If you visit someone who has an abnormally dirty floor, is it rude to keep your shoes on?

Question

I'm talking about high levels of usual dirt and dust as well as large particals of food.

And this is the U.S.

Answer 1

In most cultures, it is a basic courtesy to remove our shoes before we step into the person's house unless the host suggests otherwise. Even if I feel that the floor is too dirty, I will still remove my shoes because I have to respect the property rights of the host, save myself and him from embarassment or any kind of unhappiness which may arise by not removing my shoes and of course, maintain my manners. Of course, by doing this, I'll have to compromise on getting my feet dirty but I'll wash them the minute I get back.

If his house is undergoing renovation or he is moving soon, you may want to politely ask if you need to remove your shoes so that he gets your "message".

Answer 2

If the floor is already dirty, there is no need to remove your shoes. The rule to remove footwear is obsolete, since the purpose is to KEEP it clean.

Answer 3

I am assuming you live in a Western culture, and not an Eastern one -- I never remove my shoes in anyone else's home, even those with white carpets, because I believe it is rude to expect a guest to take their shoes off and I think that people who install white, or light-colored, carpeting are control-freaks that I won't surrender my own comfort for

Answer 4

no indeed, you don't need to get your feet all nasty just because they can't clean up, as a matter of fact, i keep my floors very clean, but i still wear at least slippers in my own house, i rarely walk around barefoot, except in the summer time. i just like my feet clean for the most part. and you shouldn't feel bad because you don't want to put your feet on a disgusting floor.

Answer 5

Not rude. You MUST keep your shoes on or you might get skin disease from the dirt.

Answer 6

that depends how deep are the piles of dirt, if they are more than 1" high, you should consider taking off your shoes and putting boots on instead.

Answer 7

If the host or hostess has the shoes on, I will do the same. Otherwise, I may remove mine in order not to offend him or her.

Answer 8

Courtesy demands that you try to keep your hosts clean, do not make it more dirty by keeping your shoes on . It does not make sense by following the principle that you should make the place more dirty by your act at the place which is already dirty.
think as to why the floor is dirty, give your host friendly tips to keep the floor clean- this is the right spirit.

Answer 9

No it isn't. If they want to wallow in filth that's their prerogative but we need not lower ourselves to such base standards for the amusement of those whom choose to ignore common sense and hygiene.

Answer 10

No. I keep my shoes on everywhere I go unless the person asks that I remove them.