Interiors
The shoes on vs off debate: An expert weighs in
Adobe
Whether it’s down to personal choice or a part of your culture, the shoes on versus shoes off debate continues to divide homeowners, with searches for ‘Shoes off at home’ up 1000% on TikTok in the last month alone.
But beyond individual preferences and etiquette, there’s practical reasons removing your shoes indoors is the best option, particularly when it comes to maintaining the longevity of your floors, saving you time and money in the long run. Alex Heslop, trend expert at Flooring Superstore shares the main benefits of leaving your shoes at the front door.
Less cleaning
“There’s no doubt that wearing outdoor shoes inside will bring in additional dirt into your home, which can accumulate on your flooring. While you can help to reduce the amount of dirt particles, germs and bacteria that are brought inside via the sole of your shoes by introducing doormats at entryways, you may well find that an increase in dirt, stains and mud is unavoidable.
“If you’re cleaning your floors more regularly or end up cleaning them too often, especially if using excessive water or abrasive cleaning products, this can be bad for your flooring in the long run. Hardwood, laminate and vinyl floors can become warped, discoloured, or the finish can be worn down over time.
“While vacuuming carpets is unlikely to cause any adverse effects, muddy patches and stains which need cleaning products and a bit more elbow grease to remove, can lead to fibres becoming worn and loose, especially where scrubbing is required for those built in stains.”
Adobe
“While vacuuming carpets is unlikely to cause any adverse effects, muddy patches and stains which need cleaning products and a bit more elbow grease to remove, can lead to fibres becoming worn and loose, especially where scrubbing is required for those built in stains.”
Avoid damaging hardwood
“While it’s easier to clean mud off a hardwood floor, there’s the risk of longer terms damage to consider. Grit and gravel can be carried into our homes on the bottom of our shoes, causing scratches, dents and scuffs to wooden floors. Even more so when it comes to shoes like high heels or football boots.
“The beauty of hardwood flooring is that it’s a timeless investment home which will look fantastic for years to come, so a bit of care and attention and going barefoot indoors will help preserve it for longer. For added comfort underfoot, look to add rugs and runners, which can protect the integrity of your flooring and provide added warmth to hallways and living spaces.”
Don’t wear down your carpets
“Constantly walking on carpets and rugs with shoes from outside can reduce their lifespan as dirt and debris gets embedded in the fibres, making them dirtier and more worn. Heels can create indentations and damage fibres. Mud and moisture can also be brought in, particularly in wet weather, which can cause discolouration and even mould if it doesn’t dry quickly. Shoes off can reduce the build up of dirt and keep carpets looking their best for longer, avoiding that costly replacement.”
“Overall, whether you choose to wear shoes in your house or not is a personal preference but going barefoot is a simple and effective way to slow down wear and tear and keep your floors looking their best for years to come.”
Alex Heslop, Trend Expert
