Is it bad manners to remove your shoes without being invited to do so?

Answer 1

Many people would consider it so because lots of people are biased against bare feet. And to be honest, not completely without reason since often feet that have been inside shoes all day do smell bad! Bare feet don't stink but shoes do, and feet just removed from (closed) shoes may smell bad too... I'd feel far less comfortable taking my shoes off than I do just being barefoot.

Answer 2

I don't think you should have to ask. You should be able to tell whether or not you need to remove your shoes by seeing if the host or other guests have removed their shoes. But I do not think it is bad manners to ask. I think it is a given that you should remove your shoes if it has been raining or snowing and you are entering someones home. No one likes wet feet!

Answer 3

Take your cue from the host or hostess, if others entering the home are removing their shoes or being asked by the host to do so, then do so. But to be honest, a good host does NOT ask their guests to remove their shoes, unless the shoes are badly soiled, wet, snowy, etc. Guests should wipe their feet on mats (if available) and obviously, if your shoes are badly soiled or wet or both, you should slip them off on a mat, or leave them in an entryway or on a porch. Granted, weather plays a role here, but unless directed to do , or unless the shoes are covered in mud, water, or snow, you should not have to remove them.

Answer 4

"If in doubt do nothing" so removing your shoes before being asked is probably a mistake. If you have swollen feet for some reason by all means make yourself comfortable but perhaps bring travel slippers with you so no offence is caused. If you come by car I would suggest rotating your footwear before entering your inviter's house. Do not remove your shoes if you have foot odour. I find Goretex linings in shoes keeps them from getting too sweaty and pongy. I don't go to Mosques and would find the whole business of having my shoes taken off me quite angry making. If in the presence of Jesus Christ please get your shoes off in good time because it shows some consideration. Unless it was rather drafty at his surgery.

Answer 5

I think so, yes. It is equally bad manners to ask guests to remove their shoes.

Answer 6

I think it would depend on where you are for example a gentleman came to my office and while waiting in the lobby, he proceeded to take off his shoes and i had to request that he replace them. So, if you are at someone's home or a casual place then it might be Ok to do so.

Answer 7

Not necessarily, but, your socks better be non-holey, and smell good, no sweat, etc..
It is, of course, ALWAYS better to wait for an invitation, unless you are in a country where it is an accepted part of culture, or, say, if you go to a Japanese restaurant where it is part of the ambiance...

Answer 8

If you are invited to an African, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, or an Asian's(INCLUDING middleast not russia) party then there is a high degree of chance that they want you to take off you shoes.

But if I was the only the only one taking off my shoes it would be embarassing.

Answer 9

Yes

Answer 10

I personally think it is. You shouldn't take your shoes off in a house other than yours.