How to navigate the ‘shoes off’ rule without it getting awkward - and the one group you can never ask to remove them

There are two types of households in this world: those with a “shoes off” rule and those without one. For some, the “shoes off” rule is a cultural practice, and for others it’s about cleanliness and hygiene.

While the reasoning for requiring all who enter to take their shoes off is sound, it doesn’t make the task of asking guests to remove their shoes easier, or visitors having to remove their shoes unexpectedly less awkward.

A survey of the nine.com.au office revealed varying reactions to the “shoes off” rule.

“If I was quickly popping into someone’s house, I might feel a bit put-off to take my shoes off just for a short amount of time, but wouldn’t have any issues if I was going to be there for a significant amount of time,” Patrick said.

“Personally, I’m a shoes-off person, but I defer to the person whose home it is. I must say, I’ve started to pay more attention to the socks I wear so not to be caught out,” Kate explained.

“I’ll often wear my Ugg slippers to friends houses and tend to leave them on even when other people take their shoes off. They don’t go far – from my door to the car etc, but I’d rather that then my potentially smelly socks or bare feet,” Kristine said.

Read more

The three spring cleaning tasks experts say will make the most difference in your home this year

There also seems to be a range of approaches to asking people to remove footwear in ‘shoes off’ homes.

“Shoes off always. I ask people to take their shoes off, and if I dare not I just follow them around staring at their dirty shoes,” Sarah said.

“I'm a shoes-off home. I always let people know before they come with a little text, so they don't feel embarrassed in case they have odd socks on. Most people laugh at me when they receive the text, but it prevents any awkward moments,” Karina said.

“I come from an Asian-Australian household with a strict shoes-off policy… Now that I have my own home, we’re a bit more relaxed about the rules. I cringe when people wear outdoor shoes inside my home, but I don’t ever ask them to take them off. I always take my shoes off when entering other people’s homes,” Rosie said.

Etiquette expert Jo Hayes told nine.com.au that in most circumstances we shouldn’t be surprised or annoyed by the request to remove footwear in a shoes-off home as it’s a “perfectly reasonable” request.

“This is their home, they’re allowed their rules and ‘shoes off’ is a very common rule in today’s world. In fact, I think it’s a rule more people should adopt for cleanliness and hygiene reasons, especially carpeted homes – shoes bring in so much dirt and grime,” she said.  

Read more

Filthy floor not cleaned in 10 years transforms back to sparkling with four-letter method

“When we are a guest in another person’s home we ought to be gracious and comply with any reasonable requests… [saying], ‘Sure, no problem’, and promptly removing your shoes, is the best way to deal with the situation.”

However, there are things residents can do to make guests feel more comfortable about taking their shoes off in their homes such as providing slippers or socks, especially if it’s winter.

“Obviously demonstrating this with your own behaviour. Welcome them at your door with no shoes on. Additionally, a shoe rack at the front door (either inside or outside) sends a clear message that this is likely a ‘no-shoes’ house. It also provides a spot for guests to deposit their shoes,” Hayes said. 

“When you greet them at the door, after initial niceties, a kind/calm/clear request is needed if the guest hasn’t already taken off their shoes, or asked if they should. 

“Saying, ‘I hope you don’t mind, we’re a no-shoes household’ is usually enough for the guests to respond with, ‘Oh! Of course, no problem’.”

However, the “shoes off” rule should never apply to paramedics. One recently revealed in a Reddit discussion that they get asked to do it frequently.

Read more

Common cleaning product damaging screen doors – and the cheap home items you should use instead

“As a paramedic I have a surprising number of people ask me to take my boots off after calling 000 for an emergency in their home,” they wrote.

The Australian Paramedics Association confirmed to nine.com.au that they can’t remove shoes when attending a call-out.

“When we respond to emergencies, we need to keep on our boots in order to protect ourselves from potential hazards, such as needle stick injuries or bio-contaminates,” Brett Simpson, President of the Australian Paramedics Association said.

Tradies also often need to keep shoes on for occupational health and safety reasons. Those who can take them off will usually ask if you’d like them to. 

For tradies who need to keep them on, “shoes-off” households can offer plastic shoe covers, but be understanding if they say no.

The other time that it may be tricky to ask guests to take their shoes off is when you have a large party – though you can always try.

“If you’re having a big party at your home, this rule is not going to fly. It’s a bit off to invite 80 people to your home for a cocktail party, and then ask them to leave their shoes at the  door – it ruins the whole vibe of the night,” Hayes said.

“If your home isn’t suitable for a shoe-wearing cocktail party crowd, don’t host such a party – or, host it outdoors/in an area of your home where shoes are OK.”