This post started off as a friendly “maybe we could try this” email to my family in hopes that I can encourage the implementation of a “No Shoes” policy in our house. The email inspired me to blog about it as well. I absolutely cringe when I see people walking in the house with shoes on; I picture the traces of dirt, bacteria, alergens, pesticides, and other nasty things being left around the house in a trail of microscopic mess. Shoes are worn outside, in the dirt, on the sidewalk, and in Jimmy’s urine sample on the bathroom floor at work–they should come off right at the door.
By wearing shoes in the house, we’re bringing all of these contaminants with us, which is very unsanitary and can lead to illness and allergies. It’s hard to ask people who see nothing wrong with wearing shoes in the house to stop doing it, especially when it has been a lifelong trait. However, my spirits were lifted after reading a couple of other blog posts on this topic.The majority of peoples’ comments were against household shoe-wearing. In fact, Americans (and some Canadians who’ve adopted these values) seem to be quite a minority when it comes to this matter. In many cultures, wearing shoes in the house is disrespectful and very taboo. But, don’t take my word for it, here are some of the comments from the articles I read here and here:
- “I live in Canada, and I don’t know any families who allow shoes in the house past the doorway. I thought it was only American Sitcom Families who did that.
” - “I live in Canada and it is considered rude if you don’t take your shoes off…”
- “I was leaving my home with a Korean friend when I remembered something in the house. I just ran in and got it (without taking off my shoes) and my friend looked horrified!”
- “”Most people†must be americans then, because where I live (Stockholm, Sweden) shoes are made for walking outside and they come off right at the door.
- “I thought it was only in the movies that americans did that. Why invest in nice floors and rugs if you’re gonna wear shoes when walking on them anyway?”
- “In France, it’s quite common … I don’t intend to spread all the dirt from the sidewalk all over my place.”
And the ultimate in laziness:
- “I wish it was common practice here but it isn’t. I have to constantly remind my family to do it. I’ve decided I’m going to buy a bench with a drawer and place it near the front door. So if they’re too tired to bend down and take off their shoes they can sit down and do it.”
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4 Comments
Wearing shoes in homes is disgusting.
I dedicated a whole blog to this subject.
Hahaha, so you did. Here is a more obvious link to your site for others to see: http://shoesoffatthedoorplease.blogspot.com/. Thanks for the comment.
Count me as someone offended by the shoes-off practice for guests. When I’m asked to remove my shoes, it tells me that my host is inhospitable, ignorant and/or has psychological problems. If your home is a museum or cultural sanctuary, don’t try to make it do double-duty as a place to entertain your friends. If you believe that shoes represent a health risk to your family, you apparently don’t realize that people present a far more significant health risk than shoes. And if you’re obsessive-compulsive, paranoid, mysophobic or xenophobic, seek help for your condition rather than burdening your guests with it. Above all, if you have a shoes-off policy, don’t bother inviting me to your home; I won’t come!
I’m somewhat surprised that people are offended about being asked to take their shoes off. I am always glad if people asked me because it takes any doubt or awkwardness away if I were to take them off automatically (plus I much prefer being in stocking feet–way more comfortable). Unless there’s any kind of health related issues involving wearing/not wearing shoes, I think people should get over it. Kick off your shoes and relax;!