On for me - off for the kids. I'm in and out too much to constantly take my shoes off.

I've never gone barefooted, since, as a child, I stepped on something and it took forever for it to heal.

If it is muddy outdoors my shoes come off. Since there are 20 paws (5 dogs) that go in and out frequently as do I, I leave them on.

Shoes on. Bug stomping for sure! *shudder*

If visiting someone's home, I will ask their preference and honor it.

I always used to remove my shoes at the door and the floors stayed a lot cleaner. Then I suffered through a bout of plantar fasciitis. Now, I wear shoes with good arch support always, even for those short midnight trips to the facilities. I tried having a pair of shoes to wear inside the house only, but I would forget and go out in them or forget to change into them.

I don't know what I would do if I visited a house where removing my shoes was required. I certainly wouldn't risk a year of pain just to be polite.

In Hawaii it is custom to remove your 'slippahs' (flip-flops) at the entry door. It's also good hygiene not to bring the 'whole outdoors' *indoors*. However...our condo has all tile flooring, and DH and I need some cushioning. We have both indoor and outdoor shoes. (The indoor slippah is also a useful weapon should you encounter a roach in the house. You do need to be focused, fast, and forceful.)

Our DS and family remove shoes at the door but would never ask that guests do so. Same with me; do as you please, just don't track in excessive mud or snow.

I wouldn't use the fuel required to keep a house warm enough to go barefoot in winter.

I've never lived in a region where shoe removal was the norm. I've never been asked to leave my shoes at the door nor would I be thrilled about it if I were. I sure would like to know in advance, though. I wouldn't want my slacks to drag on the floor and I sure wouldn't want to be barefoot.

Shoes on for all of us.

Sue

Shoes off as soon as I hit the door. I keep a pair of crocs for indoors, they are very easy to slip on and off. Most of the downstairs is ceramic tile and walking barefoot is difficult although I would prefer barefeet.

Shoes off immediately but not because of tracking in dirt or to protect carpets. Grew up going barefoot so am not crazy about shoes. I always wear slip-ons/clogs so easy enough to put back on if I need to go back out to get the mail, etc.

I would never ask people to remove shoes and don't care if they do or don't.

In my home I wear slippers all the time and I'll often take some with me to wear when visiting. It's common practice as I mentioned to remove your footwear at the door, with everyone that I know.

Eccentric, I didn't have to do any shovelling today!! Just the end of the sidewalk where the snow plow filled it in.
How is your snow-eating dog doing?? 2 more weeks yet?

We mostly take them off when coming in but its not a rule cast in stone ;)

I have a slate front entry, vinyl mud room area at one side door and hall, and a vinyl entry area at the end of my office leading in from attached garage -all with easy care area rugs to catch dirt. So, not like anyone has to take off their shoes before coming inside, cleanup isn't difficult.

I'd never ask an adult to remove their shoes although several do it automatically. One nephew has a shoes off rule for his kids and they are immediately in socks once in my house. He insists, not me, and I appreciate that.

We were invited to a picnic lunch at a home friends had just finished building, most of the day was planned for the patio but in her lengthy invitation she stated what types soles/shoes were allowed on her new hardwood floors. Several in the group were senior citizens who would find barefoot or even reaching down to remove shoes awkward. I was embarrassed for her, found that ruder than rude to put her house, newly finished or not, above the comfort/welcome she was extending guests.

I am usually barefoot... I have an aversion to shoes and socks!

I abused my feet when I was young and vain. I walked miles (not an exaggeration) in very high heels every workday and now I am paying the price. I am actually more comfortable wearing my S.A.S. shoes than walking barefoot, so I usually wear shoes at home. I have never asked anyone else to remove their shoes when entering my home, but if I saw visible filth on someone's shoes, I might. When we last carpeted, we left a 3-foot square in front of the door uncarpeted and I put a throw-rug there and all I have to do is toss it in the washing machine when needed.

Take them off. I am more comfortable wearing my crocs that I use as slippers in the house. I don't mind when company keeps their shoes on in my house. I have a cat and a dog and as much as I sweep or vacuum there is always animal hair on the floor

Always on.

I feel very put off when visiting a house that has a shoes-off policy. Of course people should do as they like in their own homes, but to impose that preference on guests is one step too far for me. I think it's inconsiderate and shows a lack of hospitality.

Houses in beach areas (like in my town or in Hawaii) are a different story, although flop-wearers' feet are as likely to have sand on them as any shoes.

Time of year and what the situation is. We have a crawl space in central Illinois. It is not heated and this time of year the piggies can get chilled a bit.

My son has a heated basement and they never, ever wear shoes in the house (hard wood floors).

If I know that I will go to a home that the shoes ought to be removed, then I will definitely not wear holey socks. That first time can be stressful though. If you don't know before...what do you do?

Jim

Don't wear shoes in my house, heavy socks in the winter though because the ceramic tile is cold.
I would never ask anyone visiting to remove their shoes.

