Shoes on or shoes off?

Is asking someone to remove their shoes when they enter your home a sign of hospitality, or the opposite? Correspondent Mo Rocca gauges opposing viewpoints, and talks with a biogeochemist who has studied what is carried indoors on the soles of our shoes.
#shoeson #shoesoff
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[@yukie_tn]

If people think it's bad hospitality to have to take shoes off in my home, I don't want them in my home.

[@mangot589]

I’d never want to go to your uptight unwelcoming home anyway

[@stanbalo]

Wearing outdoor shoes as your home shoes or slipper is just off. Not only is it uncomfortable, it is also dirty. If you really prefer to wear shoes at home on a daily basis then have whatever shoes that is specifically for home use and not to be worn outside. When it comes to a few guests, if you prefer them to take off their shoes then u need to provide disposable slippers and also have a secure place to store their shoes. If it really is a party like 10 guests or more, you can still have them take off their shoes but for me, let them come in as is and just mop the floor thoroughly after.

[@billybassman21]

This wasn't a thing till more recently and if you have hard floors and not carpet this is also a comfort issue. Some people have medical issue where they need supportive shoes. Some people's feet get cold. Also you can spread fungus around when you have a bunch of people not wearing shoes. There are a lot of advantages to wearing shoes inside and dirt can be managed with good floor mats inside. Convenience is a big part of it. I've noticed since parents have been insisting their kids remove their shoes, kids end up wearing slides and crocs instead of proper sneakers and socks.

[@yukie_tn]

@billybassman21 you know, not wearing shoes in our house doesn't mean we don't have slippers. Asian families almost universally have guest slippers. Just like it's bad manners to not want to take off your shoes, it's bad hospitality not to provide your guest with slippers (which they are free to decline), unless it's the rare occasion where you have too many guests.

[@billybassman21]

@@yukie_tn many none Asians don’t do that. No shoe covers, no place to put shoes, no place to sit down to remove. I just don’t think it’s a big deal to wear shoes with hard floors and if water is good. It’s strange walking around someone house on hard floors. It won’t make any difference to how clean they are. For a party just clean the floors after everyone leaves. Will probably be crumbs and stuff anyway.

[@fooddude777]

Grew up in an Asian household. We told people to take their shoes off all the time. I saw it more as a sign of respecting the home you were invited to.

[@rickyayy]

This lady is delusional. Taking off her shoes isn't "valuing" her. She must have no asian friends, period.

[@user-di5xq2ly2v]

Did the same growing up in Central Europe. It's common sense in most of the world. I don't think films about the tiny minority of people (mostly in the US it seems) keeping their shoes on are necessary :)

[@geohhoeg8630]

@@user-di5xq2ly2v It’s not common sense. It’s just a cultural practice. Stop insulting people.

[@tanachip]

Speaking like a Karen!

[@trildi]

@@geohhoeg8630 It is common sense. I wouldn't want to bring rat faeces from New York streets into my apartment.

[@evaarizona1184]

We are a shoes off household. I greatly appreciate service providers, like the HVAC company, who come prepared with shoe booties.

[@kenc2257]

It's routine where I live in southern California...plumbers and appliance-repair folks almost always bring their own shoe covers.

[@shakeyj4523]

@@kenc2257 Funny, I grew up here and have NEVER had a single person ask me to remove shoes. I think it's a good idea, but no one has ever covered their shoes or taken them off, and I have lived all over So Cal.

[@catlover34fl]

Dog poo is not the only thing your shoes pick up outside. Having to use public restrooms while shopping in stores where floor conditions are gross can make one sick. Anyone entering my home is always requested to remove their shoes at the door. I have a bench at entrance where they may sit to remove shoes. If some people think it's being crazy clean, so be it. I enjoy living in a clean environment.

[@AzaleaBee]

We've always had a bench just inside the door but I always wished we had a 현관 (Hyuj-kwan Korean)/ genkan (Japanese), a sunken shoe removing room just inside the main entrance. But due to covid, we reevaluated that and placed another bench outside the door and got into the habit of removing our shoes outside and carrying them in to be placed on a shoe shelf inside.

[@dawnkeckley7502]

I think you can only get sick if you lick the floor. I practically never get sick and never go barefoot indoors. I do not like going barefoot (never do in my own home), and I don’t want to go barefoot in another home. I despise stepping on tiny particles. You and all your household surfaces are literally covered with bacteria. You’re never really “clean.” You just have no visual dirt. I sweep and mop often, but I’m only worried about things that can actually hurt me.

[@Altamirana713]

⁠@@dawnkeckley7502 You don’t have to worry about going barefoot in another person’s home because you will NEVER get invited anyway. YOU and your COOTIES are NOT welcome.

[@MistarCalvin]

@@dawnkeckley7502 you might as well wear your muddy shoes to bed. disgusting

[@GKP999]

Growing up in Singapore, where it is very clean, I was brought up to remove my shoes before I entered the home. Another reason is also because wearing less is cooler in a tropical climate. Now that I am living in San Francisco, I continue to remove my shoes in my apartment. I would never wear outside shoes at home, especially when the streets in this city are filthy.

