Asking Guests to Remove Their Shoes

Man, I hate it when I am asked to remove my shoes. I am always worried that my feet stink....or someone else's feet stink! Or, what if I wore socks that have a hole in the toe? Or, what if I am NOT wearing socks and then everyone can see my crusty nasty feet. It puts me in a panic.
L.

It should be noted on the invitation, and the homeowner should provide socks. I would be annoyed if I had taken the time to pair my shoes with my clothes only to have to take them off unexpectedly. Just tell me in advance. Also, I do not walk around barefoot, so I would expect them to provide something to cover my feet.

(That Heather D. from Minnesota is disgusting.)

We are a no shoe house as well. Far more sanitary than dragging remnants of dog poo, fertilizer, pesticides, and dirt through my house! Not to mention wet shoes in the winter. Yuck.

Make a designated spot by the front door for shoes. I take my cue from the homeowner, if they greet me at the door sans shoes, I take mine off.

i have a sign on my door that says

"life is made of choices, remove your shoes or scrub the floor"

I mean it, no shoes in my house, i provide a shoe rack, japanese slippers (for some people), and painters socks (for those people with complicated shoes that are hard to remove) Not only does this save me time on sweeping, mopping, vacuuming,carpet shampooing, but it also kept my baby from picking up little pieces of mud , poop, leaves, bugs and all that and putting it in her mouth.

It also creates a comfy home environment, encourages relaxation and settling in.I cant think of a good reason TO wear shoes in the house actually.

But regardless of all i just said, if i am visiting someone else's house and they are feeding me, catering to me, i really don't mind accommodating their customs. If they want me to put on a clown nose i'm game.

****to heather, wow, aren't you just a big love-able ball of snarky nonsense. I'm from Texas and i employ that rule, and so do many other people i know. But just because someone doesn't , does not qualify them as "disgusting", but your attitude does!

I would think a sign designating an area to place shoes, would be sufficient.

Heather D - Just because people in a different state then you do things differently, does not mean they are disgusting. In some cultures, it is actually rude to show your bare feet. Would you travel internationally and tell them they are disgusting? In my opinion, calling someone disgusting...is more rude then wearing shoes. I find your poor attitude disgusting, and wouldn't want to visit someone's home who is so snobby.

When you greet them at the door, gesture to the area they can leave their shoes and say politely, "If you wouldn't mind..." They'll get it.

Also, having a basket of slippers or booties of some sort is nice, but for Pete's sake, PLEASE have a place for them to sit! I was 8 months pregnant with twins and invited to attend tea at my husband's CO's house. I entered the foyer which was empty except for a small rug where shoes were. I had quite a time trying to reach my feat while preserving my modesty.

Somehow, phrase it so it's a "SOCK PARTY" and all shoes will be "left at the door." Let them know there will be a contest for the oddest socks and cutest socks. Doing it this way, noone would know that such rule exists!
Or how about a sign at the door that says "We remove our shoes at this house. Thanks for doing to the same." with a smiley face.

Or maybe your best friend should have the party elsewhere (your house?). If guests don't get a heads up, they may not want to remove their shoes. I guess it depends on the people.

So rude or not?
If I am given a heads up, not rude at all. Respectful. If you don't go to the party b/c of some 'no shoes' rule, then that's your problem.
If I am told the moment before I walk in the door to remove my shoes, I'd comply of course. I might be embarassed if my toes looked bad or something. But really, not too 'rude.' Maybe just kind of weird.

@Heather D - I live in Texas. I find your sign lovely and I would totally respect that sign if I entered your home. It's your attitude that sucks. People in Texas are 'disgusting?' Maybe you should move back to Minnesota. Or find a new group of friends in Texas. Not all of us Texans are disgusting.

@Amanda G - I love your sign. It made me laugh. I'd certainly comply at your house, as I find your sign as a sign that you are relaxed and have a sense of humor.

We don't wear shoes in our home, but we do not ask guests to remove theirs (actually my sons do ask their friends - I'm referring more to adult guests). My southern upbringing makes me feel that it is rude to ask people to remove part of their clothing (which I consider shoes to be even though I don't wear them inside the house).

If your friend is adamant about it a cute little sign by the door might be nice, as well as a place to leave the shoes.

