Zara’s Side:
Living with my housemate Maya for over a year has made one thing clear to me: shoes should stay outside. I believe you should take them off before entering a home. I find it really unpleasant that Maya always walks in with her shoes on.
I’ve tried to make it easier by setting a shoes-off rule and even buying a shoe rack. But she always forgets. I know it’s her home too, and it raises the question of who makes the rules. To me, wearing shoes inside leads to chaos. It tracks in dirt, germs, and leaves marks on the floors. In my Moroccan family, you always leave shoes at the door. Maya is British and doesn’t see it the same way. She’s even worried shoes might get stolen from the rack by our door.
For me, this is about respect. Our home is shared, and everyone should feel comfortable walking barefoot without stepping on mud or dirt from outside. Maya argues it doesn’t matter because I have a dog, Rufus, and we’re all responsible for the mess. But a dog’s paws don’t hold dirt like shoes do, and I wipe his paws after muddy walks. Once, I even found chewing gum he’d stepped in on his bed—gum that Maya had brought in on her shoe.
Seeing shoes indoors feels offensive and makes the house seem dirty. Every time I spot Maya’s shoes inside, it’s a reminder she’s ignoring our shared agreement, even though she promised to try using the rack and wearing slippers. For the sake of hygiene, safety, and harmony, I think Maya should use the shoe rack and take her outdoor shoes off inside.
Maya’s Side:
Zara loves that wooden shoe rack she bought, but I usually walk right past it. I don’t think wearing shoes indoors is a terrible thing, and leaving a few pairs on the kitchen floor isn’t a crime.
I usually try to leave my shoes in my room, but sometimes I kick them off in the kitchen after walking through the house. I’ve just always worn shoes around the house growing up. I find it cozy and practical, and I like how it feels. I don’t wear them from the moment I wake up, but if I’m heading out, I’ll put them on a bit early. And when I come home, I don’t take them off right away. Zara and I come from different backgrounds, so we have different habits.
Zara gets offended that I don’t use the rack, but practically speaking, not every shoe fits neatly on it. Sometimes life is hectic and I simply forget. That doesn’t make me lazy or a bad housemate.
Zara acts like shoes on the floor are a crime scene and I’m the criminal. But some days I’m rushing out, coming home late, or just too tired to neatly line up my boots. It takes time to arrange them without knocking others over.
To me, this just means we’re living in our home normally. A few shoes scattered around don’t hurt anyone. I also think Zara’s argument about dirty floors isn’t fair because she has Rufus. A dog brings all sorts of things into a house, and she doesn’t make him wear indoor socks. I’ll stop wearing my shoes inside when Rufus gets a pair of dog slippers.
I’m not a fan of going barefoot indoors, while Zara loves it. Bare feet feel a bit too hippie to me, and since we have…Wooden floors get cold in the winter. I have slippers, but I don’t always want to wear them, and if I take the bins out, they become outdoor shoes anyway. I’m trying to get used to slippers, but I think wearing shoes inside sometimes is harmless. Zara should stop pushing for the shoe rack—it’s not for me.
The Guardian readers’ jury: Should Maya stop wearing shoes in the house?
It’s not a big ask to take your shoes off when you come inside. Shoes are filthy and carry all kinds of bacteria from public toilets, train stations, and pubs—things Rufus’s paws won’t.
Charlotte, 35
I’d suggest a good doormat, taking off really dirty shoes, and no bare feet. But the most important thing isn’t scientific or practical. Zara and Maya need to accept they’re sharing a space and find a compromise.
Christopher, 64
Wearing shoes around the house is just disgusting. Most shoe soles carry coliform bacteria, pesticides, lead, and other pathogens. Maya is also ignoring Zara’s feelings. Her comment about dog socks is just tit-for-tat, since she doesn’t care about dirty floors.
Adam, 55
Although it pains me to side with Maya, Zara has no right to insist everyone in the house follows her rules. Rules require agreement, and without it, there’s no obligation to comply. Taking your shoes off when entering a home is common courtesy, not a law.
David, 73
If you share a living space, you have to be willing to adapt. Maya could adapt by taking her shoes off at the door. It’s less clear how Zara should adapt—should she start wearing shoes inside? Just chill out? The most sensible solution is for Maya to take her shoes off.
Eddie, 46
Now you be the judge
In our online poll, tell us: should Maya take her shoes off at the door?
The poll closes on Wednesday, January 14, at 9 a.m. GMT.
Last week’s results
We asked if Noah should change the way he showers.
4% said yes – Noah is guilty
96% said no – Noah is innocent
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the topic Should my roommate remove her shoes inside our place designed to sound like questions from real people
General Beginner Questions
Q Why is this even a big deal Its just shoes
A Its a big deal because its about shared space Shoes track in dirt germs pesticides and allergens from outside which affects cleanliness health and the feeling of home for everyone
Q What are the main benefits of a noshoes policy
A A cleaner floor better indoor air quality longerlasting carpetsflooring and a more hygienic space for sitting or walking barefoot
Q Isnt it rude to ask someone to take off their shoes in their own home
A Its a shared home so the comfort and rules apply to everyone A polite respectful conversation about shared expectations is key not a demand
Q My roommate says its inconvenient What can I suggest
A Suggest having a dedicated pair of indooronly shoes or comfy slippers by the door This solves the comfort and convenience issue while keeping outside dirt contained
Practical ProblemSolving Questions
Q How do I start this conversation without starting a fight
A Use I statements Try Ive noticed the floors get dirty really fast Would you be open to trying a noshoes policy to see if it cuts down on cleaning for both of us Frame it as a shared benefit
Q What if my roommate has a medical reason or personal preference for wearing shoes inside
A This requires compromise The goal is to keep outside dirt out You could ask if theyd be willing to have a dedicated clean pair of shoes that never go outside or to at least wipe their shoes thoroughly on a highquality mat
Q What about when we have guests over It feels awkward to police them
A Set a clear example Have a tidy shoe rack or basket by the door When guests arrive you can say Were a noshoes house feel free to leave them here Most people will follow the hosts lead