[@theo9976]

Being Asian, what really blew my mind growing up was seeing people in movies recline in the bed with their shoes on and watch television. 😱 On a side note, if you ever want to see the normally polite Japanese hopping mad, wear shoes into their house. LOL.

[@Justagirl325]

I hate that in movies who gets in their bed with shoes on lol

[@empresssk]

I CRINGE when I see those scenes in movies. Out of their damn minds!

[@Sanchoru]

Home alone에서 케빈이 신발신고 침대 누운거보고 진짜 충격먹음

[@mercys1412]

For all those commenting on being problematic for those with feet problems, I have foot problems and my home is a shoes off home. I have a specific pair I only wear inside the house. If you have foot problems, bring a clean pair to wear inside. When you visit someone, their house, their rules!

[@joker6solitaire]

I, too, wear "indoor shoes" because I have orthotics in all of my shoes. I bought a pair of silicone shoe covers to wear indoors at other people's houses so I can keep my shoes on. Trouble is, I often forget to bring the covers with me...

[@rickyayy]

Americans seem so self-centered.

[@Optim40]

Yes, because everyone should do what you do because you can. So that must mean that everyone can do it too. Shut up.

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

Several years after a foot surgery I long pushed for {PF "Release"} I've been able to wear slippers most of the time in my own home, and bring them (they have orthotics in them), when visiting. I agree with the Country lady that in rural areas (esp if in and out of the house very frequently) it can work better to leave shoes on indoors. --But in Country change out of messier boots/shoes. Wearing special Indoor slip on shoes can be very good. Before my foot surgery I had to wear hightops indoors. {Needed not just orthotics but side support}. When visiting or some apartment living, I added Booties. In my own home, I wear shoes some times to keep my ankles from being hurt {when I need side support}.

[@dobrasil8479]

I dont like them bringing a shoe to wear at my house. I would think those shoes are probably dirty as well. Either you go barefoot, or keep your socks on, or wear what I want.

[@justayoutuber1906]

Having lived in the country, most people take their shoes OFF. Mud, stones stuck in shoes that scratch floors, manure, grass...no you change from boots into house shoes.

[@monohydrate2]

My grandfather grew up on a farm on Iowa. He always said "take your shoes off and stay awhile". It's a sign of respect that you take your shoes off because you want to spend time. It's also gross people think walking around a home in shoes with dirt, manure, dog poop, etc is perfectly acceptable.

[@kenc2257]

When we lived in Hawai'i, almost eveyone leaves their shoes/slippers at the front door. Otherwise, you'd track in that volcanic "red dirt," which is really difficult to clean up.

[@alreadytired6515]

In my family wearing shoes in someone else’s house is incredibly rude. Most of my friends are the same. I think it has more to do with coming from a place where there’s snow on the ground most of the year. Not only do you not want germs, but you also don’t want salt, gravel, and dirty slush tracked through the house. I carry some inside shoes with arch support for my plantar fasciitis if I’m going to a family member’s house that has hard floors if I’m going to be standing.

[@deannamadrigal7503]

Oh no! Shoe's off 😮 I live in the wilderness, do you know how much I have to sweep my wooden floors just living by myself. The dirt I track in is unbelievable. It's just like the toilet paper roll, over or under. Love Mo Rocca

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

But in the wilderness, having lived in a cabin, when the outdoors comes in, it's often clean dirt. A side note: Heating with a wood stove, shoe or slipper surfaces are warmer and neater than socks (who collect bark-bits, sawdust...)

[@rr7firefly]

The scientist has it correct: Wearing shoes in the house is gross. City sidewalks are always suspect. On a walk, I may see dog poop, discarded food or even human vomit. That stuff breaks up over time but as it turns into smaller pieces of crud those can be missed and easily picked up on the bottoms of shoes.

[@dawnkeckley7502]

But does it harm anyone? I despise walking in homes barefoot. I’m a gardener who interacts with soil and microbes, and I fail to see how the microbes from the outdoors harm us.

[@jeffreywilheim5970]

And yet it does no actual harm to you when it end up on your hardwood floor or carpet.

[@trildi]

@@dawnkeckley7502 It's not about harm, it's about having clean floors on which you can wear your slippers or socks, and not be necessarily barefoot.

[@billybassman21]

There is no science, millions of people wear shoes inside and do just fine. Germs keep your immune system strong. Unless you have white carpet it is pretty dumb and creates all kinds of unintended consequences like not wearing proper shoes when you do go out because of the hassle of removing them.

[@makalaniadolpho4056]

I grew up removing my shoes in Hawaii. It was a respect thing. Now I live in the mainland and it is much easier if you wear slippahs to remove them at your friends house, but when you have boots and shoes on I look to the home owner for guidance on shoes on or off.

[@trainluvr]

The shoes vs floor person who felt put out as a guest in a no shoes household made a fool of herself. Like you are not some form of royalty just because you were invited into a home that operates differently from your own.

