Why Do People Wear Shoes in the House

Wearing shoes in the house is sort of a natural symbol. It’s almost like saying ‘your house is my house now.’ an intimate thing.

Not everyone gets to see your pedicure. Sometimes you mismatch your socks on purpose. Or the other one is mixed up in the laundry.

So not unless you are close with someone. Sometimes taking off your shoes will almost make you feel naked.

On other occasions, your shoes complete your outfit while making you feel accessorized. Thus the need to keep them on. To have a full look.

Other people might feel offended when asked to take their shoes off. To them, the hosts are indirectly telling them they are dirty.

In some cultures, it’s common courtesy to remove one’s shoes when entering the home. A sign of respect too. For example, the Japanese.

In Japan, you remove your shoes everywhere you go.  When entering a building, temple, and even in some offices.

Their houses are designed with a Genkan, the designated area for shoes. It is a tiled area in front of most people’s houses. Whereby the inside of the house is higher than your outside. 

You should never take off your shoes and walk barefoot in that area. There is usually a step for you. Place your feet at a time when you remove each shoe.

Other people put a multipurpose bench. 

To act as a storage as well. Especially if shoes arranged near the door are not visually appealing to you. Or you have no Genkan.

Placing shoes on the bench storage might work to your disadvantage. If it is rainy and it’s muddy outside. Or someone has smelly feet.

Your designated area should have enough air circulation so that the shoes don’t affect the quality of air inside the house.

When placing the shoes. Ensure they are facing the door so that they are ready to go when you are.

Anytime you go into someone else’s house. Ask them if you should take off your shoes out of politeness.

One of the reasons the Japanese take off their shoes is because of their climate. It is very hot and humid. It would be uncomfortable to have shoes in the house.

The other reason is because of their culture. Japanese seat on the floor. On straw floor mats known as tatami. And sleep on top of a Shiki futon which is on the floor.

So having shoes in the house would dirty their seats and their bed. Even their entrance is different. Their doors open outward.

Some people are adamant about removing shoes before entering their homes. This is because shoes carry over 400,000 bacteria per shoe.

Shoes can track bacteria over a long distance into your home. As well as your personal space. 

After the shoes were contaminated with bacteria, did you know that shoes are better at carrying viruses than toilets?

Even though some bacteria are good for our bodies, they help build the immune system. Some are dangerous, which could lead to diseases. The most common one is e-coli.

The quality of your indoor air is also affected. When this bacteria remains on the floor and the carpet, it can continuously be released into the air.

Shoes are a means of spreading germs, which can easily be picked up by crawling children who like to roll and play on the floor. As well as easily pick up food from the floor.

A study found that children under 2 years old put their hands in their mouths nearly 80 times each hour. So if you have small children, it is important to take shoes off at the door.

Sometimes no shoes in the house could mean you just got a new rug or carpet. Hence you don’t want it to get destroyed.

This is the same case if you have new floors. Those tiny rocks beneath your shoes might end up scratching the hardwood floor over time. Then eventually ruining it.

Hard shoes or heels are more abrasive than socks or slippers. Not to mention shoes also pick up small particles of grit. That causes wear and tear on the carpet.

Another issue is about cleaning. No one wants to keep disinfecting and scrubbing all the time. Considering having shoes in the house can bring in harmful chemicals like lawn fertilizer and gasoline

Since it is your home, you have to set the tone whenever you have guests coming over. If you don’t like shoes inside your home, have a reason.

With that in mind, have shoes ready for wearing inside the house. They should be available in various sizes, especially for frequent visitors and your family.

This would be helpful even during the cold seasons when the floors are cold and uncomfortable to walk on. Offering new socks might work as well.

Always have a convenient place where guests can remove their shoes.  Without having to balance on one foot at a time.

When visitors are coming over. Let them know earlier about your no shoe in the house rule. This way, they will carry their slippers. If not, have them ready to offer.

Setting an example would also give the visitors a clue on what to do when you take off your shoes at the door. They will take the hint to do the same. Unless told otherwise.

On the other hand, make sure your house is always clean.  You don’t want your guest walking around on crumbs and sticky things. Be a good host on your side.

If you can’t bring yourself, ask for shoes off at the door. Alternatively, you can ask guests to wash their shoes with a detergent. This eliminates all bacteria by 90% or more.

On this occasion, invest in a door mat to thwart debris from guests’ shoes. If possible, make it two doormats. One for inside and one for outside. So you have double the chance of trapping dust before it finds its way into the house.

Walking barefoot helps keep arches and feet strong. Your feet shouldn’t experience arch support from shoes all the time.

Being barefoot also helps stimulate pressure points on the feet, which is good for optimal health. As well as being more aware of your stance. Especially if you are an outdoor person. Meaning you have shoes all the time.

When you remove your shoes before entering the house, you subconsciously tell your brain that you are done for the day. Hence it’s relaxation time.

Another benefit to removing shoes before entering the home is keeping your neighbors happy. If you have ever lived in a lower lever, I know.

Hearing your neighbor track back and forth. Either when getting ready or tidying up can be obnoxious. 

Always think about where you have been the whole day. Is it the city streets, public toilets, or through the lawn? Therefore avoid wearing outside shoes indoors.

It should be a common courtesy to remove shoes when entering a home. You will be preventing the unhygienic transfer of bacteria from the environment.

However, it is important to pick house shoes with as much durability and protection as possible without sacrificing comfort or flexibility.

Moreover, when having construction happening inside your home. Make sure you have plastic shoe covers for the service workers.

Having them remove their shoes each time they move things inside or outside the house. It can prove to become a tedious job. Disposable shower caps will serve the same purpose as well.

It would be wonderful to have foot spray at a visible place. This way, visitors who have smelly feet. They would feel more comfortable removing their shoes.

In the end, wearing shoes in the house depends on the circumstance. However, having the appropriate indoor shoes would benefit your overall well-being.