We have a "no shoes" rule on the carpet. Since most of our downstairs is hardwoods, the rule doesn't really affect most guests. If they're here overnight (the bedrooms are all carpeted), we simply say, "we're trying to make the carpet last as long as possible, so please kick off your shoes before you go in your bedroom".

The only exception regarding shoes on our hardwood floors would be guests with obviously muddy or wet shoes or a guest wearing spike heels.

When service technicians come to my home, I just ask if they have shoe covers. Most do. If not, I have a package of shoe covers I give them.

Hey, that's a great suggestion! THANKS!!

Jadend, in some parts of the country the removal of shoes upon entering a home is the usual (and expected) practice. It's always controversial, for some reason, lol.

This topic often comes up in the forums and causes heated debate! Here are some of the things you can do to make your home a no shoes environment:

• Have a bench or chair just inside the door to make it easier for shoe removal.
• Supply disposable booties, flip flops, etc. for your guests to wear. Keep them in a basket by the bench.
• Don't be insistent....some people wear orthotics and will be in pain without them. Also, the shoes may be an essential part of a woman's outfit and she may be totally unwilling to be separated from her fashion.
• Some individuals will be offended at being asked to remove their shoes.
• I happen to know that slipping one's shoes off before entering a NYC apartment is not all that unusual, though not exactly de rigueur. Your guests will probably adapt quite readily.
• Set the example for your guests by answering the door in your socks or bare feet.

Good luck! I wish that I could remember which forums had threads on this subject. Some were over 100 posts in length, if you can imagine!

rhizo, I believe some of the shoes off/on posts were on the Entertainment forum. They were fun weren't they I haven't looked for past posts myself, (let foot fetish sleeping dogs lay). Maybe I'll head over there and see if the posts are still on the board. NancyLouise

Yeah, those were fun. My favorite was that guy who got more and more insistent about how it's great to be super rude to people and who described his obviously fictitious dream home to the last detail.

That was sleepyhollow that had the fabulous house with the conservatory for entertaining large parties wasn't it? He would put them in there so as not to dirty his floors with everyone's shoes. The posts are still here in the Entertainment forum. Only had a short time to look at a few. Saw some oldies but goodies names on the old posts. Fun read. NancyLouise

Oh dear I forgot about the imaginary dream house!!