I've seen people with such signs on their boats.

Good luck.

ETA: If I visited someone's home and they asked me to remove my shoes I would gladly do it and would not be offended.

Wow - who knew people from Minnesota were so rude and judgemental. There are some folks that I do not want walking around on my floors in their barefeet or socks so I use shoe covers and I have flip flops for guests!!!! I find most Texans are polite, gracious and will give you the shirt off of their back. We are sorry Heather B. that your Frozen Tundra Sensibilities were stomped on. Don't invite people to your house!

It's not rude, exactly... but it certainly makes the guests who don't want to take off their shoes (for various reasons) uncomfortable. It may even cut down on the number of guests who show up next time.

When you invite someone into your home, the goal is to make them comfortable.

I say, put a really good mat oustide the door, and hope for the best.

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I like the idea of having a "sock party"...I would want some advance notice that you were going to ask me to remove my shoes....(the tricky part for me would be putting them back ON at the end of the evening...when I lose this next 50 lbs it would be a LOT simpler!!)
We lived in Thailand for 3 years where everyone just ASSUMED that you took off your shoes as you entered the house....my husband lived in Japan for 4 years which also has the same custom....but then it is KNOWN that you are going to be taking your shoes off and on at the door.
I would think that most of her friends are going to already know that you don't wear socks in her house.
and...Heather...please oh PLEASE give the great folks of Texas a chance...as a military wife I have lived by a really wonderful saying...
"Bloom where you are planted"...you are now Planted in Texas...so Bloom there...you will be SO much happier!!!

as a guest, i would not be offended, i am laid back like that; however, as a hostess, i would never ask someone to bow to my rules because they are in my house - the guest is to make themselves feel at home, and i would never want to make anyone uncomfortable by insisting they remove their shoes. what if they had a hard day at work on their feet all day and were self-conscious about stinky, sweaty feet? -especially Texas, in the summer! maybe some of those people don't really care about tupperware, but are just coming to support their friend anyway. i'd hate to make them feel uncomfortable. (how is walking around in sweaty nasty socks more sanitary than shoes, anyway?) while i am at it, the whole "sanitary" thing is a little wierd to me - does she make people wash their hands before coming in, too? sorry, i don't quite get it, but that's my perspective. a guest should be treated like such.

also, i get that in japan this is the norm- we are talking about texas. unless it's a large group of very well-traveled people, i don't see how "they do it in japan!" is really a reason to expect people to do it here? unless this is a japanese themed party, it's kind of irrelevant. (except to point out that some people are so much more worldly than others- goooood for you!)

I dont find it rude. I have been asked many times. I think its a good idea. Alot of people have small children that crawl around and the dirt and gross stuff you bring in on your shoes can track in on the carpet and we all know how babies like to put things in their mouths.

I would just ask people, no biggie. Its their house, their rules.

I don't think it's rude. We don't wear shoes in our home and I always take my shoes off in other people's home. I have always thought it's just one of those common sense things. If people do wear shoes in our home, we have no problem asking them to take them off.

She is having a Tupperware party ($$ for her) and she is dictating to the attendees to remove shoes?

When I have guests, I want them to be comfortable shoes on or off, I don't dictate what they are to do.

A lot of people are not comfortable removing shoes for reasons such as, messy feet, smelly feet, feet that need orthotics, etc.

Of course remove shoes if muddy.

I guess I don't get it because basically she has invoiced people to come to her house to spend money and now she is placing rules on that. I'd just give her a small check which is what she wants anyway and go home.

I don't think its' rude at all. It's even customary in many cultures. When they answer the door they just simply say, "Thanks for coming! We just ask that everyone please remove their shoes, you can put them here". Our friends do this, they even have a cute little hand painted sign next to their front door that says it.

Honestly, a lot of people I know remove their shoes even if not asked, it's sometimes awkward to walk into a home and everyone is barefoot and you aren't sure it's because of house rules or guests preference. I'd rather know up front.

In Hawaii, NO one wears shoes in the house.
It is just customary here and cultural.
IF someone does where shoes in the house, they are probably not from here.
Homes are clean here, because no shoes are used in the house.
Many people prefer it. As a 'cultural' norm.
Thus, it is not considered 'rude' when people here are asked to remove their shoes.

