In other parts of the world, it is normal to remove your shoes before entering the house. But Americans do not accept this as normal. Though this is standard for Americans many people from other parts of the world think this is an odd and unsanitary practice. But Why Do Americans Wear Shoes In The House?
As a part of cultural differences, most Americans do not put off their shoes before entering the house. Many of them are very concerned about the viruses and bacteria that can be carried by the shoes. Afterall all Americans don’t ask their guest to take off their shoes before accessing the room.
Which countries wear shoes indoors? In America, there are some Western countries where you will find this culture. While most Asian countries judge it differently American people don’t have any concern about this issue. Wearing shoes indoors has become a habit of them.
It completely depends on region and culture. I think this manner depends on culture and region. There are some other factors and I will discuss all these things in my next passages. Keep reading if you are interested in studying more reasons. Let’s explore why people wear shoes in the house.
Geographical Location
The USA has a service-based economy. The roads of the USA are cleaner than the other part of the world. You will see less dirt and mud on the road. As the roads are very cleaner in their country they don’t worry about the dirtiness of the shoes. So the geographical location promotes them to wear shoes inside the house.
Most Americans live in cities that are mud-free areas. Their profession and the nature of the job ensure that the shoes are not dirty or muddy. Not only in the major cities most white people want to wear shoes in the house because they desire to get in and move out from home without any restraint. Sometimes they leave dirty shoes in the entryway and use the clean ones inside the room that give them more comfort. This is one of the major reasons Why Do Americans Wear Shoes In The House?
Comfort and fast-paced lifestyle
Everyone values their comfort. American people feel comfortable when they wear shoes inside the home. In most cases, white people find it unnecessary to put off shoes whenever they move outside.
The fast lifestyle is also an important factor. Putting off shoes every time before entering the house seems time-wasting to them. So fast-paced lifestyle is one of the important reasons for wearing shoes in the house culture.
Cultural differences
Wearing shoes inside the house is a normal habit of white people. But it is not a normal thing for the other part of the world. In Northern Europe and Asia wearing shoes inside the house is thought of as unhygienic and inappropriate behavior.
On the other hand, leaving shoes before entering the house is regarded as a sign of respect in some countries. In Japan and India, you should remove your shoes before entering the house not only to maintain hygiene but also to show respect. You may have seen many cultures that don’t wear shoes in the house.
Americans do not bother about this issue. They are broad-minded and do not consider wearing shoes inside the house as disrespectful. People are free to do anything as they are comfortable with the shoes. Finally, we can say that cultural difference is a major factor in wearing shoes inside the house.
Large Houses
Most people in America live in a wide house. Their houses have many floors. Walking barefoot in such a large residence is not comfortable. So they wear shoes inside the house for relaxation in walking around the houses.
Furthermore, Americans spend most of their time in the office and driving. There is an assumption that wearing shoes inside the house is normal. Over time it has been a habit and most American houses or apartments are not built with shoe removal facilities in mind.
Have Carpet or Hardwood Floors
The types of the floor have a role in deciding whether American families allow footwear inside the home or not. If there is carpet flooring in a house they may not wear shoes inside the house. Shoes can carry many bacteria and dirt in the sole.
The carpet becomes dirty if someone wears shoes continuously on the carpet. That’s why some family with carpet flooring ask their guests to remove the footwear before entering the house.
Those who have hardwood floors walk with shoes inside the house because they think hardwood floors are easy to clean. As long as they are tracking on the dog poop and mud they walk with shoes inside the house. Hahaha!
Personal reasons
There are also some personal reasons too. Americans provide freedom to their guests as they can do anything comfortably at the house. They think that it is rude to insist someone remove their footwear before entering the house. Making guests comfortable at the house has become a habit over time.
Another reason is smelly feet. Some people don’t want to hurt others while they are visiting. To create a comfortable environment in the house many people wear shoes inside the house.
Pet Keeping
Most Americans keep pets in their houses. They eat, live, and stay all-time at the house and all Americans are comfortable with this. This is a reason that they think wearing shoes inside the houses is okay.
Frequently Asked Question
1. Why do the Chinese take shoes off in the house?
They remove shoes before entering the house to maintain personal hygiene. They also protect the carpet and hardwood floors by walking barefoot inside the house. Shoes can carry lots of dirt and bacteria and so Chinese take off their shoes before entering the house.
2. How dirty are our shoes?
A study found that shoes are dirtier than a toilet seat. While you are walking on the road your shoes are tracking a huge number of bacteria. Shoes become dirty most of the time when you go outside the home.
3. What are home shoes?
Shoes that are intended to wear at home are called home shoes. A slipper is a home shoe because many people wear it at home. You can not wear the same shoes at home that you wear outside. Outside shoes can carry a huge amount of bacteria.
4. Are bare feet cleaner than shoes?
Yes. Barefoot can be exposed to sunlight, open air, and ultraviolet rays. It is easy to clean your foot than the shoes. After all soles of the shoes can carry mud and dirt while walking outside.
5. Are bare feet unsanitary?
You can walk barefoot at your house but you must wear shoes while walking outside. Shoes guard our feet and give us comfort in walking.
6. Does walking barefoot make your feet bigger?
Not actually. But we see more extended feet in those who grow shoeless.
7. Can your feet grow after 18?
Feet usually grow before puberty. In general, the growth stops a few years after puberty. The growth of feet stops between 10 to 20 years of age.
8. What are the effects of wearing tight shoes?
Tight shoes can be uncomfortable for you. Many problems occur by wearing tight shoes. They can cause blisters between your toes. Moreover, mallet toe, hammertoe, and bone spurs can occur with tight shoes.
Bottom Lines:
I hope you can answer the question now “Why Do Americans Wear Shoes In The House.” In this article, I have discussed many factors that can cause them to wear shoes inside the house. Stay with us for more interesting information.
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