Please can you take your shoes off

lostinrates

Lunar_Eclipse wrote: »

However, I'm the opposite. I prefer people to leave their shoes on in my house (sweaty socks on my carpet or floors - no thanks!) since I'd rather sweep up any dirt than think about grubby socks.

I don't personally find one more or less offensive than the other (we tend to be barefoot or slippered in the house but do wear shoes down stairs, but have to admit sweaty socks, or bare feet, or feet with verrucas or fungal infections would repulse me more than shoes.

Fwiw I do love having bare feet, and usually am barefoot when it's warm enough...but then I go from inside to out side barefoot:o so am under no illusion it's cleaner.

scheming_gypsy

Why are you worrying about offending people who are quite happy to offend you? they should respect your house or sit in the garden, it's your house so they should be trying not to offend you.

caeler

I have a new carpet (okay a year old now) but on moving day it was COVERED in thick mud over every inch so I don't enforce a no shoes policy as I know it will clean up fine! :-)

linni

A while ago, I had one of those little magazines that came through the post and in it was an advert for a doormat that showed a pair of shoes with the words 'please remove you're shoes' but I lost it and have never found anyone who sells them. I'd love to get one as it would give people a big hint before I had to ask them to remove their shoes.

onlyroz

We don't have a specific "no shoes" policy for guests, but we always take ours off as soon as we go in, and I make sure the kids do too - especially if they've been running around in the mud. I've never asked them to, but my parents have taken to bringing slippers with them, and I've also seen builders/electricians/plumbers etc take their shoes off when they come in - it must be a new thing that they're encouraged to do because I'm sure they never used to do this.

Itismehonest

It's something which is pretty automatic to do when you live in the countryside.
Those that don't want to take their shoes/boots off usually decline to come indoors.
I have to persuade some people that I don't mind mopping the flagstones occasionally

Let all your friends know in advance that you have a no-shoes policy - that way they don't get embarrassed by not having thought in advance when wearing socks with a big toe smiling through.
If it's anyone else then they can either take their shoes off or, if they're really that bothered, stand at the door & chat.

*Louise*

linni wrote: »

A while ago, I had one of those little magazines that came through the post and in it was an advert for a doormat that showed a pair of shoes with the words 'please remove you're shoes' but I lost it and have never found anyone who sells them. I'd love to get one as it would give people a big hint before I had to ask them to remove their shoes.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PLEASE-REMOVE-YOUR-JIMMY-CHOO-SHOES-DOOR-MAT-/380351692664?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Decorative_Accents_LE&hash=item588eba3f78

:rotfl:

ariba10

One of the things that struck me when we went to New Zealand the first time.

We in the North Island and no matter who's home we went into it was shoes off at the door, there were places that only had a chipboard floor but you took your shoes off.

We had a repairman who came to look at one of the kitchen appliances and he took his off as a matter of course.

Saw a battered pick up stop outside a bank in town, a chap came out in wellingtons took them off out side before going in.

*Louise*

This thread is the reason I have laminate flooring throughout the ground floor I hate asking people to remove their shoes so a quick sweep/mop is much easier than trying to clean carpets.

I wouldn't take offence to anyone asking me to remove my shoes, I usually take slippers if I'm going somewhere I know I will have to take them off.


I do think the shoe covers are a good idea to offer though - ideal for tradesmen and under £3 for 50 pairs

lostinrates

Itismehonest wrote: »

It's something which is pretty automatic to do when you live in the countryside.
Those that don't want to take their shoes/boots off usually decline to come indoors.
I have to persuade some people that I don't mind mopping the flagstones occasionally

Let all your friends know in advance that you have a no-shoes policy - that way they don't get embarrassed by not having thought in advance when wearing socks with a big toe smiling through.
If it's anyone else then they can either take their shoes off or, if they're really that bothered, stand at the door & chat.

Depends on footwear and occasion IMO. As you say, day time in boots or muckers it's automatic.....girls lunch or dinner party.....less so!

Similarly, people 'in the country ' don't mind standing on the doorstep withi boots on, or not going into the 'posh ' bit of a house, e.g. The sitting room, during the day, but perch in thick socks in the kitchen.:D