I can’t count how many times my friends from other cultural backgrounds make jests about how I wear shoes inside my house. If you also find wearing shoes inside the house an uncanny sighting; there are a few valid reasons why I as an American wear shoes inside the house.
why do white people wear shoes in the house? White people wear shoes inside the house to protect their feet, to make up for an unbalanced arch or a collapsed foot, as preventive care like in the case of health issues such as diabetes, to keep warm in chilling conditions and just to be a white person(haha).
In this article, we will share with you details about why white people wear shoes in the house and why it’s not good and a sneak peek at most cultures that wear shoes in the house.
why do white people wear shoes in the house?
There are many reasons why white people wear shoes in the house. It could be as a result of a health challenge or a complete involuntary act—hardwired by culture.
To prevent accidents
Older people are prone to accidental falls since they are less conscious or lack the strong grips they enjoyed while they were young. Older people who roam the house barefooted or even with slippers tend to fall more than 50% of the time according to science daily.
Each year, older adults report having about 36 million falls, which cause more than 32,000 fatalities. Approximately 3 million senior citizens receive emergency room care each year for injuries sustained in falls. Every fifth fall results in an injury, such as a head injury or broken bones. According to CDC.gov.
Falls are not naturally part of aging, a whole lot of things contribute to falling in older adults such as fear of falling(psychological), loose grip, poor vision, and mental-related issues.
Wearing shoes with socks makes it safer for older people to walk through the house without the risk of having a fatal fall. For older adults with fear issues, their confidence to walk around goes up when they put on shoes inside the house.
Beyond age-related slips and falls, we American love to wear shoes inside the house— especially in chilling climes, it provides warmth for the feet. A person who is staying in a tropical area and walks barefooted on tiles will catch a cold, this is why Americans wear shoes indoors.
Health issues
Health issues such as diabetes could make an American wear shoes inside the house. Having injuries when suffering from diabetes could prove to be costly most times. A diabetic patient will experience delayed blood clotting or none at all—which is why a diabetic patient will strive to avoid situations that will lead to a physical injury, including wearing shoes at all times.
Comfort
Hardwood floors like oak, maple, and walnut in cabins or hard floors, in general, could cause a crash. So, the best way to navigate hard floors is to wear cushioned shoes indoors. Pediatrics so much recommend the use of cushioned shoes especially if you experience pain walking on hard tile surfaces or you slip easily. However, it’s a no-brainer that shoes will lead to quick wear on your carpets and wooden floors.
Differences in the foot arch
The foot is characterized by 3 arches; the longitudinal( lateral and medial) and anterior transverse arch. This arch which is supported by the tendons and ligament in the foot is formed by metatarsal and tarsal bones.
These arches will enable you to walk and run, absorbing shock in the process while helping you maintain balance. Most people are born with a complete functional arch, while some other persons may lack a normal arch as a result of birth defects, or accidents—leading to imbalance while you walk—causing accidental falls.
While we walk, our feet turn in (pronate) naturally, but when we walk barefooted, our feet will turn in for a longer time leading to a collapsed foot—causing distress to both our body and feet.
People with an imbalanced arch or people who try to avoid their feet collapsing will ultimately use shoes to create balance while they walk around their house. This is why you’ll see some white people wear shoes inside the house.
To avoid infections
Beyond stepping on broken glasses or pins that we may have mistakenly dropped on the floor, the avoidance of infection is a good reason why white people don’t wear shoes in the house.
Walking barefoot leads to infection of the nail and foot. Fungus is a common leg infection that affects how your leg smells and the appearance of your feet in general. Most people who experience a dried-out and scaly foot will away opt for scrubbing their feet or using a moisturizer; while what they need is an anti-fungal cream.
Not just the skin will experience so much discomfort, but the nails also get harder leading to pains and pressure on your toes according to gothamfootcare. Fungus is not the only infection we worry about, if you have pets at home, especially outdoor cats, you don’t know what they may bring home. The best way to stay safe is to wear some shoes.
Cultural factor
Wearing shoes inside the house has become a norm among Americans and most parts of Europe. A person who has stayed in these places over the years will subconsciously find his/herself wearing shoes inside the house. Avoiding this social culture can be hard to avoid.
It is hard to tell the exact period at which this culture of wearing shoes in the house began, but this act is said to have existed for a few centuries. Some people will attach the beginning of this culture to the great plague during medieval Europe.
Over time, wearing shoes inside the house has become a norm for Westerners. However, we all respect culture and tradition as diversity is the spice of life, but wearing shoes inside the house can lead to unwanted circumstances which we will explain in the next sub-heading.
why should you not wear shoes in the house?
