my house in bare feet. Instead, they provide cloth slippers for you to wear so the oils on your feet do not get into their carpets.

canadiancol I greet people and say " your shoes are fine. Keep them on, if you want to. "
We live in Canada and the floors are chilly, for some.
Most people keep them on.
We have 3 cats and a dog.
Floors ? Easy to clean.
People ? Hospitality and their comfort is everything.
Cheers,
Coile

kandjm Type your comment here..."However you are most comfortable" is my current answer to "shoes off?"
WE never had a no shoes policy until very recently when we remodeled and put in new hardwoods and rugs. I expect that this new rule will continue for our immediate family and close friends (who can take a hint when they see shoes by the door!) It does make routine cleaning easier.
However, I will say that having shoes on in the house during thirty years of raising kids (with a multitude of friends and a series of dogs) never presented a problem for us. We live by a lake and enjoy the summer craziness that goes along with it. (Even when it meant sweeping floors several times a day and vacumning daily!) We all survived --and very well, thank-you! People are so much more important than things. And if their comfort requires me to do a lot or a little bit more cleaning after they leave, it's worth every moment.

leticiashaquana I really had myself a little giggle when I read that some people are more concerned about oil from bare feet, then dirt from shoes! What an idea!
@moiramc - You must live in a very fair weathered area of Canada, saying, "if the weather requiring snowboots" For many of us, it is not a question of IF, but WHEN.
I can understand the discomfort of those who were being invited to a social event, and were then asked to remove their high heels etc... It's my opinion that if the dress is formal, shoes should be assumed. That said, I have never had a formal event my home, and probably never will. If we go out for formal dinner, it's at the restaurant. If affluent people want to throw a fancy party in their home, that's fine, but I think most people are more like me....not so fancy, don't have a pair of shoes to go with every outfit, and aren't part of a circle that go to fancy dinner parties.
And when it comes to casual events in someones home- I think the old rule is valid, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do". Everyone has house rules, of course you would be shocked if your guests took their shirts off in your home...you have a shirts on rule...I don't see why other house rules should be negotiable.

jhuesman Different strokes for different folks. Keeping that in mind, however, it's a NO SHOES policy in my house. Look, this is my home- my rules. Most people are courteous enought to ask, and observant enought to take a hint. If someone did walk into my home with shoes, I would simply (and politely!) ask them to remove them as we have a rule in our house. I do not find it offensive to ask people to respect your property, which is essentially what you are asking of them. Just because someone smokes cigarettes in their own home doesn't mean it's okay for them to do it in everyone else's!

I'm also not sure why this is such a big deal for people. We weren't born with shoes on our feet; do you sleep in your shoes? Didn't think so. I think about when I walk into a public restroom and get toilet paper stuck to the bottom of my shoe. Obviously, something unpleasant is causing it to stick. There is no way I will then walk all over my home with those germs.

I've removed my fabulous boots and heels at events at others' homes without being asked. They are just shoes, no one is really paying that much attention to your feet when good food and good wine are present. Ultimately, it's respect. If it's bothersome to you, take slippers or don't go at all :)

audio We have a lot of friends in the medical field. Can you imagine bringing all those kinds of microbes from the hospitals inside your home? And though we have shoes-off policy within the family, we're always hesitant to ask the guests to follow it. We have a dozen of unused slippers by the door. But reading these posts gives me the nerve to politely ask. Our children always like to play, roll, and lie on the floors. Should we consider our guests feelings or our children's health? Crowd-pleaser or party pooper? I gues I know where I stand.

rycericky I couldn't agree more. To get my dog to follow suit would make my day.

ldfarris People who refuse to take off their shoes when they know the host has a "no shoes" policy are being very inconsiderate. The home owner is responsible
for the upkeep of her home, and unless the guest is willing to stay afterward
and mop the floors and clean the carpets, that guest should comply with the
house rules. I do not wish to spend all my spare time cleaning up after guests
who rudely choose to ignore my house rules. If I let the guests know ahead of
time about my "no-shoes" policy and provide a bench and booties at the
entrance to my home, there is no excusable reason to walk on my floors in filthy street shoes. To those of you guilty of breaking someone else's "no shoes" rule, consider how rude and disgusting your behavior is probably being
perceived by the host. If you're MY guest, take a good look around, because
you're probably never going to see the inside of my house again.