Some homes/families, simply put a cute sign by their front door.
"Remove shoes before entering."
Ya know, just a cute hand painted sign in cute non-intimidating colors.
No biggie.
And/or, you have house slippers, by the front door. If you want.

I have friends in whose homes it is just normal to slip your shoes off at the door. Never thought anything of it. :)

Maybe, just for that day, your friend could invest in some of those little flip flops like you get after your pedicure for those invitees who are not comfortable being barefoot. Since they would be new, out the pack, they would not track dirt.

Or word the invitation in such a way that the invitees know shoes are a "no-no" - Like "you are invited to a Barefoot Tupperware Party".

Sounds like fun!!!

Honestly, I do not understand people who ask others to remove their shoes. I wear orthodics every day. Without them, my feet hurt almost immediately. If I knew that I would be asked/expected to remove my shoes, we would be meeting in a restaurant or in my home. I understand when peoples shoes are muddy (wet feet can simply be wiped off on a rug near the front door) but beyond that, I think it is an unreasonable request. What if someone has smelly feet? Holes in socks? An infection that would rather not discuss? Someone with tender feet? Or someone who simply does not like to be without shoes?

When I open my home to guests (who by the third or fourth time they are here, are family) I want THEM to be comfortable. I want THEIR experience in my home to be pleasant all around. I personally don't like to take my shoes off and would never dream of asking someone to do so. By the way, my house is beautiful and well-maintained.

While I don't think it is rude, I think it is appropriate to provide slippers or some other foot covering to the guests. Asking someone who has been wandering around for who knows how many hours to remove their shoes could lead to some very negative aromas or worse, embarrassement on the part of the guest.

Hi J.,

I don't like to remove my shoes because I don't like to have dirty feet, lol...most people have dirty floors. If someone provides me with slippers or I know to bring clean slippers I don't mind at all. If someone is wearing pantyhose or socks, I can imagine them being a little torked to be asked to remove their shoes...I also lived in Japan and loved taking my shoes off at the door but most people I visited had slippers for the house at the front door....

To answer your question...." Would you mind taking those shoes off and relaxing at our get together in these soft slippers?................

God bless,
M.

No, I would not consider it rude. I remove my shoes at the door automatically (both at home and while visiting). The only times I will wear shoes in other people's houses is if THEY do, because then the floors are filthy & I don't want my socks to get nasty. I get very irritated when people wear their shoes into my house because I like to keep my floors sparkling clean!!! (I have kids who tend to eat food off the floor!) :-) Sometimes I get the vibe that I offend my visitors when I ask them to remove their shoes...but I guess I'd rather slightly offend somebody than have to spend an hour cleaning floors after they leave. (I really don't want to offend anybody...but I really really don't like cleaning any more than I have to!) :-)

not offended at all. It is the right thing to do and I think shoes should be removed. Look up shoes and bacteria on the internet. We carry more germs on our shoes than anything...

it is in no way rude, just say "welcome, please remove your shoes and come on in"! I lived in Japan for 5 years, and this is their norm. Also, if you go to a dollar store or somewhere like that and get little slippers it can be nice for those who did not wear socks.

I don't ask people to remove their shoes in my house, even though I am usually barefoot. If they want to, fine, and if they don't, that's fine too. Who cares if there are germs on the floor? I walk on it, I don't eat off it. I don't know of a polite way to tell people that their footwear isn't welcome on your floor.

I would not be offended at all, but it is my practice to remove my shoes when going into a home. I would think most people should know that this is fairly common and not be offended by such a request.

Being asked to remove your shoes is really common in the area where I live. Usually the hostess will line a few pairs up in the entry way to indicate that you should.

I don't know if there is a way to make the requests without being "rude " as it's going to be perceived as "rude" by some people no matter how it's phrased. This is something I think the host should advise the guests of before the people show up though.

I know some people who do this because they have very light colored carpet. I've always found it funny that they don't want people to track dirt in, but they let their dogs run in and out all day and there's no telling WHAT their pets are tracking all over the floor. Plus they let other people bring their dogs over. Smh. Lol. Anyway, they are very sweet and fun people so I always take socks with me to put on when I visit.

