Should I require my guests to take off their shoes at the door? Find out what doctors say.

But wait! How in the world will I justify asking my quests to remove their shoes before
entering my home? They may think I am a germ freak. Yes, they may, but here’s why
they should NOT think of you as germ-phobic.

Removing shoes before entering your home can offer several health benefits, both for
individuals and the overall cleanliness of the living environment. Practicing shoe
removal is associated with maintaining a clean and hygienic living environment,
particularly in households with young children who may play on the floor and are more
susceptible to exposure to contaminants, including E. coli, and the potential health
hazards associated with these microorganisms. Shoes can carry various bacteria and
microorganisms from various surfaces, including public places. Removing shoes helps
prevent the spread of dangerous bacteria inside the home, reducing the risk of
illnesses.

Experts, such as Gabriel Filippelli from Purdue University in Indianapolis and Jill Litt
(Gustat, et al., 2019) from the University of Colorado have highlighted in their research
the need to address bacterial concerns and pollutants like lead, heavy metals, and
pesticide residues that can be transported indoors.

City sidewalks, for example, can act, in essence, as a petri dish. A new research on
New York City sidewalks found “astonishing levels of E. coli and other harmful
bacteria,” thus revealing what’s potentially lurking on the bottom of your shoes.
Shoes can also track allergens such as pollen, dust, and mold from outdoor
environments.

Outdoor pollutants like pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants
can adhere to the soles of shoes. Removing shoes prevents these toxins from being
introduced into the indoor environment. It reduces the concentration of airborne
particles and pollutants, leading to better and healthier indoor air quality.

But there is more to it than just disease prevention. For many, removing shoes is not
only a practical habit but also a cultural or psychological practice that signifies a
transition from the outside world to the comfort and cleanliness of the home.
This ritual can contribute to a sense of order and well-being.

Should Shoes be Worn in the House? (neatorama.com)
On practical, mundane matters, shoes can cause scratches, scuffs, and wear on
flooring materials. Taking off shoes helps preserve the integrity of flooring, reducing
maintenance costs while also protecting delicate or traditional flooring materials,
ensuring they remain in good condition over time.

My other favorite reason why I remove my shoes before entering my home? To leave
the outside world behind.

Summary pearls:
Dr. Edison de Mello advocates for removing shoes before entering one’s home.
The key points include:

Health Benefits: Helps maintain a clean and hygienic living environment, especially in
households with young children more susceptible to contaminants like E. coli.

Research Highlights: Shoes can also transport pollutants like lead, heavy metals, and
pesticide residues. Research on New York City sidewalks revealed high levels of E. coli
and harmful bacteria, underlining potential health risks.

Allergen Reduction: Shoes can track allergens like pollen, dust, and mold. Removing
shoes contributes to better indoor air quality and reduces the risk of respiratory issues.
Cultural and Psychological Significance: It is a cultural and practical habit. That
signifies a transition from the outside world to the comfort and cleanliness of the home.
This ritual contributes to a sense of order and well-being.

Flooring Preservation: It prevents wear and tear on flooring, thus reducing
maintenance costs, and protecting delicate or traditional flooring materials.

Personal Choice: Dr. de Mello shares his preference for removing shoes to leave the
outside world behind, emphasizing the symbolic significance of this practice.

About the Author: Dr.
Edison de Mello is the founder and Chief Medical officer of the Akasha Center for
Integrative Medicine and the Akasha Naturals. He is a Board-certified integrative
physician and a Board-Certified Psychotherapist, “Meeting the patient before meeting
their diseases” is Dr. de Mello’s signature approach to care. Because he strongly
believes in service and community building, Dr. de Mello sits on several service-related
non-profit organizations.