Summary

The article discusses the health and cleanliness implications of wearing shoes inside the house, likening it to the unsanitary act of French kissing a sidewalk.

Abstract

The article "6 Ways Wearing Shoes Inside Your House is Like French Kissing the Sidewalk" argues against the practice of wearing outdoor footwear indoors, citing reasons such as the transfer of dirt, germs, and dog feces into the home. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean living space by removing shoes, which not only reduces the need for frequent cleaning but also prevents the spread of harmful microbes. The author points out that shoes are designed to endure wear and tear, and thus, they accelerate the deterioration of home flooring. Comfort is also a factor, as feet are meant to be free from the constraints of footwear. The article concludes by asserting that wearing shoes inside is disrespectful in many cultures and suggests that removing shoes is a sign of respect and cleanliness.

Opinions

Wearing shoes inside is equated to an unsanitary act due to the dirt and germs they carry.
The author believes that shoes should be removed at the door to prevent the spread of microbes and maintain a clean home environment.
Dog feces on shoes is highlighted as a particularly repulsive contaminant that can be tracked indoors.
Shoes cause extra wear and tear on home flooring compared to bare feet.
The author advocates for the comfort of going shoeless at home, suggesting it's more natural.
There is a cultural expectation that removing shoes upon entering a home is a sign of respect.
The article humorously suggests that not wearing shoes inside is a matter of having 'couth' or social grace.

HEALTH

6 Ways Wearing Shoes Inside Your House is Like French Kissing the Sidewalk

#3 Dog poop

People do some ugly, dirty things. Things like wearing their shoes and boots past their front door, right into their kitchen, living room, and (gasp!) bedroom.

Some even lie on beds with their grime-encrusted peds.

In my part of the world, this just isn’t done. Footwear comes off at the door. Most people have a dedicated porch, mats, boot trays, or shelving for the road gear. Remove the shoes, or else.

1. Mud and Dirt

Plain old dirt is the most basic reason to doff the shoes.

Dirt leads to dust. Dust leads to cleaning and dusting. And who wants a fine layer of grit floating in the air, especially at mealtime? I prefer my salad without extra grit, thanks.

Keeping the dirt down is a good enough reason by itself. But that leads to my second point:

2. Germs

Modern humans grasp the need to keep the microbe and virus level down to a tolerable dull roar. The easiest way to do that is to eliminate as many of the pesky little buggers at the source: The great outdoors.

Walking on sidewalks, street crossings, parks, public transit, and public spaces leads to quite the mix of microbial passengers on the bottom of your footwear. But it gets even worse.

Never mind the germs. You might also step in:

3. Dog Poop

I have nothing against dogs. They are lovely creatures that deserve a spot in the sun.

But their poop isn’t lovely at all. And it also stinks. Dog poop does not deserve a spot in the sun, or on our floors.

I don’t even care about the extra germs. I don’t want leftover-puppy-surprise in my house based on the texture, the staining qualities, and the smell.

Picture it: Sicily, 2022. An attractive lady enters her bedroom wearing her outside footwear. She jumps on her bed, pulls out her phone, and lays back to peruse the internet. Her dog-shit-covered-shoe-bottoms rest directly on her stylish comforter. Her entire room is now dog shit to me.

Ok, we all know about dog poop. But what about the:

4. Extra Wear and Tear

Imagine two objects that will encounter the carpet, tiles, or other flooring surfaces. One is a bare foot, soft and floppy. The other is a rubber or leather foot cover, designed by designers to last at least a few months. It lasts so long by contacting surfaces firmly, causing wear.

Have you ever noticed a trail worn in the rug from where everyone walks with their shoes? Bare feet take longer to do that.

And then there’s the

5. Comfort

Some people dream of getting home to get rid of their pants and just hang out. Others just want to ditch their bra at the door.

The same goes for shoes that bind your feet like a medieval torture device.

Feet were meant to be free. We didn’t evolve to have our toes encased in artificial covers. The moment I get home, the shoes and socks come off. Thankfully, my floor is clean since no one is walking around with their filthy shoes.

And that leads me to my final point:

6. Couth

Wearing your shoes inside a home is considered by many cultures a sign of disrespect. As a guest, you might as well say “I don’t give a crap about your house. I’m a slob who's here to chew bubblegum and track dog shit germs all over your house. And I’m all outta bubblegum!”

Potential guests, have couth. If the occupants take their shoes off at the door, do the same. If your significant other removes them (or wants to) then do it.

Have couth. Limit the germs in your house and take off your shoes. Or, do as you choose in your own home.

Just don’t wear them into my house, please.

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