Who's Right?Shoes in the house: keep them on or take them off?
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In short
There's no rule: it comes down to habits, comfort and culture. In a couple, taking shoes off at the door makes good sense for cleanliness, as long as the person who gets cold or sore feet has comfortable slippers.
Both sides
At my parents' place, we always took our shoes off at the door, so it feels natural to me. Soles drag through pavements, the metro and public toilets, and all of that ends up on our light wooden floor. I'm usually the one vacuuming and mopping, so I can really see the difference. I'm not asking for much: just leave your shoes in the hallway.
I grew up in a home where we kept our shoes on, and I never thought twice about it. Barefoot or in socks, my feet get cold and my back starts aching, I need some support. And when I pop in for five minutes before heading out again, taking my shoes off and putting them back on feels over the top. I always wipe my feet, that should be enough.
The verdict
Yasmine's point is solid and practical: shoes bring in dust, mud and dirt from outside, and she does most of the cleaning. When one person puts in more effort to keep the place clean, it's fair that their request carries a bit more weight.
Mathieu isn't wrong either. Cold feet, needing support or back pain are real reasons, not whims. His mistake is treating the doormat as a full solution, when it only removes part of the dirt.
So the real question isn't "shoes or bare feet" but "outdoor shoes or indoor shoes". On that, Yasmine's request is reasonable, as long as she takes Mathieu's comfort into account.
The compromise
Outdoor shoes stay in the hallway, and starting tomorrow Mathieu picks a good pair of supportive slippers with a proper sole, for home use only. For quick five-minute stops, shoes are fine if they're well wiped and he stays on the hallway tiles.
Who do you think is right?
Pick a side.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cleaner to take your shoes off at home?
Generally, yes. Soles carry dust, soil and dirt picked up outside, which ends up on your floors. Leaving them at the door cuts down on cleaning, especially with rugs or young children playing on the floor.
Can you ask guests to take their shoes off?
Yes, it's your home. Let them know in advance if you can and offer slippers or clean socks. For a dressy dinner, you might make an exception.
Is walking barefoot at home bad for your back?
It depends on the person. Some feel great barefoot, others need support. Slippers with a real sole are a good middle ground, and if pain persists, it's best to see a health professional.
What if one partner wants shoes on and the other doesn't?
Separate outdoor shoes from indoor footwear. A shoe rack and a basket of slippers by the door make the habit easy and save you from constant reminders.
Guide Couple disputes: the guide
Written with the help of AI, reviewed by the Who's Right team · This is not legal advice. How Who's Right decides
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