You've seen the ubiquitous sign, "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service" and probably didn't question the policy. Please do not question mine either. Just do it. I'm probably offering you a drink, perhaps feeding you, perhaps even providing you a bed for the night. Is it REALLY too much to ask that you remove your shoes while in my home?!

scarbowcow I grew up in California and never could have imagined there were so many 'no shoes in the house' people on the PLANET as I've met reading the comments here. I can't remember anyone who had a 'no-shoes' policy in California, unless it was someone recently arrived from a foreign country where that was the norm (Japanese in-laws, maybe; can't remember). Germs, microbes, bacteria? Yeah, it's all over the world, and exposure to those things help you build up immunity. Isn't a phobia about it a bit... Howard Hughes?

Your home isn't a hospital; you're not going to be doing brain surgery on your floor. Generations of kids in all kinds of cultures playing on packed earth floors and not being killed by it. Lighten up.

I've read through all the comments, and there's one comment I haven't seen. Somewhere along the line in my upbringing I got the message that asking people to take their shoes off when they come into your house is like putting plastic covers on furniture: it advertises that you are poor and low-class.

I think it must go back to the days when my family had servants (not in my lifetime) and it was taken for granted that A) there was a staff to clean the floors and B) people are wealthy enough to have their carpets cleaned if necesary. Only poor people were unable to keep their homes clean because of lack of money or 'help' to do that, just as poor people covered their furniture in plastic because they couldn't afford to reupholster or have it cleaned or buy new furniture when it was worn.

I never questioned this - it was one of those assumptions taken for granted, like place-mats indicating you are too poor to have fine linens and/or couldn't afford to have table cloths laundered regularly (or that you eat like a slob). I don't think it was a snobbery thing, just somehow imbibed.

Then moved to Poland where everyone takes their shoes off and never had any idea why. I suppose - reading the comments from Canadians - that it's partly weather-related (awfully dirty in snowy weather, which we never got in CA) and partly to do with people not being able to afford the time or the money to constantly be cleaning carpets.

In my flat, I don't require anyone to take off their shoes, but most Poles do it anyway as a routine (unless it's a repairman or something; then they rather comically walk as though they are trying to float above my carpet). In their houses, they offer slippers, and if you know them well, you have your own pair (either they bought them or you brought them and left them). My feet get cold in other people's houses, even with slippers, but it's a small sacrifice to follow their custom.

I do wonder, though, how much cleaner my straw-coloured carpets would be after 15 years, if I had always taken off my shoes when coming in and out of the flat.

kadu We do not wear shoes in our house, but I would not think to ask guests to remove their shoes upon entering. That is just rude. Your guests should be able to remain clothed as they choose. Offering your guests your own slippers is just ghastly. Many people have foot fungi or bacteria and slippers should not be shared. Furthermore, some people have hideous feet or may be overdue for a pedicure and may not be comfortable exposing their feet. Can you imagine having a cocktail party or some other celebration with numerous well-heeled guests and asking them to put on fuzzy slippers at the door? Silly. Just clean afterward if you are so worried about germs or the like.

Casey Miller Our family sheds them as we enter generally, and Let our guests feel welcome to do so should they please. It has never been a forced policy. We are in and out so quickly somedays that we tromp through in our shoes too.
When visiting others I will ask for the house rule and/or ask if I may remove mine after having settled in.
I have encountered just as many homes where it is considered rude to remove them as it is to shed them. Climate definitely plays a part.