[@pushslice]

I felt embarrassed for her. I am nearly sure she is the “HOA Karen” of her neighborhood in her spare time. And it’s quite possible her husband has never seen her naked in normal daylight.

[@stanbalo]

Wearing outdoor shoes as your home shoes or slipper is just off. Not only is it uncomfortable, it is also dirty. If you really prefer to wear shoes at home on a daily basis then have whatever shoes that is specifically for home use and not to be worn outside. When it comes to a few guests, if you prefer them to take off their shoes then u need to provide disposable slippers and also have a secure place to store their shoes. If it really is a party like 10 guests or more, you can still have them take off their shoes but for me, let them come in as is and just mop the floor thoroughly after.

[@monohydrate2]

@@stanbalo disposable slippers are not eco-friendly, we don't need more waste in our landfills. That asian dude had re-usable guest slippers. Not a big deal. He also offered shoe covers.

[@stanbalo]

@@monohydrate2 as much as i agree with you regarding waste, disposable slippers are a must for me in this scenario.

[@monohydrate2]

@@stanbalo He also offered shoe covers. I assume the guest slippers are laundered after use.

[@dlight9849]

This segment is poorly done. In Asia, taking shoes off comes from the fact that people slept on the floor and sat on the floor to eat (at low tables), before western beds and tables became available. No one wants to sit on outside gunk, and no one wants to lay they head on outside gunk. Many poor people still sleep on the floor and sit with legs crossed to eat, including myself and a few of my friends. We don't have western-style beds or dining tables. Older people consider it traditional. Younger people consider it minimalism.

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

I'm a world traveler, mosque and Buddhist temples require shoes off. People who insists on their shoes on, most likely don't explore outside of their own country much and missing out on new culture, ... Foot problem, keeping their perfect outfits 😅 etc Since the Hiaga Sophia is re converted into a mosque in Istanbul, visitors are required to remove their shoes and keep it in a clear plastic bag to carry. The church was built by emperor Constantine.

[@spongebobsquarepants5896]

This segment isnt about asia though? Unless you believe that Asians started the trend and introduced it to America.

[@AzaleaBee]

@@spongebobsquarepants5896 Um... excuse me but many Asians DO live in America. Both North and South America.

[@dlight9849]

@@spongebobsquarepants5896 Are you stupid or just xenophobic? Talking about *IF* you take your shoes off without discussing the *WHY* is meaningless. They made no mention of the custom's history which has *EVERYTHING* to do with why people take their shoes off. This custom is ingrained in Asian/Indian and Middle Eastern cultures. Wearing shoes in the house is very disrespectful. Not mentioning the custom's history is like debating Fresh Cranberry Sauce or Canned Cranberry Sauce for Thanksgiving, and completely ignoring WHY people celebrate and the meaning of the holiday.

[@ilghiz]

It's not about sleeping on the floor. Russia's a cold country, nobody sleeps on the floor but everyone takes their shoes off. It's about hygiene. I find it gross when Americans lie in bed with their shoes on. So again, to it's not about absence of beds. It's about basic hygiene. Even if your streets are washed with shampoo twice a day, shoes must be taken off. No discussion.

[@crawnyxx]

A nightmare Im currently dealing with esp from visitors who acts as if they dont see the signs, even one at the door handle "please remove your shoes" but of course they are disrespectful. RESPECT PEOPLE'S HOME!!!! 🤬

[@chrisfinch8637]

It’s often debatable, but I’m a fan of taking them off, so debris or anything at the bottom of my shoes, doesn’t stick to people’s floors, anywhere in their house.

[@crawnyxx]

And it's that simple!!!

[@dawnkeckley7502]

I cannot stand walking barefoot on floors. Inevitably there are little crumbs and things. I find it rude that someone wants me to walk on their floor (who knows how clean it is).

[@crawnyxx]

@@dawnkeckley7502Which came from your dirty shoes so perhaps when they clean the floors you'll respect that and STOP. Now start wearing socks 🧦...

[@brucemaclean9086]

If shoes are off, socks better be on!

[@DangerousParent]

Not to mention tracking in bird droppings, cat pee, dog poo, etc😖 And the five second rule about "eating something dropped on the floor," O...M...G, imagine what you might be eating🤢🤮 I keep a chair and washable crocs by the door for sitting in while taking off your shoes, please🙂

[@davidcantor293]

What about everything they track in their hands? When was the last time you washed your steering wheel or remote control -_-.

[@DangerousParent]

@@davidcantor293 "Steering wheel," yesterday, it's a new car and I was cleaning others' nastiness off/out The "Remote controls" are another matter, I'd better get to it😏

[@bradfordjhart]

We switch to no shoes in the house during the pandemic, if a guest comes over and doesn't want to remove their shoes or forgets to, it's not a big deal. This really comes down to people who live in the city, where city streets are completely gross covered in urine and pet feces, and people who live in the countryside where they're walking through fresh cut grass.

