You Wear Shoes in The House? You Filthy Animal

Summary

The author, influenced by living in Asia, advocates for the practice of removing shoes at the door for cleanliness, comfort, respect, and to fully enjoy the benefits of underfloor heating systems like the Korean ondol.

Abstract

The article discusses the cultural shift the author experienced moving from England to Asia, particularly regarding the practice of wearing shoes indoors. In England, homes were carpeted, and people commonly wore shoes inside, which the author now views as unclean. In contrast, Asian homes often feature underfloor heating systems like ondol, which are best enjoyed without shoes. The author highlights that going shoeless at home is not only hygienic but also comfortable, as it allows the feet to relax and reduces the risk of foot-related issues. Additionally, it is seen as a sign of respect in many Asian cultures, with some believing that wearing shoes indoors can disturb the spirits of ancestors. While acknowledging that some may need the support of shoes at home for mobility, the author concludes that a shoeless household is healthier and happier.

Opinions

The author expresses a strong preference for the Asian custom of removing shoes indoors, considering it cleaner and more respectful.
Underfloor heating, particularly the traditional Korean ondol system, is praised as an excellent method for keeping homes warm and is best appreciated without shoes.
Shoeless living is associated with increased comfort and relaxation, as well as potential health benefits for the feet.
Taking off shoes at the door is seen as a cultural norm and a sign of respect in many Asian households, with some superstitions attached to not following this practice.
The author believes that removing shoes indoors saves time on cleaning and contributes to a healthier home environment.

Shoes on or shoes off in the house? It’s one of life’s eternal questions. Living in Asia has now put me firmly in the shoeless camp. Shoes on indoors? No thanks.

When I was growing up in England, all the houses I lived in had thick wool carpets in every room. This was great for those long, miserable, grey Winter days where we’d just stay at home, snuggled up reading or watching TV. The carpets made the place feel warmer and cosier and made staying indoors a more pleasurable experience.

But the carpets also had a downside. A pretty big, disgusting, dirty downside, which was that they trapped dirt like nobody’s business. This was compounded massively by the fact nobody took their shoes off at the door.

That’s right; every day we’d walk around for hours outside; on the street, at the office, in the supermarket, wherever and then come home, throw the front door open and stride into the house without a second thought.

I actually shudder now when I think about this.

You see, living in Asia for the last 10 years has shown me the error of my dirty Western ways. Of course, taking shoes off inside has the obvious benefit of ensuring clean floors. But are there futher reasons to remove footwear when crossing the threshold?

Underfloor Heating

Of course, to appreciate the full benefit of underfloor heating, you need to be shoeless, so ondol is just another reason to take off those dirty sneakers and ditch them at the door.

It’s More Comfortable

Clearly, when at home comfort is king. Lounging around is harder with a pair of sturdy boots on your feet and your can’t put them up on the sofa or bed which as we all know, is the key to maximum relaxation.

It’s a Sign of Respect

As well as cleanliness and comfort, it’s been argued that taking shoes off at the door is a sign of respect for your host, painting you as a considerate, responsible visitor who wants to ensure that they don’t damage or dirty the floor.

The blog LittleSoulster tells us that in some Asian cultures, it’s even thought that wearing shoes inside is disrespectful to the ancestors who lived in the house in the past. Apparently, the supersition is that this may cause their spirits to undertake vengeful acts within the home! Best to be on the safe side eh?

Final Thoughts

Of course, there may be some benefits to wearing shoes indoors. Older, less able-bodied adults may find the support of footwear invaluable when moving about the house doing chores. You might also stop yourself stubbing a toe or dropping heavy items on your foot. These reasons aside though, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to wearing shoes in the house again. Going shoeless means I save time cleaning and my family are generally healthier and happier walking about the house barefoot.