ane_2176 Remove, unless otherwise said it is ok :)

angelinaschwarz We do not wear shoes in our home, in general, but I can not get over the absolute rudeness of people who would attempt to force their guests to go shoeless. My father wears special orthotic shoes and suffers extreme pain from walking without them. I would never tell him that he HAD to wear slippers in my house. My brother was in a car accident several years ago and now has one leg significantly shorter than the other and wears a special shoe with a lift. Again, I would never dream of subjecting him to the pain and humiliation of being forced to go shoeless! I am aware of my family's issues with shoes, but certainly not with everyone who comes to my home. And neither is the typical homeowner. If it's obvious that people remove their shoes in your home, yet a guest chooses not to, I would never be so ungracious as to question them and lead to my guests feeling uncomfortable, embarrassed, or God forbid! In actual pain, in my home because I care more about my carpets than I do my friends and family. I would assume that my guest has a good reason for not going along with the general shoeless policy and warmly welcome them to my home, regardless. My only suggestion to those people who are so clearly annoyed and angry at their shoe-wearing guests is to stop having people to your home entirely. Stay home alone and enjoy your pristine white carpets in solitude. Or meet your guests out for dinner somewhere else. I also can't help but wonder how many of these homeowners who are so traumatized by guests with shoes own dogs. And do they, in fact, wash their dogs' paws upon every entry into the home? Maybe a few do, but I would guess those people are in the minority.

sdhouston Most guests take the hints about whether to keep shoes off or not or at least ask! I never ask any guest to take the shoes off...but what annoys me is the the attitude of some guests who in spite of seeing the hints, ignore them...and take you for granted even without a polite question! And here I am left with negative feeling toward that guest for disregarding our home and myself but tongue-tied out of courtesy and not appearing rude!

sarvowinner As an Australian who grew up in Ontario, Canada and has been back in Oz for the last 25 years, I don't ever recall such a controversy over shoes off. Yes, we took muddy or snowy boots off but if our shoes were clean, it was fine to wear them indoors. In the summer, it wasn't even considered. Back in Australia, no one takes their shoes off. There aren't any facilities built into houses to accommodate a family's discarded shoes at the front door. Also in the winter, our houses often aren't centrally heated and can be quite chilly. We are also quite conscious of energy costs.
I would never ask someone to take their shoes off - why would my floors be more important than making someone feel uncomfortable? Bringing germs into the house is not an issue that I consider, my dogs are in and out. I don;t like the idea of sharing slippers etc.
The only possible request I would make is for stilletos to be left at the front door as we are in the process of laying a new timber floor. The floor at my last house was pocked with indents.

patricia beharry I love shoes. Will spend $200 to $300 a pair for shoes. Shop all day to match it to my outfit. If I wear my shoes only in the car, why bother? Then maybe wear flip-flops. Plus who knows what diseases or fungi people are walking around with, and will not wear anyones slippers or socks for the same reason.

pattimay We have no policy. Our guest are our guest - friends family whatever. I have found that most visitors just act on what they see from us. We wear "indoor" shoes and bring "indoor" shoes when we go to someone's house just to be respectful.
Most times I tell people - leave your shoes on.
I too have issues - arthritis, fibro, and orthodics. I just make sure I wear shoes that can slip on and off easily and change the orthodics from outdoor to indoor when going to someone's house.
I do know my friends and family appreciate us changing our shoes in their home. Even though there is no policy in our home, I too appreciate them respecting my home.
As far as matching the outfit - when I get there I look great, during the visit maybe not so much - but then again, I hope they want to visit with me and not just look at my outfits! LOL

patricia beharry pattimay, I still do not understand, where do you wear your good shoes, In the Car? then take your heels off, put flip-flops or socks on, and drag the hem of a formal dress or long pants on the floor? My husbands trousers also dragging on the floor? Just playing devils advocate here, and having some fun.

pattimay Patricia - Nope, we take our clothes off along with our shoes.
...Now that's having fun!

patricia beharry pattimay, My husband is asking me why I am smiling all morning. I told him some one named Pattimay.

pattimay Teehee....

