Taking shoes off when entering a home is a custom practiced in many Asian countries. There are several reasons why this tradition started and continues today.
Cleanliness
One of the main reasons for removing shoes indoors is to maintain cleanliness. Shoes can track in dirt, mud, germs, and other contaminants from outside. By taking them off at the door, it helps keep the interior of the home cleaner.
In many parts of Asia, homes have tile or wood floors instead of carpets. This allows for easy cleaning by sweeping and mopping. Having people walk around in their shoes would make more of a mess and require extra work to keep the floors spotless.
Additionally, homes in Asia often lack things like wall-to-wall carpeting found in Western houses. Many Asian homes have tatami mats or woven rug coverings on the floor. These are delicate materials that can be easily damaged by outdoor shoes.
Comfort
Another reason Asians remove their shoes inside is for comfort. It is relaxing to walk around barefoot or in socks/slippers after a long day. Outdoor shoes can be confining for the feet and feel awkward when lounging around the house.
Being able to go shoeless also facilitates practices like sleeping, meditating, or doing yoga on the floor. This is common in cultures where furniture for sitting or sleeping is often low to the ground or non-existent.
Tradition
For many Asians, taking off shoes indoors is a tradition and custom that has been passed down for generations. It is seen as a sign of respect for the home and its inhabitants.
Shoes are considered unclean since they step in all sorts of filth outdoors. Removing them before entering a home signifies maintaining the purity and cleanliness of the indoor space.
This practice likely originated centuries ago before modern cleaning supplies and methods existed. It became ingrained as a standard house rule that continues to be followed today.
Religion
Some Asian religions have contributed to the norm of removing footwear at the entrance as well. In Buddhism, shoes are seen as contaminated objects that can spread impurity.
Buddhist temples will always require visitors to take their shoes off before entering. This custom was then integrated into homes to maintain their sanctity as well.
In Islam, mosques and homes will often have 1 dedicated space near the door without carpeting. This is where shoes are kept while praying or lounging indoors in clean socks/slippers.
Health Benefits
Going barefoot or wearing slippers around the house may also have some health advantages. Shoes confine feet and reduce blood circulation. Letting feet air out improves comfort and reduces odor.
Wearing slippers with rubber soles also helps prevent slips and falls on hard floors. They provide better traction than socks alone.
There is also evidence that children growing up in shoeless households have lower rates of foot fungus, warts, and toenail infections. The indoor floors they walk on barefoot tend to be cleaner than outdoor surfaces.
When Shoes Are Worn
While shoe removal is standard in Asian homes, they are still worn in certain circumstances. Some examples include:
- When guests visit who are not accustomed to removing shoes
- While doing housework that requires heavy cleaning or working outside
- When family members have foot pain or special orthotics that require shoe support
- In homes that also house the family business on the first floor
Some homes provide guest slippers to accommodate non-Asian visitors. However, wearing outdoor shoes for an extended time indoors is still seen as unsanitary.
Other Shoe Etiquette
There are some other shoe customs followed in Asian households:
- Shoes are always removed before stepping onto tatami mats
- Slippers are often worn while using the bathroom since it is seen as unclean
- Shoes are never worn on furniture or beds
- Children are taught from a young age to take their shoes off indoors
Pointing the soles of shoes at someone is also considered very offensive. The bottom of shoes are dirty, so it is an insult. Shoes are always pointed away from people or religious images.
Asia vs. Western Culture
The custom of removing shoes before entering homes is much less common in Western countries. Though the cleanliness benefits exist worldwide, it is not an ingrained cultural expectation.
Some reasons it has not been widely adopted in the West include:
- Homes have wall-to-wall carpeting where shoes do less damage
- More temperate climates where shoes don’t get as muddy
- An emphasis on personal freedom and choice in the home
- Lack of religious or historical customs encouraging shoe removal
However, some Western homeowners are adopting a no shoe policy, especially in warmer regions. It is becoming more popular as people recognize the cleanliness and health advantages.
Conclusion
Removing shoes before entering homes and sacred places is an ancient Asian custom. While the origins were practical, it has became a cultural norm and sign of respect.
Asians continue taking off their shoes indoors today for cleanliness, comfort, tradition, and health. Though not as widely followed in the West, it is a practice that provides benefits no matter where you live.