Your House: Shoes on or Off?? (steel, warm, versus, dogs)

[Hurrah]

It's pretty much been all said, but I'd like to add a few more comments, if I may.

First off, I am a diabetic. It is advised that Diabetics keep their shoes on to protect their feet. It is not uncommon for diabetics to have nerve damage and can injure their feet without feeling it. It's a safety issue. For this reason, I rarely go shoeless, much less barefoot. Not only would it be awkward for me to have to explain this to someone after they have just asked me to take my shoes off, but it would require something of an explanation that I would prefer not to get into in the first place.

Secondly, I generally do not feel comfortable taking my shoes off in someone else's home. To do so appears rude (read presumptuous)... like putting your feet up on someone else's coffee table or reclining on your host's couch with your leg hanging over the couch's arm. Our next door neighbors have the 'shoes off' policy and when their kids come over my home, they take off their shoes automatically. Not only do I end up with a pile of shoes at the door that get in my way, but 'shoes off' mindset tends to invite kids to sit with their feet up on the couch and whatnot. (Is there such a thing as being tooooo comfortable?)

I know... I know... taking shoes off should be considered respectful to those who desire you to do so, but I just don't see it that way no matter how reasonable the request may be. Sorry, but that's just how I feel).

[AnthonyB]

You know, this thread popped up in my mind again (and add me to the list of surprised people).

I think that after further thought, if a person asks me to remove my shoes without offering me alternative foot coverings, such as slippers (like the Japanese do), it is really rude.

It tells me that they have absolutely no problem with their house grime getting ground up in my socks, that their carpet is far more important than me as a guest and frankly, that just isn't particularly hospitable. I don't care how much you vacuum or clean, unless you have a hermetically sealed house like those immunodeficiency kids need, there is some kind of dirt in your floor.

So the polite thing to do if you want people to respect your carpet is to respect their feet and socks and offer alternative footwear.

[niceandcomfy21]

Ours is most definately a shoes off house.We all take our shoes and usually socks off at the door and put our slippers on or go bare foot.Guests are expected to do the same.Its never been a problem as everyone we know has the same rule so they know to bring slippers with them when they visit.I dont understand why anyone would choose to wear shoes in the house unless there is a medical reason.The family just loves to chill out and relax in a soft,comfy pair of slippers after work or school.
I would never wear shoes in anyone elses house, so i expect the same level of respect in return. But i accept that different cultures/countries have different customs.

[DanielChang]

I am of Asian descent (chinese) and we've always taken off out shoes at the door. We also have a selection of indoor footwear to offer houseguests in various sizes and styles.

I've never required it of the guests, but when they see the collection of shoes at the door, a selection of guest slippers and a bench in the foyer, they've always taken up the suggestion.

[zanna vaida]

Originally Posted by jinxor

I am of Asian descent (chinese) and we've always taken off out shoes at the door. We also have a selection of indoor footwear to offer houseguests in various sizes and styles.

I've never required it of the guests, but when they see the collection of shoes at the door, a selection of guest slippers and a bench in the foyer, they've always taken up the suggestion.

Great point. At least somebody understands the cultural rules (each home has its own culturre: traditions, believes, etc.) Only ignorant people wouldn't pay attention and respect other cultures (in this case home owners' rules).

[JFRRACING]

Originally Posted by zanna vaida

Great point. At least somebody understands the cultural rules (each home has its own culturre: traditions, believes, etc.) Only ignorant people wouldn't pay attention and respect other cultures (in this case home owners' rules).

I couldn't agree with you more.

[dens]

Ditto...totally agree with last comment.

[hypocore]

Originally Posted by zanna vaida

Great point. At least somebody understands the cultural rules (each home has its own culturre: traditions, believes, etc.) Only ignorant people wouldn't pay attention and respect other cultures (in this case home owners' rules).

That's a rather heavy handed insult to those of us who do not wish to remove our shoes at other people's houses.

Personally I've said that if someone was to respectfully approach the subject prior to me arriving at their house, I'd be more inclined to work with them on the shoes issue. However if it was a demand, especially sprung on me at the front door, they'd lose any respect I had for them.

I'd also not follow the cultural rule in some houses of women doing all the work while the men were waited on hand and foot.

To each their own, and that includes me making my own intelligent choice, far from being ignorant on the matter.

[zanna vaida]

Originally Posted by jinxor

I am of Asian descent (chinese) and we've always taken off out shoes at the door. We also have a selection of indoor footwear to offer houseguests in various sizes and styles.

I've never required it of the guests, but when they see the collection of shoes at the door, a selection of guest slippers and a bench in the foyer, they've always taken up the suggestion.

Thank you. Finnaly you are mentioning slippers-my favorite -indoor footwear. The house is always clean with them on and guests' feet don't get cold in the winter time. In the summer, they don't need them.

[holloway1010]

I really don't like when people keep their shoes on at my house unless it is a big get together, then the shoes off rule gets hectic because you would end up with a pile of 20+ shoes in a corner somewhere. I wear socks around the house, typically. The better half has a pair of slides that she wears just around the house because she can't stand going in just socks or barefeet.