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Shoes on/shoes off? Policy polarizes partiers

News Type: Other — Tue Dec 15, 2009 9:43 AM EST

TODAYMoms

Many holiday guests say they won't toe the line and bare their tootsies

It’s an issue as polarizing as global warming, health care reform or even Sarah Palin. When it comes to gatherings at home, what’s better: shoes on or shoes off?

On one side of the aisle are hosts worried about the dirt, germs and dog poo that can piggyback onto boots, loafers and stilettos — or those who would rather do without the scratches and dents a pair of spike heels can leave in a polished wood floor. On the other side are guests who resent having to semi-undress at their host’s doorstep, not to mention shrink three inches, endure the embarrassment of threadbare socks or suffer an evening of foot pain just to placate a particular friend.

“This issue comes up a lot,” says etiquette coach Jodi R. R. Smith of Boston. “Some people don’t wear shoes in their house for cultural reasons, but it’s usually a health and sanitation thing.”

But is it truly healthier to lose your shoes at the door? To pad around barefoot or in a pair of proffered socks? Or is safer to dig in (and stay in) your holiday heels?... Read the full story and share your thoughts below.

Related stories:
Discuss: Shoes on or off at the door?

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{"commentId":11274359,"authorDomain":"bkuntsi"}

BK-758293

It's not up to anyone but the owners of a house to set the rules at it. When I go to your house I will ALWAYS remove my shoes and I expect that if guests come to mine they do the same. Is anyone seriously using an argument that a guest may have a hole in their sock as their right to keep their shoes on?! If you have a hole in the sock and would be embarrassed if people saw it -- don't wear it! To me, it's a matter of not imposing on my host. Leaving shoes on causes ungodly messes of the floors in people's homes. Have a little respect for your host(ess) and take the shoes off. A holey sock or not wanting to appear shorter doesn't give one the right to ruin the floors in another person's home.

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