[@ERICASHANNON]

My family did the same during the pandemic. If you suffer from allergies it’s another option to alleviate symptoms.

[@shleegar]

I have lived in NH my whole life and my family, extended family, and friends have always taken our shoes off when coming in. Tracking mud and snow in makes for a mess! And slippers are much cozier. :)

[@cardinal8268]

I don't wear shoes in the home so I don't track dirt in the house. I don't require that of guests though.

[@donnabaardsen5372]

I lived in Norway for years, and it was shoes off in friends' homes. I'm ok with that, as long as I can bring and wear a pair of indoor shoes to wear.

[@gennaterra]

Why? shoes off homes are way more clean.

[@donnabaardsen5372]

@@gennaterra Because some people, like myself, are more comfortable with them on. Shoes worn indoors only are fine.

[@AzaleaBee]

@@donnabaardsen5372 Not just more comfortable. For some people shoes are necessary to mitigate pain. I always keep a freshly cleaned pair of inside sliders in my car to use at friends' houses. And of course at certain relatives' houses and my own house I keep separate inside sliders.

[@brittanyt729]

I worked at a daycare. Those little guys could drench their socks with sweat. Having their shoes off gave their feet a chance to breathe. The initial removal of their shoes was always a coin toss though.

[@dawnkeckley7502]

I hate removing my shoes around others because I have sweaty feet than smell.

[@mattandbarbhartt2860]

I live in Alaska. It’s muddy here so everyone takes their shoes off. It has nothing to do with being snobby.

[@tylerbhumphries]

I do a mix. I wear shoes indoors but I wear house shoes. I have two pairs. One that never goes outside. And one that goes outside for quick things such as grabbing a package from a delivery person. Putting on my true outdoor shoes is the last thing I do when I’m getting ready so I don’t spend a lot of time in them in my apartment. I’ve only been to two houses that asked me to take off my street shoes and I’ve obliged. I’m renovating a house right now and I think it will be a no shoe house when I’m done. But I will also offer slippers and shoe coverings as an option to guests. Because although I’m concerned about us tracking bird poop and other icky things into the house, I also want to protect my restored original 1890s hardwood floors. I live in Missouri, we’re rainy and humid for most of the year and our winters are rough. Let’s not track water and salt throughout the house if we can help it.

[@thisis.michelletorres444]

Shoes off! I don't want fecal matter and other nasty stuff tracked all over my home and getting onto the beds via barefoot children. Also, glad they covered the cultural aspect of shoes off and didn't just give a Western perspective.

[@pisse3000]

It's not a western thing, it's an American thing. I have never been to a European country where people wear shoes indoors. Maybe they do in some countries, but not that I know of.

[@billyfowler9423]

@@pisse3000 Yeah they do. I have seen many videos where people in Europe are wearing shoes inside. It isn't common in northern Europe likely due to all the snow. Same with the US and Canada, they tend to remove shoes because people wear snow boots in the winter and don't want to track snow in. In nice weather no reason to remove shoes when most people don't have carpet.

[@zanethomas6865]

I grew up being taught taking off your shoes at someone else's home without asking is a sign of disrespect. But I know several people who insist on taking your shoes off. My stepsister is very vehement about it. And she's a nurse and there's a lot of gross stuff on the soles of shoes and footwear. I wear flip-flops around my house and my shoes and sandals outside. I hardly ever go past my porch with the flip-flops. I used to have carpet so I liked the feel of it on my feet. But we pulled it up and there's old school hardwood floors so I wear flip flops. I think if you're in someone else's home, you should respect their ways and not be a Karen about it.

[@gens2119]

Growing up my parents allowed shoes indoors but once I got my own home I became a shoes off person.

[@jillv4006]

We, and our guests, wear shoes in the house unless they’re muddy. We have wooden floors, so the one exception to this is crocs. Somehow they leave the worst tracks all over the floor. However, in a hotel I would never consider going without some sort of footwear; who knows what has happened on hotel floors!!

[@note2owns]

The things you migrate into the house from outside on the bottom of your shoes is staggering. Parasites, fecal matter, dirt and a host of other foreign matter, its better to be safe then sorry.

[@c.a.t.732]

Generally, is someone has a no shoes policy for their house, I'm perfectly happy to not go in.

[@karmicsheila63]

Shoes off for me, but I dont make people take theirs off in my home.

[@ChanteMcCormick]

This is me, exactly.

[@pollytiks3885]

Ditto!

[@davecahyo]

I prefer to be in the middle. Every time I enter my house, I always switch my shoes to a strictly indoor sandal which is cleaner and comfortable

[@cherylcarlson3315]

Used to be strictly shoes off, then developed MG and the process became exhausting esp when having 2 dogs needing to go out... take too long and now have to clean a mess, put on slip on shoes and lose balance and fall. After dropping and shattering a few ceramic/glass things was really glad to have shoes on. I wish I could go back to being me but shoes are safety in this turn of life.

