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Original poster

Shoes off under desk / around office

29 replies

jackiesu · 21/08/2015 15:07

Hi,

Starting a new job art the beginning of Sept.

I tend to slip off my shoes whenever I can and am used to doing this in the office where I currently work.

Is it acceptable as in my new job as long as I put them on when clients come in?

Always take care of my grooming, but just hate wearing shoes indoors!!

OP posts:
TheOriginalWinkly · 21/08/2015 15:11

No, not at all. Even if your feet smell like prize roses people are very funny about feet.

EBearhug · 21/08/2015 15:23

I think you need to gauge how the office works first.

I am sat here in bare feet, and I have walked as far as the photocopier without shoes, and I expect some people have judged me for it, but it's the least of my problems here. Smile I can put my shoes back on very quickly, too. Also, today, I am surrounded by empty desks - holiday season/working from home.

But I'm fully aware that in some companies, it would be totally unacceptable.

stripytees · 21/08/2015 15:26

Is it groundhog day or something, this exact question crops up here every couple of months. Confused

Dynomite · 21/08/2015 16:21

I don't think it's acceptable to be honest. I only take my feet half out of my shoes. Very rarely take them out if they're really sore. But my desk is covered from 3 sides so nobody can see my feet really. And I would absolutely never walk around without shoes.

fakenamefornow · 21/08/2015 16:24

I think it's alright, as long as you get enough notice before a client arrives to turn your foot spa off.

CaptainKit · 21/08/2015 16:27

I occasionally take my ankle boots off at my desk - but would always put them back on before leaving my desk.

Googlers123 · 21/08/2015 16:45

I'm with stripytees, this question is asked on here all the time. There have been several very long threads which are quite heated at points. Please don't let this turn into another one.

burnishedsilver · 21/08/2015 16:54

Pervious threads were, I think, roughly 80% against shoes off.

Presumably you don't take your shoes off in shops, restaurants, hairdressers and other places of business that are also indoors.

EBearhug · 21/08/2015 16:58

I have been known to kick them off in restaurants. I don't really realise I'm doing it. (When I was 18, I quite often went out without any shoes at all.)

StealthPolarBear · 21/08/2015 17:01

Lol fake :o

MrsBertMacklin · 21/08/2015 17:18

I tend to slip mine off under the desk, but I'd never walk round the office in bare feet, tights or now.

Not a good look in a professional environment, other people can dislike it and if your office cleaning standards are anything like the offices I've worked in, black soles by the end of the day.

EBearhug · 21/08/2015 22:15

Ah, we do have new carpets.

PrimalLass · 22/08/2015 00:10

Just buy flats.

EBearhug · 22/08/2015 01:10

I only have flats. They're easier to kick off.

PetiteBateau · 22/08/2015 09:33

I find it really odd that this question comes up so regularly. Why do you need to take your shoes off at work? Why not buy shoes that you are comfortable in?

PetiteBateau · 22/08/2015 10:34

I find bras quite uncomfortable but I don't take my bra off in the office & then just put it back on for meetings. Grin

ohidoliketobe · 22/08/2015 10:37

I work in an open plan office with nearly 200 people and it's hoovered once a week if we're lucky. I never wear shoes indoors but the thought of prancing around my workplace bare foot/ tights makes me ill.
Envy

AsTimeGoesBy · 22/08/2015 10:39

Only under your desk and only if it is positioned such that no one else will know you are doing it.

InTheBox · 22/08/2015 13:31

I can't understand this either this question either because it seems odd to me that someone would take off their shoes. It's a place of work, not your living room. Obviously you'll have to understand the office culture first but it's not the same thing as wearing jeans or not in a casual / smart setting. Just buy shoes that you feel comfortable in.

Frusso · 22/08/2015 13:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Judydreamsofhorses · 22/08/2015 14:16

Never acceptable and just quite horrid. Could you wear trainers to walk to work and keep other shoes at your desk for in the office if your work shoes aren't comfy?

Original poster
jackiesu · 22/08/2015 15:10

Just don't like wearing shoes indoors - would settle for smart slippers, but no way am I going to wear shoes all day.

OP posts:
Nonnainglese · 22/08/2015 15:21

no way am I going to wear shoes all day

Might find yourself needing to look for another job then Hmm
Is this a female trait? Thank goodness men don't treat us to smelly, sweating socks/ feet in the office.

VioletBumble · 22/08/2015 15:37

I've always found it odd that it's considered unprofessional and gross (by many, including me) in an office, but conversely it's considered 'polite' in some houses to remove shoes and subject your hosts to either your sweaty tights/socks or corny feet

PetiteBateau · 22/08/2015 18:12

No way am I wearing shoes all day Grin Why on earth not?