I moved to TX from Minnesota where NO ONE dares wear their shoes in each others home. You could live in the trailer park and it is still polite to remove your shoes. When I got to Texas and saw how disgusting people were, I made this sign http://simplymine-H..blogspot.com/2011/03/be-respectful.html It's a nice welcome without being rude. Personally, I find it very disrespectful that people here in TX don't automatically assume they should take their shoes off. Just my opinion I guess;)

Do you know how many chemicals, pesticides, dog poo etc are on shoes. No I don't think it's rude. I actually think it's rude if people don't remove their shoes. Just set a few pairs by the door and tell people as they enter hey put your shoes over here. Snacks are in the kitchen etc.

We don't wear shoes in our home and our guests, as a general rule see the shoes by the door and act accordingly.
Guests who need their shoes for medical or pain prevention reasons are an automatic exception.

I like S.H.'s suggestion of a cute sign! Oh, and slippers are always a good idea!

I don't think it's rude at all. My kids must take their shoes off as soon as they get in the door. It's habit now, so I don't have to remind them. In Texas you don't have to worry about snow, but we do and most people take their shoes off, (especially in winter) before coming in to someone's home. My kid's shoes are always at the front door so most people, oddly enough, automatically kick their shoes off. I do not expect an adult friend or neighbor to kick off their flip flops in the summer to come in to my house but I have hardwood floors and not carpet. Here (in Chicago) if you were having a party and were asked to take your shoes off at the door, I don't think anyone would think twice about it. I would absolutely tell people, "Sorry, we don't wear shoes in our home, can you please leave your shoes at the door?" I don't see anyone being upset so long as your floors are clean. :) Since it's a tupperware party, I would guess that some of her friends already know that they don't wear shoes in their house. For those that don't know her home habits, they may just want to go home and start that tradition their own homes. No worries.

we are a no shoe house. i think its no big deal.

I've lived in Minnesota all my life. I think the reason it is so common here to remove shoes and to expect guests to remove shoes, is that for many months of the year we're wearing wet/dirty snow boots! And when we aren't walking through snow, there are the months that we're walking through mud.

I've learned to wear socks that I'm not ashamed of :-) or even to bring along my warm slippers in the winter. I don't consider this rude at all.

Nope, I don't. I ask people the same when weather is snowy or rainy. I almost think it's disrespectful not to but that's just me. Who wants to keep steam clean (or whatever it's called) their carpet a lot or take the risk in having to replace it. I actually put a note on my door when I ask my guests to and if they don't before stepping past my front hall then I verbally ask them. If you think about it even in nice weather, do you know what's on your shoes? Yuck. i don't even want to think about what we all walk on all day....
I'll edit my question then.....Nope, I wouldn't be offended. I would respect their request.

We have a no-shoe policy at our home. I don't need the outside germs on my carpets and everywhere else. We have weakened immune systems in my family as it is. I think it's more sanitary. To those who think it's rude and that it's not cleaner and not needed, well, that's good for you, but I wouldn't want to be in your homes. Samples have been collected from roads and sidewalks, and if you wear shoes in the house you are bringing in feces, E-Coli, and well, lots of other nasty stuff that could cause diseases and staph infections. If she's having a party, it would be nice if she let people know ahead of time that she has a no-shoe policy. That way, they can choose not to attend

I think she should answer the door barefoot or in slippers and HOPE her guests get the hint. I don't think I'd *ask* guests to remove shoes--but I'd hope they offer...

I don't think its rude at all and I don't wear shoes around the house either.

A lot of people do this. I personally do the same but don't do it when we have company because we don't have carpet. I can just mop afterwards. However, I would never be offended by it. I would just leave your shoes out at the front door (so people see them and get the hint) and put a big sign up that says something along the lines of "this is a shoe free home. :) " Or get funny with it....please leave the spit and tar, from the bottom of shoes, at the front door. :) People will understand. Hopefully they will wear their best socks and have their toes painted!

I grew up in Japan. Nope. Shoes automatically come off. I don't insist guests do in my own home, but we always take shoes off. It's also the first question I typically ask people when entering their homes. "Shoes?" Everyone knows what I mean. I either get an "along the wall," or "no worries".