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

I too often need hightops, lace-up, because of a foot condition {for increased side support}. When I don't need that I wear slippers indoors. I've had indoor boots {same as outdoor boots but a different color, to show others I really am wearing special clean indoor shoes.} In recent years I bring slippers as good enough for visiting.

[@EnronnSierra]

I live in a city wear I'm walking on pavement with human poop, urine, vomit, dog poop too, as well as dirt from who knows where. Not to mention all the drug use and homeless people living on the sidewalks; the sole of your shoes is exposed to all these things then you bring it back home? I either spray the bottom of my shoes with a sanitizer or drop at the door. If you live out in the country, you can get away with it, but not in a city.

[@pollytiks3885]

I used to do home visits and had easy to remove sandals or shoes, should the home be a shoes off home. To me it was a sign of respect. I change to indoor sandals in my own home, but don’t ask visitors to remove their shoes. I don’t know when all this turned into such a controversy. People seem to get offended about the weirdest things these days, and act like rutting bison.

[@pushslice]

Those people freaking out about being asked to take off their shoes when visiting someone else’s home are probably now desperately seeking extra validation from truth social.

[@labcat647]

Who the heck wants to wear shoes in the house? I've been barefoot my whole life indoors. It's not about cleanliness (though I do tend to have really clean floors), but I just move so much more freely without my shoes.

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

I move freely much of the time in slippers with orthotics. Barefoot is quickly painful! Hardwood floors to be avoided too, except very briefly. Sometimes I need side support, so then I wear indoor-boots

[@abernathymonsoon4638]

Shoes off in my house! Been that way for 30 years. If you don't want to take them off, then you can't come in. If the person is a repair person of some sort, then I provide them booties - but they always show up with them as they say more people opt for no shoes in the house. Shoes are gross inside. Period.

[@JP-lu9ed]

You offer booties to repair people but not guests?

[@teristeger1680]

off! love the idea of a basket of slippers or booties for over shoes.

[@kinksfan9781]

You really want to put on slippers worn by who knows how many pairs of sweaty, smelly feet? I'd rather walk on my hands.

[@JP-lu9ed]

The person who offered freshly laundered socks was most thoughtful. Best if non skid for those with balance issues but much nicer option than offering slippers worn by others.

[@phatnunis4876]

It also keeps your home cleaner. I don’t have to be mopping more often . That’s what I’ve noticed.

[@nicholebeck8177]

We do "shoes on" but it's more for safety's sake. The house is 120 years old and the floors show their age, splinters are everywhere!

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

Yes. In old time rural places, eg in old time NH, VT, Mass and Maine, most people wore shoes in and out. But muddy/ manur'y, logging, etc boots were left in the entryway. Then Switch to something for mostly-indoor wear.

[@OptimusOne]

As an Asian person, I don't mind people wearing shoes in my house as long as they are walking on hard floors but shoes comes off once they're in a carpeted area, no exceptions!

[@yourjjrjjrjj]

It's simple. If you grew up in a house that was shoes off, then you will probably be shoes off in your own house. Same for shoes on. For most Americans, the tradition has been shoes ON. I remember when Americans used to make fun of the Asians taking their shoes off. Actually, they still do. And now they feel being attacked because the shoes OFF practice is gaining momentum in America.

[@sallyphillips9175]

True. I live in north GA and know no one who has a shoes off household.

[@Joemondaking]

Growing up mostly Italian and in a household with beautiful flooring, shoes were off in mud room or garage. Only person allowed in shoes was Dad. Hygiene obviously like cmon, but keeping the wooden floors polished and shiny is important

[@jasonrodgers9063]

I'm a survivor of stage 3 rectal cancer. The radiation damage below my "beltline" results in me having a huge amount of physical pain for trying to walk barefoot on hard surfaces. "Shoes off?" "Goodbye".

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

I can't walk barefoot either. But for me, slippers with orthotics are often OK (in my house and visiting). In my house sometimes I need the side support of boots for active activities. 'Have indoor boots when needed.

[@reasonprevails5217]

This is ridiculous. In Vermont everyone takes off their shoes because 6 months of the year it is wet, icy, and gritty. You take your shoes off to save the floors and so you don’t drag mud all over. In a rural state, this is just common sense. Not sure this is a debate. Not sure it was worth my time to write this!

[@mattandbarbhartt2860]

Same in Alaska! It’s what we do!

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

I live in VT too, and used to live in rural NH. In old time VT & NH rural life, folks wore shoes inside. Old farmhouse floors were cold. But working boots (muddy, snowy, etc) were left in the entryway (like today too). Change to largely-indoor shoes or thick slippers.

[@brittanyt729]

It’s just polite to offer to take your shoes off when entering someone’s living space. Then it’s up to them.

[@Geeksmithing]

What about the REAL debate? Sheets. After the fitted sheet, do you use another sheet plus comforter or straight comforter? This has been surprisingly contentious among folks I know.

[@sbkpilot1]

shoes off for me - I don't like external dust or elements getting inside my home. I have allergies so that is one of the reasons as well. When going to someone else's home when shoes are removed it also gives me a sense that the interior of that home is cleaner.

