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I've lived several places, and in the course of that and travels, I find colder climates -- in other words, those with the snow and muck that comes with winter -- are more likely to remove their shoes.
In most of Canada and Minnesota, it seems to be automatic. In parts of the Midwest such as Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois, it seems to be fairly common. Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas... people looked at me crazy when I took my shoes off in their home, asking if it's a strange custom I've picked up along the way.
Alabama and Louisiana tended to be shoes-on as well. Southern California, as with so many other things, is a real mix, but I've found more people that do wear shoes than do not. Interestingly, I find the same in Colorado -- and that's a snowy climate.
At one time, I always removed my shoes, as I was taught that is the polite thing to do, and wearing shoes implied the host did not clean their floors properly. As time goes on, however, I look to see if the people who live there wear shoes or not.
For me, I strongly encourage people to leave their shoes at the door. When you have a lot of allergies, tracking in all that dirt and pollen is an unnecessary problem. If guests do leave shoes on, I clean everything that night yet before they leave, as it is an allergy issue.
Agree w/ HockeyFan's words. Me, from Missouri, lived in 'bama and now Indiana, and all places shoes are removed when entering the house. Thank you very much.
We always take off our shoes in our home. We don't expect visitors to do the same, but it is appreciated. You can drag in a lot of undesirable stuff on your shoes.
Location: LA, county CA since 1989 before that southeast states
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We take our shoes off in the entrance/foyers of the home on the ceramic tile ... saves the carpet and even have all three children accustomed to doing it now by habit!
I live in the Chicago area. Everyone usually takes off their shoes inside (especially kids). I have been to some adult dinner parties where some of the ladies left their shoes on (usually it was nice sandals during the summer and it was preferable to being barefoot). I think it is bad etiquette to leave shoes on (especially during the winter months). But I would not demand that someone take their shoes off (maybe just hint that they could leave their shoes in the foyer if they wish).
Shoes come off at the door, period, no exception. If you come over to my place and for some reason do not feel the need to take off your shoes, then you can stand out side all night for all I care. It's my place, my rules; respect them or don't-but if you don't you are not coming in. The only time I allow shoes is when I throw a party or other event in which there will be a number of people over. I don't live in an effin barn, ya know.
When I visit other people's homes I generally take my shoes off unless they have really dirty floors. In that case I don't care if I track dirt/mud/slush/salt/sand since they don't seem to care their own floors. That's their business.
That's a small step from couches wrapped in plastic.
Amen to that brother. I lived in a 400 sq ft studio apartment for 10 years. I always wore my shoes inside, and when I left, the carpet was clean. No stains, just a bit more worn out.
I think it is completely tacky to ask guests to take their shoes off. It’s awkward and uncomfortable for the guest because if things get weird, you can’t just walk out, you have to sit there and lace your shoes back on.
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Shoes Off