If you want to make a case with a western friend of yours who wears shoes in the house, or you’re a guilty American like me and you want to find out the disadvantages of wearing your shoes indoors. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t wear shoes indoors.
E. Coli
E. coli is a very common bacterial that grows in mammals and humans. E. Coli naturally habits our intestines and guys. This E. Coli has several types that are not harmful, but they have some strains that could cause upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea kidney failure in kids, confusion, and seizures.
The streets of America may appear clean and neat, but the strains of E.coli that could cause you to become very sick can be picked up when your dog or cat goes out and comes back or when you wear the shoe out and also wear shoes in.
If you must wear shoes indoors, you should have a separate shoe used for indoor and outdoor purposes. This is the basic way to keep yourself safe.
Pesticides
Depending on where you stay and the settings of your home. There is a high chance your shoe’s sole could bring in chemicals that could be harmful to your body.
I have a garden where I relax and also cook directly from, as I have planted most of my essential/favorite spices flowers, and fruits over the years. I am very much aware of the dangers of some chemicals present in some pesticides I use such as triazines which are known to cause reproductive toxicity and are being linked with breast cancer.
Hence, I ensure to use boots in the garden(which I take off before entering the house) and I don’t let my pets gain access to the garden.
Staphylococcus aureus
This menacing bacteria is not just the most dangerous variant of the staphylococcus bacteria, they are also commonly found on the shoes of people who work in healthcare and food facilities.
If you have just paid a visit to the hospital or you just visited a market or practically almost anywhere; there is a high chance you have the bacteria on your shoes. You will be causing health problems for yourself.
Cultures That Don’t Wear Shoes In The House
There are a handful of cultures around the world that don’t wear shoes in the house. For many, it’s a sign of respect for the home. Others believe that shoes are dirty and should be left at the door.
Whatever the reason, there are a few cultures that have embraced the no-shoes policy. Here are a few of them.
The Amish
The Amish are a religious group that originated in Switzerland. They migrated to North America in the 18th century and settled in Pennsylvania.
The Amish are known for their simple lifestyle and their rejection of modern technology. One of the things they reject is shoes in the house. The Amish believe that shoes are dirty and they should be left at the door. It’s a sign of respect for the home.
The Navajo
The Navajo are a Native American tribe that lives in the southwestern United States. They have a long and rich history.
The Navajo believe that shoes are dirty and they should be left at the door. It’s a sign of respect for the home.
The Japanese
The Japanese are known for their cleanliness. They have a saying that goes, “by keeping your home clean, you can prevent disease. One who maintains cleanliness keeps diseases at bay.” The Japanese take their shoes off when they enter the house. It’s a sign of respect for the home.
The Koreans
The Koreans are another culture that takes their shoes off when they enter the house. It’s a sign of respect for the home. In Korea, it’s also considered rude to wear shoes in someone else’s home.
There are a handful of cultures around the world that don’t wear shoes in the house. For many, it’s a sign of respect for the home. Others believe that shoes are dirty and should be left at the door.
Whatever the reason, there are a few cultures that have embraced the no-shoes policy.
Why do Americans wear shoes in bed?
If you watch American series, movies, and reality shows, you would have seen some of us having our shoes on the bed. Which should have triggered your question: why do Americans wear shoes in bed? There are a few reasons that will most likely explain why.
The first reason is that it’s a way to keep your feet warm. In cold weather, it can be difficult to keep your feet warm at night, so wearing shoes in bed can help.
Another reason is that it’s a way to protect your feet from being injured. If you’re wearing shoes in bed, it’s less likely that you’ll accidentally step on something sharp or harmful if you wake suddenly.
Finally, a person could wear a shoe or flip-flop to bed involuntarily, as a result of a bond created with the software subconsciously.
Whatever the reason, wearing shoes in bed is a common practice for some people in the United States. So, if you’re ever wondering why someone is wearing shoes in bed, there’s a good chance that it’s for one of these three reasons.
Why Do Americans Wear Shoes In The House? -Final thoughts
Americans wear shoes in the house majorly because of culture and the environment. The city areas of America are not as dusty or muddy as some other countries—this means their shoes will not get dirty as the shoes of people leaving in sandy and muddy areas.
Although we advise you to wear shoes inside for a host of reasons if you must wear shoes in your house make sure you have separate shoes for staying inside and for outings. You can avoid having a smelly foot by doing what you love to do the right way.