You need a bench or a seat for people to sit on to remove their shoes, which are then carried upstairs when you implement your strict "shoes off" rule.
I'm guessing your husband is a manual worker and not stripping off his business suit in the hallway :) whatever clothes he's removing can go in a bag or basket and taken upstairs.
Only keep coats in the hallway that are being used.
A shoe cupboard which attaches to the wall can keep used shoes, the rear can be stored in shoe boxes in respective bedrooms.
Develop a regular practice of cleaning shoes. Doesn't have to be labour intensive & everyone is responsible for their own. School & smart shoes should be buffed and polished regularly to keep them in good condition. Hiking boots, trainers & work boots must be at least brushed free of mud & debris. A damp cloth will get rid of the rest of the mud, which is easier to clean off when dry.
Do this outside or over some newspaper on a table. A little polish, soft polishing cloth/sponge and a brush is all you really need.
If you have space, then rucksacks can go in a cupboard or blanket box (doubles as a bench) but otherwise should be emptied of lunchboxes & rubbish then taken upstairs. Make it a new habit once shoes have been removed before settling to eat, watch TV etc.
Once you've removed big clutter, think about the essentials which you need in the hallway. If you keep keys here, get a lidded box or keep in a drawer or keyboard (for security), away from the letterbox. Avoid key bowls.
Pinterest is your best friend for decorating ideas and a mirror is great for opening up a hallway.
Think how you'd like it to look if you were renting a 5* holiday home and aim for that, with a practical element: some discreet closed storage for neccisities, a seat etc.