Do you ask people to remove their shoes in your house?

[sunlver]

Maybe the dog wears shoes while outside?

I wish all my dogs wore shoes outside and left them at the door ...
We are a house of people who wear shoes(well except the kids)...I just dont see the point of us being a no shoe house with so many dogs running around...but thats just me.

 

[Charade]

We have cats. They throw up on the rugs from time to time. Nuff said.

My Dfi's family runs around their house in their bare (or stocking feet). Their house, their rules but they've never asked (AFAIK) any guest to remove their shoes. I don't. Except of rare occasions, I don't feel comfortable without shoes or slippers on. I would take my shoes off if someone asked (has never happened that I know of) but I wouldn't like it and I would find it a little presumptuous. If you're worried about your carpets (or HW floors) getting dirty, clean them up after your guests leave.

They take their shoes off when they visit which I don't mind except for two things. One is they leave them in a pile and usually in the pathway where people walk or by the doorway and I trip over them. The other is my Dfi's BIL is VERY heavy footed and sounds like an elephant walking around. Their 6 year old daughter (who weighs as much as a feather) is just as heavy footed.

 

[MushyMushy]

I wish all my dogs wore shoes outside and left them at the door ...
We are a house of people who wear shoes(well except the kids)...I just dont see the point of us being a no shoe house with so many dogs running around...but thats just me.

It's not just the feets ya gots to worry about.

Just sayin'.

 

[meandtheguys2]

Pets are pretty irrelevant, unless one doesn't keep them clean. Most pet owners I know are careful to keep their four legged friends tidy.

Are you saying a dog's feet are kept tidier than an adult's? You all must know some interesting pets and pet owners!

 

[lilyv]

Are you saying a dog's feet are kept tidier than an adult's? You all must know some interesting pets and pet owners!

Most dogs don't weigh between 140-300 lbs, and they don't wear shoes between size 8-13. I'll leave the pounds per square inch pressure calculations to others. Hope I've covered most of the bases.

 

[sunlver]

It's not just the feets ya gots to worry about.

Just sayin'.

That picture reminded me of something LOL....We have a foster dog here, she has recently had a anal gland infection. Anybody with dogs may no where I am going with this. Granted at first, I didnt know what she had...But , to put this lightly, she was oozing from this infection...Not pretty..As much as I did the warm wet wash cloth on her rear end(per drs instruction). I just didnt follow this dog around 24 hrs a day...Could you imagine me telling people, take your shoes off at the door

 

[englishteacha]

My DH and I recently went to a friend's home for the first time. We're a "shoes on" family. We were greeted at the door by my friend with, "Welcome, come on in. Coats can go here (pointed at a rack) and shoes go here (pointing to a place in the entryway). I don't mind taking my shoes off, but I wish we'd been warned. DH has...fragrant....feet, and my feet are always cold without shoes. He would have worn clean socks and I would have brought slippers for myself.

 

[meandtheguys2]

Most dogs don't weigh between 140-300 lbs, and they don't wear shoes between size 8-13. I'll leave the pounds per square inch pressure calculations to others. Hope I've covered most of the bases.

You stated they weren't an issue due to owner's keeping them "tidy." That was the humor that I saw. Most of the dogs we know are large, and their owners do not tidy their toes upon reentering the home. And, I'd say my brother's mastiff might not have size 8 feet, but they are bigger than my 8 year old's!

As I said, you must know some messy people and tidy dogs. Around here, it is the other way around!

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

as far as the pet thing - we do wipe the paws if they are messy, but my overall feeling is that I can only control so much. Sure, the dog brings in some, but there is no reason to add even more to that by having shoes track in.

though I answer "yes,I ask" - I have only had to ask MIL (already relayed that story) and kids. We don't throw parties for or have anyone in other than family and close friends. I have been to their homes and they don't wear shoes in their homes either, so it has never been an issue.

If we did have more formal parties, I am not sure what I would do - I have heard of people putting down things to protect their carpets in this case ( as with house showings and tours). I guess I would think about doing that, as I wouldn't be comfortable asking in that situation.

I don't put my carpets before people, but I am "house proud". I want my house be nice and to stay that way as long as possible. I have enough money to make things nice enough, but not to replace things before their time unnecessarily - so I keeep things nice and take care of things.

as for those who say they get offended at being asked: I am thinking if I invite a friend to my home and convey politely that I would prefer they not wear shoes - and they get so offended by a polite request that they care not to return (or if they are not comfortable enough with me to express their wishes)- then it is time to rethink the friendship.

