Do your kids keep their shoes on in the house?

Question

A friend of mine made a comment that it was odd how my boys (5 and 8) always have shoes on inside the house. I usually wore shoes inside growing up as did my wife. My youngest usually takes his off a couple of hours before bed, but my oldest is shoed until bedtime. I know other families that are the same way so I know we are not the only ones that have a shoes on preference. I think it looks better, is safer and makes leaving the house faster.

My kids feet are healthy and have never had any foot problems. I buy them new shoes ever few months and stay away from the cheap shoes that make their feet sweat alot. They wear shoes because that is what they are used to doing and if they wanted to be barefoot in the house I will let them.

Answer 1

I leave it up to my kids (also 5 and 8) the youngest takes them off as soon as he gets home, the oldest keeps them on.
it doesn't really matter as long as they are comfortable with or without shoes

Answer 2

First off what is odd to some is normal to others. Lots of people wear shoes in the house. It is common in many countries including Mexico, Span, Italy and parts of the US mainly in the south and west. Many Jews also wear shoes indoors.

As for the health risk, as long as their feet have enough room to grow and the shoe allows the foot the breath there should not be a problem. This is why I will never buy shoes that are made out of mostly synthetic materials. I also would never let my kids wear shoes without socks as socks wick moisture away from the foot and prevent friction.

Finally most of the things that are tracked in the house from shoes are things that are in close proximity to the house such as mud. What I mean is what your child steps in at school will be long gone by the time they get to the house as it will be replaced by what ever they step in on the way. Unless there is lead paint, raw sewage or high levels of poisons in the yard there should be no problem. Virtually all the gems that are on the ground outside of the home are everyday germs that most people are immune to.

The house will stay cleaner without shoes being worn inside, but remember oils from your feet can also damage the carpet. Teaching your children to wipe their feet and to check the bottom of their shoes makes a big difference to those that think the floors of a shoes on house are dirty.

Many people like I said wear shoes indoors and I have never heard of anyone's death or serious illness being linked to it. My kids usually have their shoes on until they are in for the night to answer your question. Also their feet are smooth and soft because they do not go barefoot much.

BTW I do not think anyone said their kids sleep with their shoes on (as someone said) though mine have fallen asleep more than once with them on.

Answer 3

My 10-month old does sometimes because she's learning to walk. After a couple years though I think she'll just wear slippers in the house like her dad and I do.

I can't think what the pros would be for keeping them on that long, but certainly taking them off:

1. Keeps the floors cleaner,
2. Is a good habit to get into when visiting other people's houses
3. I love coming home and getting into comfy slippers. Sigh...

I don't know what an orthopedic doctor would say about it, but in my opinion (unless you have something wrong with your feet and need the support) wearing shoes all day can't be good for your feet. I think they should breathe more than that... less callouses, fungus, athlete's foot etc. ... just seems healthier in the long run.

Answer 4

Oh, definitely not. I am much more comfortable without shoes on. Plus, the insides of shoes are hot and have a lot of moisture. Sounds like a good way to get athlete's foot, to be honest.

Answer 5

Me, my husband and our 5 year old son does not wear our shoes in the house. We take them off at the door and then if we do go anywheres we put them back on.

We see no point in wearing shoes inside a house unless the floors are so dirty

Answer 6

It is not strange, it is what ever is most comfy for the person, or how they were raised, I go bare foot all the time, but I am more comfy that way.. my kids always kicked off their shoes first thing in the house.. and still do and they are grown men now.. just what they always did.. It is just what you are used to doing and not at all odd..

Answer 7

We live in Japan. Wearing shoes in the house is a huge no-no. Even though we're American we follow this custom. My personal opinion is that it is digusting to wear shoes in the house. Shoes are worn all over. They collect germs from all surfaces. You walk in the grass, rain, mud, dirty sidewalk, etc. Who knows what your shoes have touched. Then you walk through your house in them. You walk through the living room where your kids might lay on the floor to watch tv. That makes me think you might as well have dirt floors or have your kids lay on the lawn to watch tv. It just grosses me out to think of shoes in the house.

We don't let our guests wear shoes in the house either, just as the Japanese people don't. There are many public places, including restaurants that make you remove your shoes before entering.

We'll eventually move away from Japan but this is one custom that will come with us.

Answer 8

Downstairs is mostly tile so I dont care to much if the kids keep their shoes on, but they usually dont. But I absolutely make the kids take their shoes off if they are going upstairs. Its all carpet on the stairs and everywhere else up there. I have 3 boys, the shoes get filthy, i dont want filthy carpet.

Answer 9

It doesn't matter if they are older, but in homes built before 1978 they have lead in the ground, and to keep the house healthy I would take off the shoes, plus you can help relieve stress when the shoes are off.

Answer 10

I was grown up with the belief that it was grotty to wear shoes in the house, outside we step on all sorts of things and then we bring it in the house.
I always take my shoes off and my 3 year old is also in the habit.
I guess its up to everyone individually, I am expecting soon and think it is nice that my children can play on nice clean carpet..!