In many parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, removing shoes at the door is simply expected. In Japan, the custom goes back centuries: homes have a designated entrance (the genkan) where you switch from outdoor shoes to indoor slippers, a practice born from respect and the desire to keep tatami floors clean. Similarly, in Northern Europe, countries like Sweden, Norway, and Germany, wearing outdoor shoes indoors is often viewed as unhygienic or disrespectful (especially in snowy or muddy climates). In these regions, many households maintain a pair of house-only shoes or slippers for indoor use.

On the other hand, in places like the U.S., the U.K., Spain, and parts of South America, the approach is more relaxed. Many families simply never developed a shoes-off culture, and hosts often feel it’s rude to ask guests to remove their shoes.

Related story: 5 Surprising Benefits of Walking Barefoot

What’s Actually on Your Shoes?

We don’t walk through life thinking about what sticks to our soles. But that’s why there’s research to tell you what decision to make.

Bacteria: The Uninvited Guests

One of the most comprehensive reviews of shoe contamination comes from a 2016 study, Shoe soles as a potential vector for pathogen transmission (Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2016). It compiled evidence from 13 different studies, showing that shoe bottoms in hospitals, community settings, and among food workers commonly carry dangerous pathogens, including C. difficile, MRSA, and various drug-resistant bacteria. The authors concluded that shoe soles are a real vehicle for disease transmission.

But the problem isn’t limited to hospitals. In a 2018 study, Difficult Spores between environment and households: Dog paws and shoes (Anaerobe), researchers found that in 43 per cent of the households sampled, shoes or slippers tested positive for C. difficile spores (they are tough, long-lasting bacteria that can cause severe gut infections), even in ordinary homes. That suggests contamination can happen in everyday community settings, not just hospitals.

Cleaning Helps

There are attempts to disinfect shoe soles. A 2023 study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 2023, tested a UV-C decontamination device. The device significantly reduced the presence of vegetative bacteria and lowered their transfer to floors. But it barely touched C. difficile spores: after a single 8-second treatment, the reduction in spore count was minimal. The authors noted that while UV-C helps, stubborn spores resist quick disinfection, underscoring that cleaning shoes is harder than it sounds.

Shoes are more than just dirty; they’re a potential public-health issue. Even with cleaning efforts, some pathogens remain stubbornly resistant.

Related story: Mould and Its Impact on a Healthy Home

Etiquette vs. Hygiene: The Social Tightrope

Social habits, cultural norms, comfort, especially for guests unused to walking without shoes, create friction. Some people feel awkward asking guests to remove shoes: What if their socks are shabby? What if they feel cold or insecure walking barefoot? What if removing shoes messes with their outfit? In cultures where wearing shoes indoors is normal, asking someone to go barefoot can feel strange or even rude.

That’s why many households choose a middle path: they create a welcoming entryway, a shoe rack, or a few indoor slippers. That way, the choice becomes optional, not a demand. Enforcing a shoe-free policy for every guest is impractical; instead, regular cleaning of floors and surfaces is a realistic, though imperfect, alternative to minimise health risks.

Related story: 7 Etiquette Rules To Know

What Should You Do?

• If possible, especially if you have children, pets, allergy sufferers, or frequent guests, consider designating a space at the door for removing outdoor shoes.
• Offer indoor footwear options, such as slippers, sandals, or washable indoor-only shoes. A shoe rack or a tray helps make it natural.
• If you expect guests to be uncomfortable with going barefoot, give them the option, not a rule. Express it politely: “We try to keep this floor clean. Feel free to remove shoes or wear slippers.”
• Clean floors and rugs regularly, especially entryways and living areas. That reduces risk whether shoes are worn or not.
• For extra caution, wash or sanitise shoes after heavy outdoor use (such as parks, public toilets, or muddy or dirty streets), or leave them outside to dry and air. Many microbes are knocked off or die over time and with exposure to sunlight.

Related story: Pet Allergies and Kids: What Parents Must Know Before Bringing Home a Furry Friend

The idea of shoes off at home isn’t just about being tidy or polite. It’s about health, hygiene, and mindfulness. In a world where we increasingly care about indoor air quality, allergen exposure, and reducing infection risk, something as small as taking off shoes at the door can make a real difference.

Related story: A Guide To Cleaning And Disinfecting Surfaces

Take your first step with a health check that helps you choose the plan that best suits you.