[@on2wheels378]

Shoes off. I grew up as a Filipino American and we prefer shoes off. In Asia. TB was positive in the soil, streets etc. That's why many Asians don't like shoes in the house. Look it up. If someone feels offended, they don't dont take their shoes before they enter house. They have a plate of food on the porch. It's not their comfort but it's being polite in someone else's home and rules. Comfort was a word she uses. Does she wear shoes in bed to be comfortable.

[@cameronball3998]

I’ve always been in a weird camp on this one. I have pretty intense OCD, and one of the ways it manifests itself is with cleanliness. With that said, I am a strictly shoes-on apartment. I really mean it though-I have my shoes on from the moment I exit bed to the moment I get back in bed. My philosophy behind this decision is simple: the floor is always dirty, in both shoes-off and shoes-on households. The majority of my friends are shoes-off households and I always feel very gross walking around in my socks at their places. It baffles me that people think it’s cleaner to do shoes-off; every time I walk in my socks at my friends places, my socks just catch all the hair, crumbs, dust, and other dirt they don’t clean up, and that’s partially inevitable in a house. If they have a pet with shedding hair, it’s even worse, as my socks become a mop for their pet’s hair, which is enough to make me not want to come back to their place (just my personal gripe, I know not everyone is as against pet hair as I am haha). It always peeves me a bit when I have to take off my shoes at someone’s house, but I do it anyway out of respect, but it still makes me feel uncomfortable the entire time I’m there.

[@LincolnRon]

Why would anyone choose to wear socks over house slippers? Seems like a good way to slip and fall in the kitchen, bathroom, or any other non-carpeted room.

[@NVGEAR]

For people like you I offer shrink wrapped disposable single use slippers at my home, like the ones you get on business flights and hotels. Problem solved. 😅

[@AN-jw2oe]

A good solution as I have read in many comments here: bring your own indoor slippers to wear at other people’s houses!

[@Clintsessentials]

Maybe a dry cabin in the woods I wouldn't care, but for a regular home, shoes off!!!

[@AP-hn8wd]

For the guys that go into the public restroom and stand on wet/dried pee (and other nasty stuff on that floor) when you use the urinal then walk into your bedroom with the same shoes, let alone your home, that’s gross.

[@KM-nw7be]

Shoes off. It’s quieter for the people in the apartment below!

[@MisterJeffy]

if you have a cat, even an indoor cat, or a dog, you already have the stuff on your floor you say you want to prevent by forcing people to remove their shoes. What about the aroma emanating from your teenagers' feet when they remove their shoes?

[@absatwell8163]

Yep. I don’t put booties on my pups when they go out or come in. 😂 I don’t think anyone has ever died wearing shoes inside or not. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@longlivedemocracy756]

We wash our dogs feet every time he comes in from being outside.

[@absatwell8163]

Haha!! Teens nasty feet!

[@franceswelch5834]

Yes shoes on...

[@bracita15]

I grew up in Puerto Rico with the “shoes on” belief. Then I moved to Los Angeles at age 12 and it’s been “shoes off” since because we always had rugs. Plus, I feel so much freer not wearing shoes. Even now that I live in an apartment that only has a rug in the bedroom, it’s still “shoes off.”

[@murkel7765]

I remember the discussions 30 years ago in Germany. At this time shoeon was standard. But in this times more and more people adopted a shoeoff policy. The reasons for shoeon where similar to what she says here.

[@pgw419]

This news piece is missing a part of the population. How about a person that is required to use a powerchair? My wife uses a powerchair. Her commute to work is rolling to the office with the use of public transportation. Thus, we don’t have an option of the shoe on or off. It is an effort to keep the powerchair’s wheels clean for rolling around our home. CBS News staff needs to be reflective on this topic,

[@AzaleaBee]

I'm not sure what you mean about not having an option of the shoe on or off. I imagine that you mean your house needs to be extra clean so in addition to cleaning the power chair wheels you do not wear shoes in your home.

[@JP-lu9ed]

@@AzaleaBee He’s talking about people whose transportation is not their feet and shoes but wheelchairs and who cannot take their transportation off as people can who wear shoes. Wheelchairs and walkers of necessity travel in public as shoes do.

[@AzaleaBee]

@@JP-lu9ed Yes but I want to know if wheel are regularly sanitized and everyone removes shoes. It's what I imagine I'd do.

[@user-wv9zk2ni6i]

I had friends who were shoes off because their folks didn’t want their light grey carpeting to get dirty. I didn’t know anyone else who did that at the time, but I got in the habit of checking for shoes at the entrances of other people’s homes and asking about it if I saw any.

[@MissLibertarian]

Was oil and sweat from skin the same shade of light grey? Yes, I wore masks if the host requested it. Being polite is justified if there's no harm in it. Fleas hide in carpet, so I'd prefer to keep my socks on.