HOWEVER, I would consider it rude if I were asked to leave my shoes outside whether it was at a house or an apartment. In an apartment, that leaves shoes open to theft, and in a house that leaves shoes open to being invaded by creepy crawlies.

Did someone suggest providing cute but cheap slippers or socks?? or the craziest socks/slippers you can find.

I don't mind taking mind off unless i'm all dressed up to the nines, but for this i think people will be ok removing them. sometimes older folks have trouble though,

We have a sign on our door and a nice basket to put shoes in. When our guests enter, they see the sign and basket, remove their shoes and there has never been a problem. Most people I know are happy with it--it makes them feel welcome in your home and a more relaxed environment. GL

M

Make a known spot to leave shoes. If I see shoes by the front door I always take mine off. They have to deal with my smelly feet but I'll take them off. If I know in advance I like to bring socks. I don't consider it rude, it's not my house or my rules. I would respect the homeowner.

I grew up in a "No Shoes"/inside shoes only house. So nope, I wouldn't be offended at all.

I have a no shoes rule during winter. The walk to our house is wet, and pine needle-y, and muddy, and no amount of shoe wiping really does the trick. If someone visits and they can't take off their shoes, I'll (of course) make an exception. Rules are made to be broken *sometimes*.

I personally don't care if people wear shoes in my house (unless shoes are wet or muddy, then they come off at the door.) I also have problem respecting other people and their rules (such as removing shoes). Lots of people have those rules (just don't make the word sanitary be part of the take off shoes speech).

It's just like telling guests they can put their coats on the bed in that room over there. Would you mind leaving your shoes there on that rug?

have extra slippers at the door and a designated place to leave your shoes. No problem.

I don't think this is rude at all. My sons teacher a few years ago had a get together for the end of the year at her house. She put up a sign that was very polite and asked people to remove their shoes before entering, and there was a mat where you could put your shoes. I think the best way to let people know is by word of mouth and have your friend put up a sign and a place for people to leave their shoes.

I only know one famly who have you take shoes off at the door. He was raised in Hawaii so I understand. I dont ask people to remove shoes at my house. Dawn B is right. The oils on your feet ruin carpets faster. Thats not why I dont ask people to take theirs off tho, I just dont, and I wouldnt ask you to. I would take mine off at anyones home if asked, and be fine for a couple hours. I have trouble with my feet and had surgery, and wear special orthotics. I rarely go barefoot at home or I have a lot of pain the next few days. Id also need a place to sit to remove the shoes I wear and to put them back on. Also my kids, and husband like to be barefoot at home and when they want to run out to get the mail or something from the car, they go barefoot and track in the same stuff my shoes do..lol

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I was surprised the first time I was asked and extremely embarrassed. At the time I had holes in my socks and I had a wart on my foot so I couldn't go barefoot either. I ended up making an excuse about how I forgot something and had to run and couldn't stay. So sorry. Now I know better and we take our shoes off at the door whether people say we don't have to or not. I don't want my children surprised by this custom like I was.

Yes, I would be offended. Even Miss Manners says that it is rude to ask. Floors are meant to be walked on. If guests ask if they should, then fine, take them up on it. Otherwise, it is like asking someone to remove a piece of clothing that it part of their outfit. And offer them socks or slippers? NOT COOL.
Seriously, I wouldn't come back to someone's house if they did.

I do not find it rude. I totally understand not wanting your carpet dirty. I do however have an ongoing problem with my foot. I even need to wear shoes if I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. If you met me you would not know I had a foot problem and I would probably not feel comfortable saying that I NEED to wear shoes. I would probably just suffer in silence.
Perhaps your friend could have a rug out with shoes on it and people will get the hint. I do not have a rug out for this. We wear shoes in our house but I am always surprised by the number of neighbors and friends who automatically take off their shoes in my foyer.

We don't wear shoes in our home and we do ask people to remove theirs upon entering. No one as ever acted offended. When we had our last home on the market we asked the realtors to ask their clients to remove their shoes, since my DH is a nurse he was able get surgical shoe covers also so that those could be worn. My thought is that it is my house, my rules and I don't think anyone has the right to be offended by what I request of guests in MY home. I certainly would not be offended if I were in someone elses home and were asked to remove my shoes or not wear perfumem (some people are sensitive to scents). It's the homeowners perogitive (sp?).