Seriously though.... reading through the comments this morning, I remind myself, how fortunate are we to be worried about floors, carpets, dirt, shoes, clothes and looks of things or ourselves. When there are people in this world that are lucky to even have shoes to wear, a place to call a home and even friends or family. ...I have been there.
Though fortunate and very happy, I feel sad, silly and shallow all at the same time. Somehow my floors just don't seem so important anymore.

ebea Could we please move on. I am tired of this subject. Let's discuss/argue something else. Opinions are just like a part of the human anatomy - everyone has one......

pattimay Patricia its been fun, hope to chat again! Keep the clothes on! ;~D

Cathy Lara This could solve our indoor shoe policy problems:

http://floorcrunch.com/lise-el-sayeds-tapistongs-slipper-rug

seh0041 It seems like there are plenty of areas where it's customary to take shoes off, and the "locals" know about it. (When we visited Hawaii, our concierge told us that was the custom, and we stuck to it in the house we rented.) But where we live, it's not so customary (I can think of only 1 person who does this in her home). I will say, I don't like to take off my shoes when I didn't know the 'house rule' beforehand - what if I have holey socks, or am way behind on a pedi, or have stinky feet? Yikes! Also, I'm very short, and love to wear tall heels. So many of my pant legs drag on the floor when I don't have shoes on. No bueno! My husband and I just had this discussion the other day - we decided that if we made the rule for our house, we wouldn't impose it onto our guests, but we would leave slippers at the door for ourselves. The way I figure, it's not that often that people come over, so if they track in the slightest bit of dirt, I don't care. But when I track it in every day, that's the dirt that adds up and destroys carpet. Another thing to ponder - what about dog owners? Our dog is probably the #1 culprit for dirt-tracking. He's in and out all day, and I definitely don't have time to wipe his paws off every time :)

pattimay Interesting - different cultures on wearing or not wearing shoes in the home.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070523104820AAR8HEu

pattimay A story about no shoes...
When we were buying our home - paperwork not yet signed, the windows had to be replaced. Since we had not yet owned the home I couldn't go in by myself so I waited and met the realtor. The window guy showed up, took his shoes off. I, thinking - how nice of him.
Until....
He went through the house measuring each window. Went upstairs and measured the windows. Got to the top landing ready to go downstairs. Took one step and his sock slid on the carpet. Baboom - Baboom, Baboom he went down each step. Hit the next landing and the wall, his body turning and continuing down the next set of steps until he landed on the floor hitting the wall and front door.
The realtor and I stood there with our mouths open running down to see if he was okay. He was okay but terribly embarassed.
To this day if shoes are off it's slippers or what we wear are indoor shoes - socks are okay but not on the stairs!

patricia beharry Patimay, I could not resist after visiting that website you posted; with that said,when I visit you not only will I take my shoes off, I will also bow three times from the waist. Hope the animals washes their feet before coming into the house, or maybe they wear shoes outside.

pattimay Hey Patricia!
Indeed, but don't forget the chocolate and wine too.
You're so funny - hey, I love those little booties for dogs paws. Why wouldn't I? LOL
I was curious what other countries did with shoes after reading some post here. Reading the article it's amazing the impact we have on people - good or bad.
Hope all is well, the heels are on and the clothes off. Hi to hubby. :-D
Hope you're still smiling!
...We're bad.

lilianejh We went to afriend for supper and when we arrived she asked we remove our shoes- she has floating floors no carpets, but then we and they are smkers and had to go on balcony to smoke which as you know was a cement floor. It was cold and my husband's sox was filthy when we got home because of the balcony. After we had a beer on the balcony she rushed to wash these glasses we had used not in dishwasher but my hand. We had the main course the we went for a cigarette and she was passing the mop on the floor where we had eaten.Nothin was spilled . Then she rusehed again to wash the plates we had used- Then came desert again we were playing cards but delayed she had to wash those darn plates I am sorry but it will be a long time before I go there again. Its summer not raining I even had a brand new pair of shoes on. Its funny though when she comes to our place she doesn't remove her shoes even in the winter? To me she was rude and wish to never go there again. You can't touch anything she wipes it off. Sorry I have a clean house but I am not an addict cleaning freak.

patricia beharry Lilianejh, It is called OCD. She really can't help it. Living in a HOT,HOT climate, we have tiled floors with oriental rugs throughout, I actually see people walk around the rugs so as not to step on the rugs. I follow them wearing shoes but they still do not take a hint. Even my rottweiler is walking on the rugs. Anything on the floor is to be walked on, or else hang it on a wall. Some of these rugs come from some Asian or African country where they were dragged through the desert sand. I can take it.

