[quirky3]

On the radio this morning, some Floridians were talking as if it were common to ask personal guests (not repairmen or pest control guys) to remove their shoes at the door when they visit, out of consideration for their light carpeting. They said they might make an exception for formal occasions. Wow!

I know it is part of some Asian cultures, and I would expect it there. And I do prefer repairmen to wear those bootie things.

But for me personally, I wasn't brought up with this as the norm. I guess I would feel I was being rude to ask that, as if my carpet were more important than the guest's comfort. I know my feet get cold easily and a gathering would be much less enjoyable with cold feet.

How about you?

[CFrance]

This seems rude to me too. Friends I have who typically take their shoes off when they come inside their homes have always insisted we don't have to. If I think about it, I do, but half the time I don't think about it because we didn't grow up doing it and haven't done it throughout our married life.

If someone asks me to I will, but i would never ask another to do that. they might get dog hairs on their socks from my tile floors!!

[JB in TV]

Interesting subject! I recenty was invited into a neighbor's house to look at something, and he took off his shoes when he entered the house in front of me from the garage. I hesitated, then asked if he wanted me to remove my shoes. He said it wasn't necessary, so I didn't. I have very soar feet and need any cushioning from my shoes that I can get, but don't usually share this. I always feel uncomfortable in this situation. I generally make a more concerted effort when wiping my feet before entering someone else's home.

Some people may just like to walk barefoot inside, and may not do so to attempt to keep the carpet cleaner.

One last thought. I have heard that the oils in your skin can be more harmful to the carpet than the dirt on the bottom of your shoes.

[Parker]

I take my shoes off when I get home but only because I like to be barefoot. I'd never ask a guest to do that and, frankly, would find it quirky if they did, unless there was poop or mud on them.

[Canabarrybarb]

Removing shoes when entering someone's home is a common custom in Canada, probably because they are usually covered in snow.

[redwitch]

I take my shoes off whenever I can. Even sandals are too much on my feet IMO. But I would never ask that a guest take their shoes off.

I did have a friend in California who did ask everyone to take off their shoes. She had a basket of socks for her guests to put on should they so desire.

[kittygilchrist]

Haha, Redwitch, I grew up barefoot and love getting unshod too. and there's usually a pair of muddy shoes on the front step from a dog walk, which makes guests think they should remove their shoes too, which embarrasses me.
My 2 cents:
If the dog could take her shoes off, that would be great.
If you have parties in the driveway, how can you feel rude asking people to take off their shoes to come in?

[Happinow]

We have always been a no shoes policy household. People aren't in any way offended when we ask them to remove their shoes. All of our friends atomically take their shoes off when they come into the house. I even provide socks for those who would prefer to have socks on while inside if they have worn sandals. Even repairmen are asked to either wear booties or take their shoes off. Most of them are very nice about it. I look at it this way, after being outside I've probably walked in some of the following...... spit, urine, feces, road kill, dirt, and who knows what else. I've walked in public restrooms, stores and restaurants. There's no way that what's on those floors is coming into my home to get on my carpets and floors. It's really gross when you think about what lingers on the soles of your shoes.

[ajbrown]

I really do not want some of my friends shoes off anytime indoors PUweeeee. Sweaty socks are so much better on the floor than shoes?

Maybe hand these out at the door:

Booties

At kitchen entry we make them wear hair nets, makes for some great pictures, yes we are a bit

[justjim]

Before concrete and asphalt driveways, sidewalks and streets, (in the
Old days) it was customary to remove shoes for obvious reasons. I do not ask guests to my home to remove their shoes. Their socks/feet could carry more germs and issues than their shoes.

If its an issue for you, provide your guests with easy slip on booties to put over their shoes.
I have read where barefoot is "bad" and worse than wearing your shoes on your floors & carpet. Best half is barefoot just about all the time in the house. I will hush!

[Uptown Girl]

I always take my shoes off upon entering a home unless it is whole house ceramic tile.
If I am to be a guest at a gathering where I know I will be there awhile, I will bring a pair of socks- usually funny ones.

I do not ask guests to remove their shoes, (unless they have high heels on as we have floors that high heels will damage) but I appreciate it if they do.
Note: Guys wearing sandals should keep them on- just wipe your feet.

I also keep new, fun footie socks (in a tucked away basket) and always offer them to my female guests if they remove their shoes…. they usually get a kick out of picking out a pair and I make them a gift.

[BobAllen1290]

I cannot walk without a pair of shoes on, so.....no shoes off for me.

[kittygilchrist]

Originally Posted by Happinow

We have always been a no shoes policy household. People aren't in any way offended when we ask them to remove their shoes. All of our friends atomically take their shoes off when they come into the house. I even provide socks for those who would prefer to have socks on while inside if they have worn sandals. Even repairmen are asked to either wear booties or take their shoes off. Most of them are very nice about it. I look at it this way, after being outside I've probably walked in some of the following...... spit, urine, feces, road kill, dirt, and who knows what else. I've walked in public restrooms, stores and restaurants. There's no way that what's on those floors is coming into my home to get on my carpets and floors. It's really gross when you think about what lingers on the soles of your shoes.

I guess you have no animals. I think since I let my animals in with their feet on, I can let people in with their shoes.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Parker

I take my shoes off when I get home but only because I like to be barefoot. I'd never ask a guest to do that and, frankly, would find it quirky if they did, unless there was poop or mud on them.

Me too.

Whatever that makes you MOST comfortable when you come to my house.

[DianeM]

I don't want nasty bare feet on my floors. Keep your shoes on.