I'm very passionate about this topic.
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| | | | As soon as I come home, I take off my shoes — and I expect the same from everyone else who walks in my front door. Maybe I'm just a germaphobe, but I can't stand the thought of tracking who knows what onto the same floors where I walk barefoot … then crawl into my bed with germy feet?! Nope, no thanks! | | Below, I'll highlight any research on the potential risks and explain why I personally believe this act goes beyond any health concerns. | | | | Be well,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline | | | | |
| |  | | Written by Morgan Mandriota
July 1, 2024 • 3.5 min read | | | | | | | |
| |  | | | No shoes inside my home, please! | | Think of all the places you step into on a weekly basis — grocery stores, the gym, public bathrooms, grass, sidewalks. I don't know about you, but my brain automatically goes to all the random particles of dog poop, pee on restroom floors, and other people's sweat that I definitely don't want in my living room, kitchen, bedroom, or anywhere else in my home.️ | | Am I being dramatic? Honestly, maybe. But some studies validate my concerns. An older, small 2008 study from the University of Arizona found that E. coli was one of the most common bacteria found on shoe bottoms. Others include C. diff, staph, and pesticides — all of which can cause health issues, like urinary tract infections, colitis, and skin or eye irritation.️️ | | Sometimes wearing shoes inside is important, though, like for older adults who are at risk of falling. To be safe (and as hygienic as possible), consider buying a pair of shoes solely meant for indoor use.️️ | | While I personally think shoes inside are gross, there's no proven risk associated with it. More studies are needed, but chances are you probably won't get sick just by walking barefoot on germy floors.️️ | | However, people who work with animals, in restaurants, or in healthcare settings may come into contact with higher counts of dangerous pathogens. In these cases, taking your shoes off as soon as — or even before — you come inside may be smart to reduce any chance of contamination.️️ | | Yes, you can (and should) ️clean your floors on a regular basis. But the shoes on or off debate might boil down to principle more than anything else. I believe removing shoes when you walk into a house is a sign of respect, especially in many cultures. For example, shoes off before coming in is a very common practice in many parts of Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.️ | | No matter where you live, it may be polite to ask a person whether they prefer shoes on or off in their home. From experience, most people don't care and will let you keep your shoes on! I don't know about you, but I'd like that same courtesy from others. Unlike most people I've asked, my answer will always be "yes, please."️ | | | | | | | |
| | | | We love organization | | | | | | |  | | Sakugi 3-Tier Shoe Rack | | I recently bought this shoe rack, and I'm very happy with my purchase. I'm terrible at putting things together, but assembly was super easy and took all of maybe 10 minutes. The rack is wide and tall enough to fit hiking boots, sandals, heels, and sneakers. The best part: My entryway isn't clogged with stray shoes all over the place anymore! | | | Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health. | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | *It can not be combined with your health insurance. Healthline and Optum Perks are owned by RVO Health. By using this Optum Perks service, we may receive a tangible benefit. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Thanks for reading! Before you go, we want to know: How do you feel about shoes being worn inside your house? Email wellnesswire@healthline.com to share your thoughts. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming newsletter!) | | | | | | |
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