I was so mad when we had the phone installer in when we moved to this apt mid-October. He clomped in with his work boots on and left 2 big mud stains on the hallway carpet, just inside the door.

I looked down at his feet and didn't let him in any further and he said Ooops and stepped back into the hallway and THEN put on his paper booties over his boots. What a jerk. Common sense does not prevail.

Shoes off for me. I wear socks and slippers year round. Crocs at the door when I go in the yard. Husband is half and half. Guests wear shoes.

Shoes off! if you don't like it go home and get your slippers.

I take my shoes off as soon as I walk in the door. There is a comfy pair of slippers that await me there or I'll just wear socks. DH does the same. I never ask my guests to remove their shoes and I normally put shoes on when I know guests are coming.

I'm easy either way. At home I wear slippers or go barefoot but I let my guests do whatever they wish.

off at home with heavy duty socks

DH has always insisted that everyone wear shoes or slippers unless getting ready for bed.

I take mine off, but my husband doesn't.

Both...right now I left my shoes on because we were out today...if I'm at home I usually wear socks, in the summer barefoot...there's no rule about shoes having to be removed, nor is there anywhere we go...we've never been asked to take our shoes off..

I don't like to remove my shoes at someone's house. I always wipe my shoes really well if there is a good mat outside door.

I feel that people should do what is comfortable for them nd sure agree that for alot of people its hard to bend and take off and put on shoes. Plus it can be dangerous if you have floors that they can slip on and fall.

And its cold on the feet.

I agree in Hawaii, those places you are barefeet and so you are without shoes and socks. Its warm and the cooler flooring tile feels great to walk on.

Also for health issues some must wear shoes at all times and to demand that they must remove their shoes is wrong.

I don't like taking shoes off at front door and then you have to go outside in the back and you are running back and forth putting on and off shoes, totally ridiculous I find that is.

I wear my shoes into my place as I am running back and forth when I got out and put shoes on so those times, I am not taking off and on, I just go and get, do what I need too.

Outside in summer, I wear crocs and barefeet inside my place.

I have another pair of crocs I wear inside my place, I have to go upstairs to parents place and so wear the crocs and they get dirty on the bottom due to their gallery is dirty. Go outside sometimes or in he garage.

If I know ahead of time I am going to someone's house, will bring slippers to wear inside but the times I don't have anything to put on, I don't like to remove myshoes but do.

If you demand shoes off, then have a bench or good seat for people to sit down on, also room to put shoes too as some places are tiny and if a bunch is over, it like there is no room to put shoes and I won't want others piled on mine.

If you were selling your house, would you demand they remove their shoes and their clients they bring to show your house?

In my home we take our shoes off and put them in the closet..As for guest it's optional they can wear them or take them off..When i visit i usually keep my shoes on..Unless they ask me to take the off.

When my window installer came this week I was really surprised when he put down canvas runners from the front door to the attic door so he wouldn't traipse the snow in when he came in and out. haha it would have been nicer had he shut the doors behind him to keep the cold out

Some 'logic' mystifies me. Our floors are all hardwood except baths and back hall. There is a an inexpensive rug right at the front entry door, then an 18" gap before you reach a wool oriental rug. People will come inside, step on the 'mud rug', then treat the wood portion like a moat -- hopping over the wood and onto the pale oriental. Why would I want them to 'spare' the easily cleaned wood but soil the oriental?

You should not require someone to remove their shoes. There are too many reasons not to remove your shoes. First, someone mentioned Plantar fasciitis, you are not supposed to walk without shoes and it can honestly cause a flare up to go bare foot. What about embarrassing foot odor? Then there's me that cannot stand to be bare foot inside because my feet are always freezing. I'm sure there are a whole bunch of other reasons.

On! I am not to be without shoes, doctor's orders, as I must wear a builtup shoe. If I had to go to someone's house that required shoe removal, I would have to leave.

When my floors get put in I'm thinking of going shoeless in the house. Will have to keep towels by the backdoor for dog paws, though. The laminate is going to be pretty dark and I dread muddy anything. Right now the only shoes I take off are my work shoes. I work in a hospital and don't like the idea of walking around my house in them.

Off. Where I live everyone takes their shoes off. It rains a lot where I live and so people just take off their shoes.

Off. Even our 17 month old Grandson has been taking his shoes off for months when he walks in the door here. Same thing at his house -- shoes off. With guests it's optional.

We leave ours on.At my dil' s it's shoes off.I don't go there very often,as she has a bunch of stairs to climb,and I have trouble going up and down them.So she and the kids come here.My house is a ranch,all on one floor,thank goodness.
Kathi

I should say shoeless for others coming into my house. I wear flip flops most of the time with socks in the cold weather, without in the summer...sometimes with if the air conditioning is a little too cool on my feet. I don't like going barefoot or just socks because of the dog hair..then there is the occasional centipede that comes inside. I would die if I stepped on one with bare feet.

