Do you take off your shoes at someones house or have to be asked?

Answer 1

Not always, I don't expect people to take them off when visiting me.
If they are wet or overly dirty yes, normally no.

Answer 2

I always take my shoes off in my house so when I go to someone elses house I take off my shoes too. Usually I will just ask "where do you want me to take my shoes off?" This way they can tell me where they want them if it is a shoes off house. If they say "oh don't worry about it." I just tell them "I don't allow anyone to wear shoes in my house so it is just a habit." This way when the come to my house they are already aware of my shoes off preference.

Answer 3

I normally take my shoes off in the house when I see that the person answering the door has no shoes on. If they have shoes on, then do not bother to take them off.

Answer 4

I do not take my shoes off at someone elses house. I don't want to be asked to take my shoes off either. Unless it is or has been raining or snowing. I am not walking around barefoot or sock footed when I am someones company. I would never ask others to do this either. If my carpet needs to be cleaned ever so often so what.

Answer 5

I always ask what they would prefer. No one has ever objected to me taking off my shoes (and they tell me I do not have to ask, whatever makes me comfortable) So I take off my flip flops and go barefoot. It is polite to ask. I only did not on one occassion when I was 16 and visiting a friend's house after school. Her mum asked me to remove my shoes and said I could also take off my socks as well if I wanted to (was a hot day). If there is a sign saying no shoes indoors I go ahead and take em off.

Answer 6

I take my shoes off immediately. I go sock-footed at home, and I prefer that my guests take off their shoes. So when I visit others, I give them the same respect. Not to mention, it's just much more comfortable to walk around in socks all the time.

Answer 7

I look at whether the host has their shoes on or if there is a pile of shoes at the door. I don't like taking my shoes off if I don't have to. It makes me feel not completely dressed.

Answer 8

It depends on the culture of where you live. Where I used to live Canada, it was typical to take off your shoes, so I would do it unless the person told me not to. In the part of the USA where I currently live, it is not expected, so I don't do it unless they mention it or I see some other sort of indication (like shoes by the door).

Answer 9

drshorty is right, it does depend HEAVILY on the culture.

In Germany/Austria/Switzerland,
visitors are expected to take off their shoes - the underlying reasoning or message is "I admire you for your clean, warm, cosy and well furnished home and I am showing my respect by helping you keep it clean and neat". You may also offer to take them off out of politeness, and the host might say "no, please leave them on", also out of politeness, but in most cases they will be more pleased if you take them off.
People take off their shoes when they get home, too.

In Spain, you must never take off your shoes in public or at a stranger's place, unless you are very close friends and they do it as well. As far as I know, the underlying concept is that taking your shoes off means taking liberties. Also, being barefoot is a sign of poverty and makes you suspicious.

In Great Britain, people do not take their shoes off, but it is not as frowned upon as in Spain.

Answer 10

I usually dont think about it unless someone asks me. In our home growing up, we never took our shoes off unless they were dirty, or wet, then we did of course. Most of my friends and family really dont expect it or ask, but there are a couple families we know that do expect us to, so we respect their wishes. It all depends on what families are use to doing, or what they expect.

Answer 11

i tend to carry a pair of slip on sleeper like the ones you can buy at walmart cheap. and just slide them on my feet when i go over someones house that i know that wants me to take e my shoes off. but normally people don't care either way.
i really hate walking in someone Else's house with just socks on make me uncountable. so this Way i can put slippers on . most people think it cute so everyone is happy