In the age of COVID-19 and beyond, hygiene and cleanliness count even more. Because of this, millions of families have adopted shoe-free homes. In this book, the author traces this change in practice, especially at home within their own household and with their friend Kit. The couple is very committed to preserving the cleanliness of their indoor space. This commitment is the first step to cultivating a Dutch, or Japanese, or Canadian, or Scandinavian like cultural practice.
In Japan, nearly all homes have indoor shoes, or uwabaki. These shoes are purposely made to not damage tatami floors. These supple slip-ons are an ancient tradition, one that values cleanliness and conscientiousness in sharing the home with other beings. In Canada, a large number of residences already have optional wet rooms. From the side porch, residents can quickly strip off their waterproof attire before entering the center of the home. As this practice illustrates, maintaining clean indoor environments by preventing outside contaminants from entering is a key practice to prioritize.
Additionally, for non-Anglo-Celtic households, taking shoes off at the door has been the norm for a long time. This tradition not only marks a promise to maintain a high standard of sanitation, but is symbolic of the deference toward one’s house. Shoes are the most well-known vectors of germs, bacteria and pesticides, as well as harmful substances such as carcinogenic asphalt sealants. Admitting the danger, Kit and I agreed to adopt a no-shoes policy in our house.
At first, the author encountered several hurdles adjusting to this new policy. They felt uncomfortable having to adjust to that sensation of going shoeless in general, which seemed just strange at first. They found that a little bit of uncomfortableness was a fair tradeoff for being able to keep their home environment clean. In order to adjust to this new reality, the author purchased fashionable slip-ons made solely for indoor wear. In this manner, they might continue to be stylish and still abide by the rule.
The couple fully committed to their no shoes policy. Instead, they made deliberate choices to create an environment-wide control plan that kept their entire home clean. The author took the opportunity to ensure no outdoor adventures were taken in indoor footwear. To make an even clearer distinction between inside and outside shoes, they had a pair of shoes for outdoor use, easily found by the new back door. This practice allowed them to protect the integrity of their home while upholding a standard that showcased their dedication to a tidy living space.
Cultural influences from farther afield contributed to their distinctive approach. In Scandinavia, felted and woolen indoor slippers have become trendy home accessories. They provide atmospheric beauty alongside a unique sense of comfort. It’s these kinds of examples that show how much better other cultures have accepted shoe removal indoors as the benefit that it is.
The adaptation process was several weeks long, but the author enjoyed figuring out the intricacies of this new lifestyle decision. Even mud-soiled sole tread marks on the stairs were a sign of their still settling modification. They learned that going all-in with a no-shoes policy meant being vigilant and persistent. As unpleasant as the process was at first, it didn’t take long to start enjoying the advantages of a less toxic home.
Curiously, social dynamics played a role in view of indoor footwear. A friend of the author once shared that their partner threatened to leave if they ever wore tartan woollen footwear indoors. This little story drives home the level of passion that residents may hold about footwear customs in their homes.