I understand people who have medical/physical needs, wheelchairs. etc. Nothing is black and white. Just because you politely ask friends and family, that doesn't mean you are totally rude or inflexible. Also, many are turning a polite request into a demand - I would never insist or demand. I guess if someone responded to my polite request with a polite "I would prefer not to", I would not push it and would just deal. I do not think it is rude to politely request or poitely convey your wishes.

seems it depends on how you were raised, region you are from, customs you follow - as long as both sides are polite and respectful of each other then it really should not be such a big issue.

 

[NMAmy]

seems it depends on how you were raised, region you are from, customs you follow - as long as both sides are polite and respectful of each other then it really should not be such a big issue.

Exactly. Luckily, most people who live in the same region will have the same habits. Those of us who move sometimes have to adapt.

I have a dog--she's in and out all day. We wipe her feet as she comes in. She knows if we put our shoes on, it means we're leaving the house.

Frankly, wearing shoes in the house is as uncomfortable to me as it would be to wander around wearing my work clothes once I'm home. No one has stinky feet--could the smelliness come from wearing shoes constantly? But, hey, for those that wear shoes 24/7, go for it. I don't care.

 

[lighttech]

I'm suprised how vehement people's reactions to this topic have been. I've only read the first few pages and the last, and I'm astonished.

I was always taught growing up that if you were a guest in someone's home, you respected their rules and requests. So, if someone requested that I remove my shoes at their home, I would do so. If I didn't want to play by their rules, I guess I feel I should get out of their sandbox.

We never wore shoes in my house growing up. We wore them when DH and I first got married, but when we moved and had a baby, I instituted a no shoe policy. I just couldn't keep up with the job, the baby and the floors. It makes such a HUGE difference not wearing shoes. Also, you track all kinds of chemicals, etc. into the house, and with a baby who investigates everything with their mouth, I don't want them sucking on pesticides, lead, etc.

(BTW - Even Sesame Street has segments on it now that advise kids to remove their shoes so they don't track in lead.)

My ILs (MIL, FIL and SIL,BIL at their own houses) both recently started removing their shoes. I do so at their homes without being asked.

I ask my family and friends to remove their shoes at my house. I also ask small groups of friends. For the most part everyone has always been understanding. That being said, I warn newcomers ahead of time so they know. I don't think I'd want to be caught offguard (gotta admit, my socks sometimes have holes! ) I purchased slippers for my mom who comes over often and is always cold, and have offered to do so for others.

When we have large groups over (we only really do so twice a year, Christmas and DSs birthday) I do not ask guests to remove shoes, I just clean the floor when they leave.

Only once was someone really taken aback. We had a few friends over for New Years, and I forgot to mention the no shoe rule. Everyone who had been over before new and took them off no problem. One first time visitor looked stricken when I asked and said "I'll wipe them off really well." At that point, I made no objection and said "Of course." Just because I make requests, does not mean I am not a gracious hostess.

This is definitely a cultural thing. And has a lot to do w/ individual's attitudes. But, my opinion is, its your house, do what you want. But, just be considerate of other's needs. For those who criticized someone's hosting, I feel that the job of a host or hostess is to be in charge and in control of the party, but to accomdate everyone's needs as much as possible. So, make your requests, give people notice, and then accomodate individual scenarios.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

It's not just the feets ya gots to worry about.

Just sayin'.

Where is that barfing smiling when you need it?!!!!
See now Mushy- that is just one of the many reasons we don't have a dog! I knew there was someone who understood! I would rather have shoes in my house than anyone (human or animal) wiping their behind on my floors!

 

[rparmfamily]

So for those who do not wear shoes inside your house and insist everybody take them off, do you have dogs?

To me, I dont see the point. If you have dogs who go in and out all day long, why would you want people walking around your house(inlcuding the homeowner)with no shoes on????

I am curious if you no shoe people have inside dogs?

Nope, we live a pet-free lifestyle. (I say that in jest! I love dogs but I'm allergic to the kinds I like.