[@Gregcam_1]

I'm not Asian, but my family always taught me to take my shoes off in the house. People back in ancient times (Israel and that region) usually took their shoes off and sometimes washed their feet. I have sandals and slippers that I can wear in the hoyse

[@leitot]

I keep a basket of brand new socks (keep them when you leave) and booties at the door so there are no excuses. Your feet can remain clean, warm, and comfy. But no shoes in my home. As my grandmother used to say, "People spit in the street."

[@jackesioto]

I guess it's a lot like whether or not to remove one's coat or hat when entering a home. Conservative and military families in most western countries will insist on removing those items when going in their dwellings, and will often have coat\hat racks or closets in the entrance areas of their houses. There's definitely value in keeping the old traditions and code of etiquette. Traditionally in most western societies, keeping one's shoes, coat or hat on inside was often seen as disrespectful. My guess is two of the reasons for this taboo were that keeping those things on in a house, church or similar building was viewed as a sign that the shelter wasn't enough, and\or it looked like you were always fixing to go. The practice of removing one's shoes indoors does have a courtesy\etiquette element to it, but it can also be about sanitation.

[@mandyinseattle]

Shoes off for sure.

[@laurametcalf5351]

Always been the rule in Hawaii!!! Shoes Off!!!

[@frostifaler4660]

SHOES OFF❤

[@missflora19]

This women basically said I don't care what my host wants/needs from their guests. My comfort is more important. I feel like this is a super entitled response to the subject.

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

You did not understand she has a medical stability condition requiring her to wear shoes (and expensive ones at that $150.) inside or outside.

[@AnaCeciFrutos]

Shoes off most definitely

[@jessicafallen9778]

Keep shoes on

[@mfrenchcazenovia]

Strictly “shoes off” in my home. I’m so accustomed to it that I remove my shoes when entering other peoples’ homes.

[@jekku4688]

Many if not most countries take their shoes OFF at the door. And in many countries, it's a great indignancy to keep your shoes on (Middle Eastern countries specifically). However, when you get all dressed up to go out, removing one's shoes takes away the "power" of that outfit, and can make you feel weird and awkward. For myself, while the shoes come off, something typically goes on: socks, slippers, flip flops....because my feet get COLD!

[@theneighborhoodnetwork]

definitely a part of the shoes off club 🤞🏾

[@jenniferhansen3622]

I would never expect a guest in my home to take off their shoes unless it was what they wanted to do.

[@margaretmargaret6582]

Obviously Amy is not well traveled meeting locals. Most countries other than some in Europe and US do not wear shoes inside And I grew up on cattle anches in US all ranchers took their boots off at back door

[@groworforage342]

"covering your shoes' is certainly not about hospitality. If you want to protect your floors or be OCD about contaminants in your house that's fine but don't pretend like it's about anything else. We have shoes off on carpet but shoes ok on hard floors. but I would never tell anyone what to do with their shoes in my house. "you're welcome to take your shoes off or leave them on if they're reasonably clean"

[@rebeccab2446]

My take is that my family and myself usually take off shoes and have indoor shoes. Guests can keep their shoes and I clean after. There is nothing worse that taking off your thoughtfully planned shoes and putting on communal slippers.

[@tbc9096]

You don’t need indoor shoes. I don’t know why Americans think they have to have something on their feet even when at home. Just go barefoot, it’s so much more comfortable

[@jenniferhansen3622]

​@@tbc9096Not everybody enjoys being barefoot. What about winter time? You wouldn't want to be barefoot then.

[@jenniferhansen3622]

I agree. It's such a minor thing that it's not worth making a big deal about even if as a family you don't wear shoes in the house. A guest can wear them in the house if they want to.

[@rebeccab2446]

@@tbc9096 I only wear indoor shoes because of a foot injury. I also think they help protect from stray lego.

[@billyfowler9423]

There is a whole other side to this that goes beyond hospitality. There is zero evidence that what is on your shoes will make your sick and you can manage dirt well with some good door mats inside and out. I have been the type of person since I was 16 that gets up in the morning, gets dressed and puts shoes and socks on. I wear my shoes all day till closer to bedtime. I'm way more productive with shoes on and it keeps my feet soft. It feels weird to be walking around my house or someone else without shoes. You're also bound to step on something like an ice cube someone dropped or a wet mat in the bathroom. Most people have hard floors these days and it isn't comfortable walking on someone's hard floors without shoes. I don't want to wear someone else slippers either. Being in socks is a slip hazard. You're also picking up their dirt, fungus and bacteria and transferring that into your shoes. For me shoes on is just more convenient and practical. I can go in and out of the house freely when I'm dressed and can leave to go somewhere at a moments notice. I've noticed more people wearing slides and other unsupportive shoes since this whole shoes off business, especially children. These shoes are bad for your feet and this with walking on hard floors causes calluses. Most experts recommend supportive shoes if you have hard floors. If a child or someone comes in to get a drink or go to the toilet they have to remove their shoes and will either not want to put them back on or will put on sandals or something. The best way to get a child accustomed to shoes and socks is to get them into the habit of wearing them daily. This is just some Gen Z and Millennial trendy nonsense. Even in many other countries I bet shoes in the house was common 40+ years ago.