I am usually shoeless in the house. Sometimes just socks. My husband always has his shoes on. Guest keep their shoes on. If I go outside I have shoes on.
Mary

"If you were selling your house, would you demand they remove their shoes and their clients they bring to show your house?"

Actually, that is common practice. Anytime, we view an open house, model home etc, people automatically remove their shoes. I guess it's where I live, I don't know, but it absolutely is common. There are often signs on the floor to remove your shoes. Yes, there can be a jumble of shoes on the floor. Obviously everyone wears nice socks to walk around in.

Shoe removal is expected where I live. I never wear them in the house, and guests and service people routinely take them off at the door. For one thing, we have many months when if they weren't taken off we'd have clumps of snow/puddles in the house.

The Comcast repairman carries plastic booties that he puts over his shoes. He was just here yesterday and commented on how handy they are!

I have in floor heating so going shoe less is quite cozy, although I do prefer to have my shoes on. I would never think to ask people to take off their shoes in my home.
Usually people have enough common sense and courtesy to take them off if it has been snowing or raining out!!!

I think it's rude to ask that people take off their shoes when they come to your house. If they *want* to do so, that is fine. I want them to be comfortable. I do expect them to not track mud into the house, but if they do, I don't mind grabbing the vacuum or mop for a quick clean up. It's just a house; *people* are more important.

I have orthopedic problems; I hate going to people's homes where I am *required* to take off my shoes. It's uncomfortable, and I worry about the upkeep/long life of my new titanium knee!

We are shoes on in our own house. If we have muddy shoes, we change shoes, or wipe/brush them off at the door. I also vacuum and mop a lot.

Frankly, there is the concern about stepping on a bug if I'm barefoot, also - how often do you step on a spill in the kitchen and then unknowingly carry that spill through the house? Ick.

jasdip - well, we had a ton of snow! We shovel and put down salt alternative - so many people do not. Today is Sat. Feb. 8 - our dog's follow-up with the vet is NEXT Sat. Feb. 15. I can't stand it. I don't think he is losing any weight on the canned food plus all of the cooked and mashed vegetables plus soaking of his kibble. He is filling up on snow because after all he considers his full diet of "different' foods - and the soaking of his kibble" as extras - not the norm. The begging is awful. It wouldn't be so hard if he was not such a food obsessed dog. He goes around nose to the floor looking for a crumb of anything. It will be horrible if at check-up time I am told to keep him on the soft food for another week. That aside, I am worried about the plaque/tartar building up again on his teeth since it starts 6 hours post surgery and he hasn't been able to have anything to help it. But he does love the liquid Metacam. Other people have to hide it - not with our fuzzbutt. Thanks for asking about him - he loves to be discussed and spoken to. If only he was not such a brilliant dog. Yesterday we went to his weekly daycare. Since he is annoyed with me he turned off my butt warmer in the car but left his on - those handy little hand-like paws are the devil!

I take my shoes off at home as soon as I come in the door. I wear socks or slippers. I don't require others to do so but here in snow country all repair people either put on their paper booties or take their boots off.

A number of the homes which I visit have several pairs of shoes sitting just inside the door ... so I take mine off. Seldom have holey socks ... but if I did, I'd be saying something like, "It looks as though my toe is better - he's able to get out!".

I don't have foot problems, so wandering around in sock feet is no problem.

Some apartment dwellers like to have a shoes-off home, some have a good place to leave shoes, boots or overshoes ... some don't.

Often in rainy weather I wear either overshoes or rubbers and take them off on entering a home, or if shoes are dirty, may take them off even when entering a home where shoes are worn, to avoid dirtying their floor. Sometimes in a public place, e.g. carpeted library (shoes on now, overshoes outside library door in tiled entry of community centre).

I usually wear shoes at home, sometimes slippers ... or crocs, if I was wearing them outside. May occasionally walk around the house barefoot or in socks, for a while, but less inclined to that, now that I wear $30.00 squeezy socks daily, even if they always have a second pair over them, to reduce the wear by either shoes or floor.

One advantage to socked feet or barefoot at home is ... that if one steps into an icky mess in the kitchen ... it (almost automatically) doesn't get tracked through the house (but ... how does one get to the bathroom while keeping icky feet off of the floor?)

ole joyful

Sheilajoyce - just curious why your dh would insist on everyone keeping their shoes on until bedtime.

I have not visited a home where I was asked to take my shoes off in over 50 years.
Carpeting and/or polished hardwood flooring are the norm in this part of the country.

I always wear slippers or socks when at home - it's just more comfortable. Don't like to go barefoot though. I wouldn't ask guests to remove their shoes.

On, and I would never ask anyone to remove there shoes or expect someone...Rude...rude...rude...I know there are places like in Hawaii where it is custom and I would certainly abide but that custom but just to expect me to take my shoes off is rude...

Funny how this question seems to touch a nerve among some! There was a thread on the Home Decoration forum some years back that went on for ever and produced very heated arguments.

A friend of mine lived in Japan for awhile. She keeps a little basket at her door with cute house slippers in all sizes for guests. It is charming.