 

[bimshire]

That picture reminded me of something LOL....We have a foster dog here, she has recently had a anal gland infection. Anybody with dogs may no where I am going with this. Granted at first, I didnt know what she had...But , to put this lightly, she was oozing from this infection...Not pretty..As much as I did the warm wet wash cloth on her rear end(per drs instruction). I just didnt follow this dog around 24 hrs a day...Could you imagine me telling people, take your shoes off at the door

Pet free here. No four legged ones running in and out. No need to put a diaper on a pet with an anus ailment

 

[Metro West]

Unless it's raining outside, I usually don't expect peope to take off their shoes. Tile floors are easily cleaned so it's not a big deal.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

When I was a kid (I'm 45) it was considered rude to ask guests to remove their shoes (though of course people expected guests to use the outdoor and indoor mats to wipe their shoes before entering a home.) The exception to this were the Japanese American families I knew, because we knew it was a custom in Japan to remove your shoes upon entering a home. They usually had clean slippers or slipper-socks for guests to use arranged in the entryway.

We prefer to go without shoes when indoors, but that's for our own comfort, not because of the carpets or any other cultural reason. We do not ask guests to remove their shoes, but they almost always do. I think the custom in the US (or at least where I live) has changed, and many people do expect guests to remove their shoes. I think it has more to do with our wet (muddy) weather and our fondness for light-colored carpets.

 

[lillygator]

Nope, you're still wrong. The comfort of the guest should come first. Good manners are not a two way street. Either you have them or you don't. It's not determined by what someone else does first.

And to your earlier post, can you site a recorded case of death due to dirty carpet?

Yeah - I agree, I wouldn't dream of asking my guests to remove thier shoes....

 

[lighttech]

I was interested in what an "expert" had to say. So, here's a quote by Peggy Post in Good Housekeeping Magazine:

"A hostess is within her rights to ask guests to remove their shoes -- especially if it's snowing or raining outside. If it makes you uncomfortable, bring an extra pair of your own shoes so you won't have to go barefoot. In fact, she should offer slippers so you won't be cold or embarrassed. That said, a good hostess should be flexible. If she doesn't know her guests well or is having a big party, she should suspend the no-shoes rule, at least for one night. "

Also, a quote from another article referencing an EPA gov't study for those who have been doubting any health benefits. Whether or not you think this is a big deal is up to you, but especially those posters who have mentioned having small children in the house, I think this is important.

"The US Government gets involved with dirty floors
Interestingly, in 1991 the EPA conducted a study called the “Door Mat Study” that measured the amount of lead dust that was in homes. The study found that in homes where there was a doormat at the entrance and where shoes were NOT worn, there was a marked reduction (about 60%) of lead dust and other chemicals in the home. Not only that, but in homes where shoes are removed, there is a reduction in allergens and bacteria being tracked into the house."

Food for thought.

 

[Kathi OD]

I was interested in what an "expert" had to say. So, here's a quote by Peggy Post in Good Housekeeping Magazine:

"A hostess is within her rights to ask guests to remove their shoes -- especially if it's snowing or raining outside. If it makes you uncomfortable, bring an extra pair of your own shoes so you won't have to go barefoot. In fact, she should offer slippers so you won't be cold or embarrassed. That said, a good hostess should be flexible. If she doesn't know her guests well or is having a big party, she should suspend the no-shoes rule, at least for one night. "

Also, a quote from another article referencing an EPA gov't study for those who have been doubting any health benefits. Whether or not you think this is a big deal is up to you, but especially those posters who have mentioned having small children in the house, I think this is important.

"The US Government gets involved with dirty floors
Interestingly, in 1991 the EPA conducted a study called the “Door Mat Study” that measured the amount of lead dust that was in homes. The study found that in homes where there was a doormat at the entrance and where shoes were NOT worn, there was a marked reduction (about 60%) of lead dust and other chemicals in the home. Not only that, but in homes where shoes are removed, there is a reduction in allergens and bacteria being tracked into the house."

Food for thought.

NO way would I be putting on slippers that someone else has had on their feet. EWWW!

 

[castleview]

Most people I know that are "shoes off" people do not ask their guests to remove their shoes.

I do have a cousin and a SIL who are freaks about it though. My cousin is just the neatest woman in the world who you will often find polishing the outlets around the house. But if you have your shoes on, she'll cheerfully say "Hey! Get your shoes off". She's a sunshine kind of girl so it works.

SIL, on the other hand, will not ask you to remove the shoes...she just won't talk to you all night leaving you wondering why she's so mad. You find out the next day when her husband calls and asks you to please remove your shoes at all times when entering their house because he'll never heard the end of it!