Sorry I would find this rude. We don't remove shoes in our house but I do have friends who do. They have never asked any guest to remove their shoes and guests on do if they feel comfortable. Especially if you are having a party I could not imagine having all those people remove their shoes.

No, I would not. We used to have this rule because it lightened the housework load by tracking in less dirt (this was before we had a kid, LOL). But if someone had a legitimate medical reason, I'd bend the rule. I found out after my grandmother came over that she actually needed to wear her shoes indoors for orthopedic reasons and I felt terrible! Of course she would have been allowed to keep her shoes on. If someone is uncomfortable with bare feet, I guess they can bring socks or something.

One of my Avon customers had a sign on her door that asked people to please remove their shoes. It was a hawaiian sign that was beautiful that said something about it's the custom in Hawaii to remove shoes etc... That's the only time I did. I know I went to a party once where there was a pile of shoes at the door. I asked about it and they said we didn't have to only if we wanted. My feet hurt when I don't wear shoes so I kept mine on but my kids took theirs off. I'd be fine either way but I wouldn't ask people who were coming in my home to take their shoes off. I'd feel bad... but if people asked me, I'd probably be okay with it.

Living In Sugar land, I'm surprised you asked! I don't care one way or another and never ask people to remove their shoes but it cracks me up that NONE of the kids that come over wear shoes inside. I attribute it to the high Asian population here.
I finally put a shoe bin by the back door for my kids just because it made it easier to find their shoes. If shoes are removed as soon as they walk in, we don't have to wander around looking for them (bedroom? By the computer?) when we need to leave. But now I can tell who spent the night (and how many) by counting the shoes at the door.
This is not something I started but something the kids learned to do by visiting houses where it was done.
So, even if you have never been to Japan or any foreign country, that cultural quirk has definitely infiltrated this part of Texas.
Personally I am wearing flip flops 10 months out of the year and probably have my shoes off without thinking about it 90% of the time I am out. I do agree if there are older people- have a chair to sit in, extra socks or shoe covers and a sense of humor. A little advance notice is nice, too, depending on who is invited. A younger group will probably be more accepting, an older group more taken aback.
If it is a HUGE issue, have the party somewhere else.

If she is having a party it is only logical to supply party guests with house shoes or soemthing they can wear on their feet. I personally remove my shoes automatically at all of my friends homes because that's how it is...in fact I bring shoes with me in case we end up going out but wear my house shoes there so they are easy to slip on/off.

I have no problem with people wearing shoes in my house, although many moms that visit us take off their shoes & ask their kids to do the same. I tend to go barefoot around the house, but only b/c it is more comfortable/cool. I actually make a point of putting my shoes on when I answer my door, so that people that want to wear their shoes in my house will feel okay about it.

I'm not exactly offended when people want me to remove my shoes, but I do think it is a little over the top. (I'm sure people in "shoe-less" homes are not sick less often than those of us that wear shoes in the house, and I find that my house appears cleaner than many of my friends' "shoe-less" homes.) One time my family was invited to another family's home for dinner. We were almost blocked at the front door and told to remove our shoes. (It was in the 50s that day.) My husband wasn't wearing socks and I could tell he was uncomfortable. I also find it difficult when I have my 2 little ones with me and while I'm near the door putting my shoes on to leave a playdate at a "shoe-less" house, one of my kids runs back into the kitchen, which leaves me wondering if I have to remove my shoes again just to chase after my kid!

I've been asked bunches of times and am not insulted. Usually the person just informs me that they remove their shoes and put them "here." Easy. No big deal.

I have to add that not only were we asked to remove our shoes when we went to a home in Japan last month, but we were given slippers (they were too small but they were backless so we did the best we could). Good thing I had done some research so I knew to remove those slippers and put on a different pair that were just inside the bathroom door when I went in there. You don't wear the same slippers in the bathroom!

We also went to a couple authentic Japanese restaurants where we had to remove our shoes AND sit on the floor. We weren't used to that and one of my legs fell asleep! Adventures!

I got in the habit of removing my shoes when I stayed in Germany. This is what they did in the apartment where we stayed. The shoes were left outside the door. It will protect the carpet for sure.

