Remove Your Shoes At The Door
Please Remove Your Shoes At The Door
It protects your floors, reduces germs, and creates a more peaceful space.
Has anyone ever asked you to remove your shoes? It may be something you've never been asked. Or you were asked and pleasantly complied. Or you were asked and thought it was rude. People have strong feelings about this topic, one way or the other!
Why would someone have a no-shoe rule?
In many countries (Canada, Denmark, Austria, Norway) and Asia and in some U.S. states, such as Alaska, it is the custom to take your shoes off at the door. Many people would not even think of wearing shoes in someone's home. They may even bring their own slippers along. On the other hand, many people recoil at the thought of being asked to remove their shoes.
Good reasons to ask people to "please take off your shoes."
Dirt & Filth
You've walked around in who-knows-what and you enter someone's home wearing shoes that may look clean, but still carry grime. No matter how you may scrape and scrub your shoes or boots, they are not completely clean. You carry this dirt and grime into someone's home. Maybe they have little children who play on the floor, or they have newly refinished floors or new carpet. If they have made it clear that they have a no-shoe rule, who are you to clod through their house with your shoes on? What could you have walked through that day? Gasoline, oil, people's spit, fertilized lawns, cigarette butts, animal droppings, antifreeze – yuck! You wouldn't want to have that tracked through your own home, would you? (However, this may not be a valid reason if you have a pet dog or cat, as they can track in just as much on their paws.)
Pesticides
Even the EPA sees the advantage of removing your shoes. There's a government publication about pesticides that includes this: "To prevent tracking pesticides inside, remove or rinse your boots or shoes before entering your home."
Germs
This goes along with dirt, filth and pesticides. You may have been to a gas station or convenience store bathroom where someone has "missed" and now you have stepped in urine and are tracking it on your shoes. Perhaps you stepped in poop somewhere without knowing it. This is extremely unsanitary and not something you want to bring inside.
New Carpet or Newly Finished Wood Floors
This isn't a choice of caring more about your floors than you care about your guests. This is about your home and how you maintain it. Guests should respect the hard work and money you put into your home. What if someone walked in with a pebble in the tread of their shoe, or wore stiletto heels? Either one of these could scratch hardwood floors. It's just being courteous to respect the homeowner's property.
Remove Your Shoes At The Door Decals
Let others know that you would appreciate them removing their shoes in your home, a gentle reminder that sets expectations.
"Kindly Remove Your Shoes" Decals (2 Pack)
These simple “Kindly Remove Your Shoes” decals are easy to read, easy to apply with included double-sided tape, and gently set the tone for a shoe‐free home.
"Welcome Please Remove Your Shoes" Decals (2 Pack)
Welcome guests and let them know to remove their shoes with this set of 2 decals. Easy to apply with included double-sided tape.
"Please Remove Your Shoes" Decals (2 Pack)
These self adhesive decals look perfect by a shoe bench, encouraging guests to remove their shoes or boots.
"Please Remove Your Shoes" Decal
This “Please Remove Your Shoes” vinyl decal has a simple, welcoming look and sticks smoothly to doors or walls.
How to ask guests politely to take off their shoes.
When inviting someone to your home, tell them in advance that you will ask that they remove their shoes. Remember the "Sex And The City" episode where Carrie arrives at a baby shower and is unhappy about having to remove her Manolo Blahnik stilettos? (To make matters worse, they ARE swiped.)
If you find it awkward to ask people to take their shoes off, hang a cute sign at the door to get the message across, something like:
- "Please set your shoes on the rack, so no dirt will be tracked."
- "Leave your worries (and your shoes) at the door."
- "Welcome! Take your shoes off and come on in!"
- "Don't bother wiping your feet. Just leave your shoes at the door!"
"Welcome Please Remove Your Shoes" Sign
This elegant wooden “Please Remove Your Shoes” sign adds a gentle, friendly reminder right at your entryway.
"Since Little Fingers Touch Our Floor Please Remove Your Shoes at The Door Thank You" Sign
A sweet, playful sign that lets guests know you’re keeping the floors clean for your baby to crawl and explore.
"Welcome Kindly Remove Your Shoes" Sign
This charming wood plaque with bow and greenery has a country farmhouse look and hangs beautifully by the door.
"Mahalo For Removing Your Shoes" Sign
A cheerful, island inspired sign that brings a bright, welcoming touch to your entryway. “Mahalo” means “thank you,” showing appreciation for guests who slip off their shoes.
Why would they refuse to remove their shoes?
Here's the flip side. There are going to be people who refuse to remove their shoes. They most likely think it's rude to ask someone to take off their shoes. They may never wish to come to your house because of it. But other reasons can apply. If you don't want to remove your shoes, ask if the hosts mind if you keep your shoes on.
Medical
Some people have orthopedic shoes, or they have a foot condition that requires them to wear supportive shoes. Perhaps there's a problem with balance, or curling toes that can get caught on a carpet, or a back problem. Maybe your feet get cold without shoes.
Fashion
You've been invited to a party and you arrive in a cute dress that is the perfect length, due to the heels you are wearing. Now you're asked to remove your shoes, and the hem of the dress is suddenly dragging the ground. Or you feel like a statuesque goddess in your high heels, but when asked to remove your shoes, you shrink 4 inches. Some clothing just looks silly without shoes. If you haven't been warned beforehand that you will be asked to take your shoes off, having a hole in your stocking might well be embarrassing for you.
Bare Feet Can Be Nasty
What if someone has a foot fungus or some other foot disease? Or their feet are dirty? Some people are simply grossed out by bare feet.
You've Made Your Guests Feel Uncomfortable
The comfort of your guests is everything. If your guests are not used to taking off their shoes at the door, they may feel uncomfortable in their stocking feet and not enjoy their time with you.
Give them something to wear on their feet.
If you’re asking people to remove their shoes, they will feel more comfortable if they have something to put on their feet. Have a basket of clean disposable slippers, disposable slipper socks or washable mop socks sitting by the door. Place an empty basket nearby for used slippers.
Have an entryway boot tray ready at the door to hold muddy, wet boots or shoes.
Disposable Slippers - 28 pairs
Having a basket of clean disposable slippers by the door can encourage guests to remove their shoes. These disposable slippers are lightweight, comfortable, and non‐slip. It’s a small hospitality gesture that makes guests feel cared for.
Disposable Slipper Socks - 10 pairs
Set out a basket of fresh disposable slipper socks for guests. They’re soft, stretchy, and lightweight — and they double as perfect travel socks when you don’t want to wash laundry on the go.
Mop Slippers - 5 pairs
These disposable mop slippers are lightweight and comfortable — perfect to keep by the door for visitors. And if your guests wear mop slippers, they might just clean your hardwood floors for you as they walk around!
Collapsible Fabric Basket
Store slippers in a pretty basket by the door, creating a tidy place that doesn’t clutter your entryway. Available in a range of colors and sizes.
Collapsible Baskets – 2 Piece Set
Another option is to keep these collapsible baskets by the front door as a gentle request to remove or cover shoes or boots. Use one basket for fresh, clean disposable slippers or shoe covers, and line the “used” basket with a small trash bag for easy cleanup. They come in four different color combinations.
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