Back in ancient times, houses in Asia were raised about two feet off the ground. For example, in Japan there is a small space at the entryway of the house (called “Genkan”) for taking shoes off and leaving them. So taking the shoes off and stepping into the house is symbolized as entering a private space.
Because the germs on shoes can easily spread to your floors, and then contaminate your house as a result. The scientists shared their opinions as part of CNN's The Conversation. They say that science points towards removing your shoes and leaving them outside as the safest way to keep your house contaminate free.
Leaving shoes at the door can reduce toxins, bacteria and allergen levels throughout your home. Another bonus—you won't have to constantly clean up mud and dirt. Sounds good to me! Establish a no-shoe policy at the door and slip your feet into some cozy slippers instead.
In most of Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, shoes are never worn inside homes, and it can be seen as a sign of disrespect for guests to enter a host's home without leaving them at the door.
One University of Arizona study found many harmful bacteria on the inside and outside of shoes. Among the bacteria found was E. coli, which can cause intestinal and urinary tract infections, meningitis, and diarrheal disease. 1 Overall, bacteria were detected on the outside of 96% of the shoes.
In the Arab world, no shoes are allowed indoors, as the shoes' soles are seen as dirty and unsanitary. Arab Muslims are required to remove their shoes when entering a mosque, as are all adherents of Islam. While it is not mandatory in Judaism, many Israeli Jews remove their shoes at home.
Pay Your Respects
Taking off your shoes before entering someone's home is a sign of respect. It's a symbolic gesture saying that you think enough of the people living there not to track dirt into their home.
In Australia, many homes have a shoes off policy, but many do not. It is viewed simply as a matter of preference. In many cultures (see map below) it is considered rude and unhygienic to wear outdoor shoes indoors. Here in Australia, the majority opt for the convenience of keeping shoes on, especially as guests.
Shoes. Shoes are a bad idea again as the word for shoes in Chinese is very similar to the word for bad luck or evil. It is also something that you stand on and wear away, which is why they are also considered a bad gift.
In many countries like Germany, Switzerland, Skandinavian countries, Turkey, Japan, Korea etc. it is common use to take off the shoes when entering someone's home. In these countries it is considered a major faux pas to walk through a house with shoes on.
Showing Respect
In addition to the practical reasons, taking off your shoes is also seen as a sign of respect when entering someone's home or place of business. Traditionally, it could be seen as disrespectful to keep your shoes on in someone's residence.
After opening the door and welcoming them in, you can follow it with “We have some space on the rack for shoes,” or “There's a comfortable bench just inside where you can take off your shoes.” This way you are communicating to your guests what you expect from them moving forward, without making it seem rude.
Shoes: This one is a little less common. But if you find a random shoe left by your gate or driveway, it could be a sign that your home is 'easy pickings'. Remove it, keep an eye out and, if more appear, notify the non-emergency line on 101!
A no shoes in the house rule is a great way to keep your floors clean and reduce the amount of dirt, dust, and bacteria that gets tracked in. In many parts of the world, removing your shoes at the door is a traditional sign of respect when you are a guest entering someone else's home.
Every culture has superstitions around gift-giving, and China is no exception. One such superstition is tied to shoes. The Mandarin word for shoes (鞋 xié) is a homophone for 邪 (xié), or “evil,” so giving someone a pair of shoes is thought to be bad luck.
Always knock before entering your room
Perhaps they'll get out. It's just a symbolic respectful gesture that requires no effort else you might have some company at night. You might also want to follow up with a simple phrase like “I come in peace and mean no harm…”, just to reassure yourself more.
The main reason people go barefoot in Australia is the weather. The weather in Australia is hot, except for a short winter season. People can't but go barefoot in the hot weather of their country. Australia is known for its beach, and you know you cannot but walk barefoot there.
“Shoey” is Australian slang for having a celebratory drink out of a shoe. Usually the beverage is alcoholic and the celebration follows a sweaty quest to victory. The shoey has become a popular part of some sports and music festival cultures.
The great news is that wearing or not wearing shoes is completely up to you and a personal choice (unless you are visiting an establishment which requires shoes). It is, however, important that you consider your health and safety when making the decision of whether or not to go barefoot.
Modern Custom of Removing Shoes/Wearing Slippers
Besides for personal hygiene, Chinese households often take off their shoes to also help protect wood floors and carpets especially. This helps to avoid tracking in a lot of dirt and other substances from the outside, and minimize wear on the floors at the same time.
While the practice may not be as popular, some Korean households still haven't changed their sleeping habit. Sleeping on the floor became common when ondol floor heating was introduced to the Koreans. When HVAC systems were not a thing, households had to find ways to keep warm and remain cool.
The "sitting on the floor” lifestyle started way back in the past, like hundreds of years ago. Hanok, a traditional Korean house first built in the 14th century, had an “Ondol (온돌)”, which is a floor-based heating system. By sitting or lying down on the floor, one can feel the warmth of the floor.
A Muslim must first find an acceptable place away from standing water, people's pathways, or shade. It is advised that it is better to enter the area with the left foot, facing away from the Qibla (direction of prayer towards Mecca).
Unlike many other forms of livestock, pigs are omnivorous scavengers, eating virtually anything they come across, including carrion and refuse, which was deemed unclean. Furthermore, a Middle Eastern society keeping large stocks of pigs could destroy their ecosystem.