It depends on the type of flooring (wood flooring) I would automatically remove my shoes.
It depends on the event, if it is going to be a dinner party and your shoes is part of your outfil (not spikes or shoes that make a dent in flooring) I would put the shoes you are wearing, cleaned and in a bag. Ask the hostess when you arrive, would you be able to wear your shoes that have cleaned?
We had a very large baptismal party in January and we have all wooden floors, most people came with boots so they autiomatically took off their boots. I had purchased a supply of black silk slippers and asked the ladies would they like a pair to wear (one size) they all were really overjoyed that I thought of this, and the black silk slippers looked very nice with all the ladies outfits - we had 87 guests and not one lady seemed annoyed. As soon as someone enters our front door and notices the flooring, they just take off their shoes without us asking. We have one lady friend, very elderly and walks with a walker, I do not expect her to take off her shoes, but again they are not the type of shoes that would harm the wood flooring. I might add, your friends already know how you are in your own home and when you come to theirs, so don't fret, people will respect your homes. My husband and I always take off our shoes, regardless of the hostess or host saying forget it, I always carry fancy slip on slippers and acutally feel more comfortable wearing them then shoes.

i do find it rude hearing that people do this. but if some one asked me i probably would think nothing of it remove my shoes and be more comfy. it should be offered for guests to have in side only flip flops or booties to cover there shoes.

I don't think it rude at all. I've been to plenty of homes where this is the norm. Although I don't require it in my own house, my mom always has in hers. She has a nice wooden sign at the front door asking you to remove your shoes, and has a basket near by to put them into. Most homes I go to where this is the norm, don't even ask, they just espect it.

I would have a shoe mat and have other shoes there. I am not offended when people ask me to remove my shoes for whatever reason. If there is a shoe mat or rack or something, most people get the hint when they walk in. I like the idea of booties or slippers or just getting the word out that they should wear socks. Whenever I visit certain friends, I try to remember socks. Or keep some regular socks on hand in case someone might want a pair. Hanes are not expensive.

No. Even before my house went shoe free I didnt mind if someone asked me to remove my shoes. As long as they arent rude about it, its not really a big deal. I choose to go shoe free when I noticed cat litter was making its way into my house & we dont have a cat ( it was coming from my s-i-l's house) So far no one has grumbled that they didnt like going shoe free

I've been asked several times, and it didn't bother me. My sister 's husband is Filipino and they do not wear shoes in their house, and it's a cultural thing. You can wear houseshoes if you want something on your feet, but no regular shoes. No problem for me. We also know people who had this rule when they moved into a beautiful new house, and it didn't bother me at all.

Then we tried to put our house on the market and had our carpet cleaned and tried the "no shoe" rule until we moved out. (It did wonders for the cleanliness of our carpet.) It was a challenge. Most people had no problem, but my mother-in-law refused to take her shoes off, and my father-in-law didn't take them off either, but after my MIL said no, I don't know if my husband even asked his dad. Most of the time, I felt kind of bad asking people to do that. So, our carpet ended up getting crummy again (we had kind of a rustic yard, so no one could make it to the front or back door with totally clean shoes). And, then I fractured my ankle, and I had to wear a boot until we moved (I'm still wearing it) and now I can't my shoe off anyway...so unless someone can give me a big non-slip fabric bag to wear over it, I can't abide by that rule anymore.

We have white carpet in the new house, and I am just giving up on it. When it gets trashy, we shall replace it with Pergo.

we visited some new friends the first time & they asked us to remove our shoes. They said it was b/c they got new (white) carpet. We thought it was a bit odd but we complied. I really think it's up to the home owners to make the house rules. I know the Japanese normally do this as a custom. While you may find it odd, it is their request & I would comply b/c I'm their guest.

In MN, it is just habit to take off your shoes when you enter someone elses house. My husband thinks its funny that when he goes to a clients home they tell him he doesn't have to take his shoes off. They laugh and say, "We're from the south and we leave our shoes on, but you Minnesotans are so darn respectful you insist on taking your shoes off." I would be disgusted if someone wore those street shoes in my home. Yuck. Think of all the germs that are all over your shoes and are now in your home.