[@tbc9096]

This is very unhealthy advice and overall nonsense. Look at the floors of a shoeless house vs those that leave them on. Studies have also proven how unsanitary it is to leave shoes on in the house as well as the health benefits of removing them at the foot.

[@JameeWoodard]

I like the shoes off, slippers, and booties options for guests.

[@gabrielleparis3532]

I take off my outside shoes and change to inside only shoes. However, if I'm wearing evening or dress shoes I usually clean the soles with dish gloves on. Not sure if there's any better way to handle this as I have dress shoes stored in my closet.

[@ChiselMouse]

I'm just as disgusted by people's feet and socks as I am by what's on the outside of their shoes.

[@purplecouch4767]

I feel like this kinda has the same vibes as "Do you like pineapple pizza?". Not really but I've eaten it a few times anyway. I prefer cheese. Also at my house in Indiana we usually take our shoes off so dirt doesn't get on the carpet floor. Although sometimes we leave our shoes on if we're just running in to grab something real quick. And sometimes my older brother wears sandals indoors because he once stepped in our dogs poop. I'm not sure if this really matters. But anyway mostly shoes off.

[@CBD7069..]

Like others I also grew up in an Asian household so shoes off. And offer house slippers as well. Imagine the filth from streets, dirty public bathrooms any of the dirt/soil/pollen/animal feces in parks and trails on the bottom of your shoes going into your household and living area (even if you have a doormat). It doesn’t make sense to me.

[@CUMBICA1970]

When I moved to Japan some 25 years ago taking off the shoes was something weird. But then when I got used to it was the most pragmatic thing in the world. I mean why would you bring all that dirt and god-knows-what into your house? Especially if you have a carpeted floor room?

[@mugglescakesniffer3943]

where there is snow obviously you have to do boots and shoes off. They even have "mudd rooms" for this. In fact when I moved from the south I saw that most homes have tile near the door for that purpose.

[@timothymallon]

I grew up with shoes on, however as an adult, I realize that shoes...especially on the bottom, is absolutely disgusting. Think about it. You walk on streets where people spit, birds poop, animals vomit, etc

[@Karlen53]

All I hear is Sebastian Maniscalco yelling “sock it!” 😂

[@yohan1004]

0:01 This lady wearing Shoes indoor 😂

[@ClipsNSnips]

If you expect me to take my shoes off when I come to your house then please just don't invite me over

[@AzaleaBee]

Not a problem.

[@RudieObias]

Shoes off always!

[@eileenglynn1774]

I have inside crocs and slippers. I have slippers at my children's homes. We didn't remove shoes in the house growing up but now all of us have no shoes homes.

[@user-rq8qt2bp8t]

How can you do a piece about shoes in the house without mentioning the Sex and the City episode when Carrie has to take off her very expensive shoes at a friend's apartment and the shoes are stolen.

[@nicolehunter5927]

Shoes off We leave our shoes at the door.

[@SeattleDonna206]

Even in remote villages in Alaska it is Shoes Off!

[@summersummer1232]

In Sweden where I live, there is a culture of "indoor shoes". The shoes you wear outdoors can be wet, muddy, or too warm for indoor use. The older generation will bring their own indoor shoes when visiting other people's house. Some may also have multiple pairs of indoor shoes that match their outfit. Interesting enough, when my kids went to elementary schools, they also took off their outdoor shoes and placed them in their designated locker or shelves at the entrance of the building. Kids walked around in the entire building with socks, slippers of indoor shoes. Parents also took of their shoes before going to pick up their kids. It's a bit strange for me, but it is their culture because of their climate and less money spent in keeping the building clean. For Phys Ed, they always change into suitable shoes for indoor only.

[@billyfowler9423]

I've seen videos of that and it's freaking weird. I saw some wearing shoes I guess were for indoors, but most were in socks. I'm guessing they put their shoes back on when they leave with those dirty socks. If there is a fire do you want your kids out in the snow without shoes on? Also no telling what they are stepping in. It is also bad for their feet to be walking on hard floors all the time. The school needs to spend the money and hire people to clean the floors. While their might be less lose dirt, I bet their is all kinds of oils from their feet and fungus.

[@imdurmac1]

i'm shoes off. what is outside should stay outside. ppl have more allergies than before and some households suffer greatly from this so they want more control over what environmental agents enter their space. i use shoe covers but some prefer to have shoes removed before entering the home. and for some ppl, it's their culture steeped in religion., the home is an extension of the temple.

[@goldensun168]

Shoes are always off in Asian household. We also have slippers for the guests if they wants to wear them.

[@chris12321222]

I can see all the shoe prints on the floor in the light at an angle, i don’t want to know what that oil residue is.

[@LuKishaGreen]

Shoes off at my house.

[@laurabodycombe7998]

We always take our shoes off at the door and put on slippers. I hate having dirt or sand brought in.