nicholabell I do think people need to chill out about the whole germ thing I think its pretty well know by now that to live in a cleansed bubble you make yourself sicker. Anyway I prefer my home to be a home not a builders model. We and the kids have a habit of taking our shoes off at the door and guests normally follow suit especially if bad weather etc. We always do at other houses but to extend this to a grown ups party or event seems ridiculous !!! Most people haven't walked around in dog muck in their expensive party shoes and if you can't bear to have your precious hardwood floor scratched sit at home and admire it all on your own and let your friends have fun somewhere else.

patricia beharry Nicholabell, I could not have said it better.

ebea This subject has been beaten TO DEATH. Can we PLEASE MOVE ON!!!! Geez!!

sarvowinner ebea - why on earth did you resurrect this then? No one had commented for over 4 weeks.

Kristi Anglade We take off our shoes as soon as we enter the house, and our friends do so as well. The EPA actually recommends that people take off their shoes at the door! I have 4 young children, and as soon as I read that taking shoes off cuts down on the amount of lead dust in the home by 60%, our no-shoes policy was born. Lead is extremely harmful to the developing brains and bodies of young children, especially. Taking off shoes seems like such an easy way to help protect them; why wouldn't we?

Penny V. I have a drawer full of woolly socks, which I offer to visitors, if I have a suspicion their feet might get cold. By the time we have a house, I'll probably provide a basket of slippers in varying sizes by the door, as a cue. I grew up in a place where shoes off is the norm, so it's always weird to see friends I visit wear their sneakers indoors.

amandapadgett I don't feel fully dressed without my shoes on. In the south (US) it is very uncommon; no one I know has a shoes off policy.

When I go up north to visit family, I follow their no shoes policy and am not offended. I just figured it was a necessity turned habit, since snow is on the ground half the year.

ebea I live in Arkansas and I do believe that is Southern USA.. Everyone I am friends with have a no shoes policy in our lovely homes. No one is offended - it is considered a clean home policy. We Southerners are a gracious bunch.

Kristi Anglade We are in Atlanta, and all of our friends have the no shoes policy too.

ariadne2095 It's shoes off in my apartment.

People allow their dogs to relieve themselves on the sidewalk (nasty) and many people spit all over the pavement (gross!). I don't have the option of cleaning my carpets - it is forbidden in my lease. The only way i can keep my place clean is to take my shoes off at the door.

I try to give people a heads-up before they come over. And I always ask people to remove their shoes even if I have forgotten to mention it on the invite. I do not think it rude. On the contrary, I feel it is rude and disrespectful to possibly track remnants of dog feces and saliva into someone's home.

marco69 We have moved to a new house and are having a few people round soon for a few drinks etc. Will we be asking them to take off their shoes? You bet! We have a new and really nice bench by the door where everyone can easily sit and remove their shoes and put their slippers on(we really prefer slippers)

kadu well that is just tacky

marco69 thats the price of freedom. some are free to be tacky, comfortable, relaxed whilst others are free to be classy and stiff shirted.

patricia beharry @marco69 totally love the freedom to choose. What a country!!!!!!!!!!. You can choose to have or not have people in your house with or without shoes; and I can choose if I wamt or not want to visit someone asking me alter my outfit and look ridiculous. Like I said "What a country"

marco69 Absolutely correct. In every way. What a country!!!!90% of the world would give anything to have the freedoms we have. The other 10% already have them.

kadu I doubt even a brutal dictatorship would regulate your shoe policy in home. still tacky.

Penny V. I'm surprised people consider slippers to be disgusting, unhygienic, or unstylish. Apart from the flip flop wearing population (we know a few), most people I know wear socks. And most slippers and woolly socks are washable, and can come in colors like navy and black. Heck, some could have heels for the short guests, if one entertains a lot. Shoe cubbies the Japanese way are still the norm at my mom's place.

