In Fact, It’s Not so Messy to Wear Shoes Inside.
In many countries around the world, it is customary to take off your shoes before entering a house. Some households do this for practical reasons, while others take off their shoes for religious reasons . In the United States, talking about shoes in the home is often associated with bacteria and dirt . While this is a serious problem, your shoes are probably not as dirty or contaminated as you might think.
How contaminated are your shoes?
The simple fact that your shoes walk on the ground means they are sure to keep track of dirt and external bacteria entering your home. LiveScience found studies showing the presence of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus (a microbe that can sometimes cause skin and blood infections). These bacteria have since been found to be alarming, but the likelihood that you will actually get sick from them is rather low. Clinical Pharmacist and Professor Kevin Gary told Live Science, “For a healthy person, bacteria on shoes are likely not dangerous or pose little risk,” as a typical footprint simply does not have thousands of microbes of the same strain that would be needed by someone. then I got sick.
Other common residues found on shoes are pesticides and herbicides, or chemicals such as tar and other building materials. According to Healthline , “These chemicals are associated with minor health risks such as skin or eye irritation and serious ones such as cancer.” But again, if a small amount of these substances gets into the house on your shoes, the risk of contracting any disease is unlikely to increase.
But take off those shoes if you want – or if your host asks for it.
It’s nice to know that your shoes are unlikely to track your or your family’s illness. But some still have a strong urge to take off their shoes before entering a home. Leaving your shoes outside can help reduce dirt and dust in your home, making cleaning much easier. Some floors are prone to scuffs and scratches, so removing your shoes can reduce additional wear and tear.
As mentioned, taking off your shoes is part of certain cultures and upbringings, so be polite. If it is clear in the family that shoes are prohibited, you should not insist on this: it is normal to have a house without shoes.