Removing shoes

[Couldntthinkofausername24]

Am I the arsehole for asking people to remove their shoes?

Since we bought our house in 2017 we have never allowed shoes upstairs or in the front room. In the front room we have a huge shaggy rug and the stairs and upstairs are carpeted.

Our front door opens in to the dining room which is wood floor and I had no issue with people being in their with shoes on. Fast forward to now, I have a 1 year old who picks up absolutely anything in sight, the last thing being a piece of dog shite. So now shoes are completely banned in my home and my god has this caused upset amongst folk!

We have ample space to remove and store shoes and a bench to sit down to do so.

I'm not posh or pretentious in any way but is it really such a huge deal to respect our house

Im prepared for a proper mums net roasting also

Always had no shoes on in our house. Even wooden floors. It definitely makes a difference to the cleanliness.
I only know of one home I regularly visit out of our family and friends that allow shoes out of maybe 15?

Your house. Your rules . Totally understand shoes off house. Can’t see the problem - I automatically take shoes off when I enter anyone’s house as that’s what I do in mine too .

This has been done to death on mn

We were never allowed shoes on at home when I lived with my parents so I always remove my shoes without even asking. Most of the houses I visit don't bother about shoes. I find it uncomfortable relaxing when I have them on.

It’s fine either way - it’s your house - however do warn people as it can be annoying if you are dressed for the evening and your shoes are part of that, or if you are wearing mismatched holey socks, not expecting them to be on view.

Completely reasonable. I have lived in five different countries and all except UK were shoes off. No shoes on in my house.

Soz

It's culture dependent.

In some places it's always been rude to wear shoes indoors. In others it's rude to impose on your guests and place the cleanliness of your floors above their comfort. The UK seems to be a bit of both so these threads are always very heated.

Personally, we don't wear our own shoes indoors but don't ask others to remove theirs. We both grew up in shoes on houses without issue. If your only reason is concern over baby hygiene I wouldn't worry.

Who are the people who are upset about it and how is it any of their business?

I think it’s pretty usual to remove shoes in the UK.

Im prepared for a proper mums net roasting also

The only thing you're likely to get 'roasted' for is starting the bi-weekly thread on shoe removal indoors.

No-one really cares enough to roast anyone.

It's your house, if you don't want shoes on that's your prerogative.

Haha yes I appreciate that. My own socks are not the best.

Thank you. It started off with little stones and twigs which i just swept up and moved on but then he was on the move and would spot dust or anything from a mile off. It was the poop that made the final decision.

Just relatives, friends etc. Just moan about the hassle of it. I have relatives who will wear full on hiking boots to grab a bottle of milk from Asda and then are expected to untie all those laces yet come a few days later wearing the same footwear

I have wooden floors and I have no interest in guests getting chilly feet.

Being cold is so unpleasant.

I had to leave a friend’s house who was ‘no shoes’ but had cold laminate floor.

It's been chucking it down for much of the month day today. I've had 6 guests in my small home. They absolutely did take their dirty shoes off.
Most of the 'leave shoes on' homes I go to also have dogs so I suppose they're used to and expect muck in the home to a greater degree than I do.

See I'm from a culture with a strong emphasis on hospitality. I can't imagine expecting people to choose their footwear to suit my preferences. Do you at least provide somewhere comfortable for them to sit while removing their shoes?

Thank you and yes I appreciate that. My dad hates it and will sit with a pillow under his feet.

Your house, your rules.

Personally I think outdoor shoes in the house is gross. Ours is a no shoes house and I take mine off automatically at anyone else’s house too.

We do have a dog, which probably defeats the object, but he doesn’t count (and I do wipe his feet if they are muddy or wet)!

Oh god your poor dad. Your dad! He raised you! Would it really be so bad if he kept his shoes on? Does he not deserve some concession? My FIL walked sand up my days-old cream stairs carpet last week. I got the hoover out. Nay bother.

I'm from a culture with a strong emphasis on respect. Respect for other people's homes. It would be very disrespectful to wear dirty footwear in my home.

And that's why it gets heated, like I said upthread.

nb I do not ask relatives with mobility (or even just bending) issues, but they are unlikely to be wearing muddy footwear.

Yes, as explained in my post i have plenty of space and a bench for them to sit down.

I would never expect them to wear shoes to suit my preference but i would ask them to be mindful of my house rules.

I think you should buy your dad some slippers, though.

My dad has slippers at my house.