I for one, will not go into another person's house with my shoes on. My boots, coated up to the ankle and up with whatever I've stepped into at the barn, are not what I'd call "hygienic". If I wanted to wear shoes indoors at, say a party, I would do what I was raised to do; I wear the sturdy winter boots or rain boots or whatever is practical to travel to the host's house, and then change into my dainty indoor heels in the foyer, since I brought the fancy shoes in a shoe bag.

If you look at what Japanese women do, when going to parties and such, they wear their colorful rain boots to get to the venue, and then discreetly change into their elegant heels, if the venue allows shoes.

Of course, if one has orthodic footwear, use walking aids or wheelchairs, or can't bend down to take off shoes (for example while pregnant), I may be a little more flexible as the hostess. In fact, if they wipe their feet/wheels, I'll be fine. But able-bodied guests not taking our house rules into consideration are, frankly said, childish, in accusing the host family of being mysophobic, and insisting on their own way being the only right one.

Although the user "scarbowcow" said something to the effect of a shoes off policy being that of poor people who can't afford staff, and I seriously hope it was intended as a sarcastic comment rather than serious. The way I think of shoes off policies, was taught to me by a bunch of strict old noblewomen, who frequently entertained diplomats, other nobles, and high profile businesspeople.

ebea Kadu - I wouldn't invite you to my CLEAN shoes off home even after you grow up!!

Murray-Kristine Huxtable Wearing shoes on someone's house here in Canada is considered very rude. If you can't go with out shoes pack an "indoor" pair with you. However I don't think any one I know would ever be rude enough to ask someone to take off their shoes if they didn't take them off when they first came in. If I'm wearing sandals I always pack a pair of socks with me to wear in some ones house.

sandybeadz At the top of this thread someone justified the "no shoes" argument for cleanliness because their children ate on the floor. Seriously?

patricia beharry I know, I know, this is like beating a dead dog. But I received no Houzz updates today, so I am having withdrawals. Anyhow,hot climate, open all doors are open all day (sometimes all night). Counted how many times I went in and out fifty-three times yesterday. Our indoors and outdoors merge. Soooo, I guess this is regional. In an atmosphere where you are pretty much in or out, shoes off can work. But, there are exceptions to every rule. When I have a houseful of guests, and a whole partition opens up, and no one ca tell weather they are indoors or outdoors, no way. My friend's house surrounded by 26 acres does not have a front door. It is completely open to the outdoors. My old aunt died at 96. my mom is alive and kicking at 92, my husband's dad is 92. No family member has died from a bacterial infection. My old aunt also kept a bottle of gin on ice and had a nip every night,

Penny V. @sandybeadz, if you've ever been around babies or toddlers, you should know that a little child crawling or toddling around will put everything and anything in their mouth. That's the same instinct that makes puppies chew up shoes, or cats eat hair ties. They use their mouths to explore new things in their surroundings. Why do you think so many things have the choking hazard warning labels, and why toys like legos aren't recommended for children younger than 3 or 4? Most kids grow out of it between ages 2-4, depending on what approach the parents have to that.

susanne5 NO shoes in the house!!! I live in the country, the driveway is gravel..barely gravel. Silty sandy soil, ticks, manure...there are NO shoes in this house. Most people do 'get it' from the piles of shoes that you do see at the door. If they don't, I will SAY, can you please take your shoes off, I don't allow shoes in the house! This works for most folks. My own aunt,, who is 85, will respond with,...well I always have my shoes on...I don't argue...but only she is allowed this. I don't feel bad about asking guests to remove their shoes, I also don't allow smoking in the house ...it is, afterall, my space. It is also the space I have to clean.........

elizabethforman12 In my home there is a no shoes policy. I have recently redone hardwood floors and it is too expensive to have them done again. We live on Cape Cod where the soil is mostly sand which will destroy floors. I keep roofing paper in the hallway along with a chair. There are some shoes left on the edge of the paper to remind people. I do not say anything but most people get the hint. My husband will sometimes call the offenders ahead of time and ask them to bring slippers and they do comply. I do make exceptions for elderly people with canes or disability. I got this rule from an elderly friend of mine who rented a house and had paid a security deposit.

patricia beharry -----WOW !!!!!