Is it bad manners to take your shoes off when you go to someone else's house?

Question

I usually don't do this. But I have seen other people ask questions about whether or not people wear shoes while inside, and some have commented that they never wear shoes in their own homes. But they always keep their shoes on when in someone else's house because it's not polite to do otherwise.

Sometimes people have come over to my place and removed their shoes upon entering because they didn't want to get the floors dirty. I found that quite considerate myself.

But what do you think?

Answer 1

I think it depends upon the house you are visiting. In my house we don't wear shoes so when people come over they see my socks and shoes by the door so they usually take off their shoes. Whenever I go to someone elses house I usually look around the door before I go inside if I see shoes or the host has no shoes on then I will just say "where do you want me to take off my shoes." This gives them the opportunity to accept my offer to take my shoes off or to tell me what they prefer. If they say I do not need to i just say well it is a rule at my house so I am used to taking my shoes off at the door.

Answer 2

Depends on the custom of the house. I do have a few friends in the States who have a no shoes policy, but for the most part, shoes are allowed in the house. In Europe they're more likely to remove shoes when entering the house.
I would say respect the hosts wishes on whether or not to remove shoes in the house. It actually might seem kind of awkward in certain situations if you do something different than everyone else. It's only considerate if that's what they want,otherwise it could seem weird.

Answer 3

If I notice that I go to someone's home and they take their shoes off at the door, I do the same. But, there are some homes that are so filthy, I wouldn't consider taking my shoes off ;-) In my home, I remove shoes & wear slippers (it's more comfy & keeps floors clean, I've heard it's not good to go barefoot on carpet, though, as oils from your feet get into carpet). Think of where your shoes have been :-)

I also clean homes for a living ... homes where shoes are not worn inside have MUCH cleaner floors (seems healthier too).

If in doubt, ask the homeowner/host(ess).

Answer 4

Different areas have different customs about whether people usually remove their shoes inside or not. Where I used to live, people usually took them off, and where I live now, people usually don't. If you are living in an area where people usually don't (and I gather that you do) I'd say you could take them off if you have reason to believe that they will make a mess in the house -- say, if you have mud all over your shoes or you just stepped in some dog doody -- but otherwise I don't think they'll mind, seeing as how they don't take them off themselves. If people want you to take your shoes off, they'll give an indication, either by asking you or by putting a little mat by the door, or a sign that says something cute about shoes.

Answer 5

It depends upon where you live. In Hawaii and Japan it is a sign of respect for the home to remove shoes and is generally an accepted practice. Asking them to remove shoes to protect your hard wood floors or carpeting in inclement weather isn't acceptable as well.

Answer 6

It's a very good manners to open shows and come inside. In many Asian countries shoes are taken off and entered into the rooms.

Answer 7

In places where it's 100% expected, like, say, Japan, most people have house slippers for guests to wear instead of shoes. If you have a hard-and-fast no shoe rule, provide slippers or carpet/rugs for cold toesies.

Personally, I take my shoes off right after I come in my own door, but I wouldn't care if somebody had some kind of foot phobia and didn't want to de-shoe. But if they wanted to de-shoe, they certainly could. If everybody's shoeless in another home, I take mine off. I mean, I love shoes, but I feel a little odd wearing them in a home, so I try to get mine off unless EVERYBODY WEARS SHOES.

I think it's one of those things you have to take on a case-by-case basis. Too bad, really, because it's a nice custom to de-shoe in houses.

Answer 8

I think it's quite polite to remove your shoes upon entering another's home. When I had carpet, I would ask people to remove their shoes. Now that I no longer have it, if they start to remove their shoes upon entering, I tell them that it really isn't necessary. Take clues from your host/hostess as to what you think you should do. You can always ask.

Answer 9

In every place I have lived, it is considered impolite not to remove your shoes. Especially in the winter or spring when there is a lot of snow and mud around. I guess it all depends on where you live and the climatic conditions of your area.

Answer 10

I think its now considered proper to remove your shoes in someone else's house, unless your feet stink very badly. Take your shoes off, unless otherwise instructed.