POLL: Do you remove your shoes when you visit someone's home?

Christine.Louie · September 2009

So I looked at the forecast and it looks like it's supposed to rain like all next week, including on our big open house day. This concerns me because we'll have A LOT (50+) of people in our house and the thought of wet, muddy shoes on our new hardwood floors or the carpet throughout (as people "tour" the house) freaks me out! DH and I always remove our shoes and most of my (Asian) relatives will too but I don't know if I can really count on everyone doing this. Maybe if the majority leave their shoes at the door everyone else will follow suit? Any thoughts or advice?[Poll]

clevebride2006 · September 2009

I'm Asian (and grew up in Japan for half my life), so my family and I are accustomed to this. However, having living here in the US, most of my friends growing up didn't take their shoes off in their own home (but did in ours).

In an open house setting, most people will not want to take off their shoes (especially since you're having 50+ people), but I'd make sure to have a rug by the front door and politely ask your friends/family to wipe off your feet or take their shoes off. Since the house is new (and it'll be muddy outside), hopefully your guests will "realize" to take their shoes off.

GL!

wheelber · September 2009

Hey Christine!

I normally don't remove my shoes... unless they do (or ask)... and it doesnt offend me at all. Maybe you could set up an area in the foyer or garage with a seat, rug & place for their shoes (and maybe even a cute sign with a little saying about removing shoes) OR you could find those shoe covers that movers repairmen use when they come to your home????

Sorry, I'm not much help... but congrats on the new home!!!!

LoriZ · September 2009

I didn't vote since it depends on the situation. We don't wear shoes in our house, so I think I'm more sensitive to the subject than some people. If we go to someone's house and they're not wearing shoes, I take mine off. Usually if they're wearing shoes, I leave mine on. I would at least offer to take them off if it's wet or otherwise nasty outside, though.

Most people who visit us do not take off their shoes. I have noticed more people do if I leave our shoes by the front door. I guess they see them and it makes them think they should take theirs off, too. We never force anyone to take off their shoes, though, and we usually say we don't care either way if they ask. I know some people (like my parents) are kind of weirded out by taking their shoes off at someone else's house. Maybe you could offer those surgical booty-type things for people who want to leave their shoes on? I'm thinking if there are a few pairs of shoes by the door and a basket of booties, most people should get the hint.

rachpelf · September 2009

I'm Asian also and we were raised to take our shoes off when entering someone's home. My mom did not allow anyone in our house with their shoes on. Hopefully because it will be raining your guests will be polite and take their shoes off when entering even if they're not used to it. If all else fails set a shoe rack next to the door with a few sets already in there so it'll help get the point across.

stillwaiting12 · September 2009

I grew up in a house where we all left our shoes on. That being said, now that I have my own place and realize what a PITA it is to clean, I take my shoes off as soon as I come in the door and I do it at everyones house I go to, rain or shine. I think it would be totally appropriate to ask your guests to remove their shoes. I mean really, your house has new floors so if they are offended then too bad. I would do as PP suggested and put somewhere in the garage or the foyer with a bench and a place for all of the shoes. I don't know if 50 pair of shoes in your entry is really what you will be going for, so I suggest the garage.

tiffyr0se · September 2009

I take off my shoes when visiting friends because I hate wearing shoes. However, I would feel weird walking barefoot at a large party of 50 people I don't know.

timmysgal1 · September 2009

i do not generally remove my shoes but i am not offended if someone asks me to, especially if it rains.

MsEmilyAnn · September 2009

If you have a railing/banister in your entryway, you could hang a cute sign on it that requests people to take their shoes of. I don't think people will be offended if you put it that way, and more informal than asking them yourself while talking. And if people walk in and see a lot of shoes, they should get the point.

kyfirewife · September 2009

I voted "only if requested", but that's not exactly it.

I usually check out my hosts. If they have shoes on, I don't worry about it. If they don't, I'll take them off.

Also - if it's rainy / muddy out, I would take them off no matter what.

daves_sweetpea · September 2009

I would be very annoyed if I was asked to remove my shoes at someone's home if the main concern was housekeeping and I'd probably refuse ((I had a (now ex) friend like that and I always wanted to ask her-"which is more important-your carpet or your friendships?")). I would probably be ok if my host explained that it was a cultural/religious thing and offered me a new pair of socks or flip flops. Some people are going to be weirded out either way though.

Christine.Louie · September 2009

Thanks for all the input ladies. You are always so helpful! I found a cute saying that I'll make into a sign and hang on our banister in the foyer. It'll say "Welcome! This is an American home lived Asian style. Please remove your shoes and stay awhile!". I'll put a nice chair in the foyer and a designated "shoe area" for people to remove their shoes and have a basket of new socks in case anyone is barefoot and would feel more comfortable in socks.

Soon2BHiker · September 2009

Love the saying. I dont think anyone should be offended. 90% of the time I take my shoes off in some one's home, just for comfort, unless I'm just running in and out quickly.

Meg41208 · September 2009

I wouldn't be annoyed, but I know some people might. You could provide some of those shoe covers like you see in operating rooms for people who want to keep their shoes on. When we were looking at houses, some sellers had those to protect their floors.

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