Why Do White People Wear Shoes in The House? – [Some Interesting Facts]

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.!

A common cultural shock that most Asians experience when they come to Europe and America is that they see the white people wearing their shoes in the home. While wearing shoes or slippers inside the apartment is a common incident in white countries, it is an alienated culture in Japan and China.

But why do white people wear shoes in the house? Have you ever asked yourself the question? You might be surprised by the answer.

Most Americans and Europeans wear shoes at home to keep pace with their fast lifestyle, and they also feel comfortable keeping their outdoor shoes on at home too.

Nonetheless, this common phenomenon is not a well-appreciated culture in Japan and China. It has its cultural legacy as the main reason.

Why Do White People Wear Shoes in The House?

Many Chinese and Japanese will find it surprising to see mostly white people wearing their daily shoes at home too. In fact, Americans have made it a part of their life for a long time. But why do they wear the shoes indoors?

While most people consider that it is a long cultural attribute of white people to wear the shoes inside their home, the actual reasons are different.

City Life and Habits

According to United States Census Bureau reports, over 60% of Americans live in cities. In some parts, it goes well over 70%. Similarly, a majority of the Europeans live in metropolitan and other cities. And this is directly linked with these people wearing shoes even at their home.

Almost all cities in Europe and American have a mud-free design with lots of walkways, pavements, and highly tarmacked spaces. Thus, their shoes are less likely to get muddy and dirty. Whether they go to the office or come back home, their shoes will remain neat and clean.

Thus, the city dwellers find it convenient to wear their daily shoes even at home.

Personal Comfort and Convenience

Most white people have integrated wearing their daily shoes indoor as well. They comment that wearing their outdoor shoes; even indoor brings a sense of comfort and convenience to most white people.

And as we know, in both Europe and America, people value comfort and liberty above anything. Thus, it has become a common norm for them to wear shoes inside and easily walk around the different parts of their home.

Also, many whites actually think it would be offending to suggest their guest put off their shoes at the doorstep. Thus, most whites will actually let their guests wear their shoes at home.

Adapting to A Fast Lifestyle

We may agree or disagree, but white people have the fastest lifestyle in the world. Thus, many people find it a waste of time to change the footwear for going outside. Also, many whites will actually consider changing shoes while visiting their friends or families or when they come back home after work.

Henceforth, due to all these reasons, white people have made wearing shoes at home an acceptable and standard cultural norm.

Why Do Most European Cultures Wear Shoes Inside the House?

Most European culture has normalized to wear shoes at home, except the Northern Europeans. It has been integrated into their culture from their medieval age. But a few historians suggest that Europeans actually started to wear their shoes inside the home after the 1st Industrial Revolution.

Most people shifted to cities during this time and started working in different industries. Slowly, office culture developed, and people started wearing high-end leather shoes. Also, comfortable fabric-made shoes came during this time.

Thus, Europeans find it comfortable to wear shoes both outside and inside the home. Also, most European cities are exceedingly clean, which further helps the people to carry the shoes even at home. Also, larger space at home contributes to their culture of wearing shoes inside their apartments.

However, Northern Europe has a different shoe culture. Most Northern Europeans find it offensive and unhygienic to wear outdoor shoes at home.

Why Do Americans Wear Shoes in Their House and On the Bed?

Due to TV serials and movies, most people generalize that Americans actually wear their shoes almost all the time, even in bed. But this is not a true statement, at least in the warmer states.

The fact is that Americans have different shoes or slippers for their home and outdoor use. Even if they have to wear shoes during bed, it is not necessarily the same shoe they wear during jogging or offices. Their closet has a different set of shoes or slippers that they will wear on their bed. Also, they don’t wear the same shoe indoors and outdoors.

However, if they have to go outside shortly after coming home, they won’t put off the shoe. Thus, during the daytime, you may watch Americans wearing a shoe at home. Also, they won’t tell their guests to take off the shoes before entering the home.

However, with the COVID-19 conditions, new normal culture has changed, and most people will actually leave their outside shoes at doorsteps. Also, they will sanitize their legs before entering the home.

Why Do Chinese Not Wear Shoes in The House?

Chinese culture integrated the habit of removing shoes in the house during the Zhou Dynasty from 1025-256BC. They removed their shoes to pay respect to their lords. Thus, it has become a part of their long traditions.

Also, Chinese regions are full of dirt. Thus, many people remove their footwear to protect their carpet and wooden surface from dirt. Lastly, most Chinese consider it unhygienic to wear outdoor shoes even at home. It is part of their traditional belief.

Why Do Japanese Take Off Shoes in The House?

Japanese will seldom wear their shoes inside the home. It is partly attributed to their food and eating habits. Most Japanese will eat their meal on the floors. They sit in the tatami mats instead of the chairs while taking a meal.

Also, many Japanese actually sleep on the floor by rolling out their futon (a type of sleeping mattress). So, they never wear their outside shoe in the home to keep the floor free of dirt. Also, it is hygienic as they eat meals on the floor.

Why Do Chinese Wear Slippers?

Chinese uses slippers inside their home to protect their wooden floor from getting dirty. Since outdoor shoes carry dirt and waste, wearing them inside will leave the indoor floor dirty and unhygienic. Instead, they have developed the habit of wearing slippers inside the home.

Chinese slippers are soft and comfy. Thus, at one end, it enhances their comfort and, on the other point, prevents damage to the floor.

Conclusion

Many Asians want to know why do white people shoes in the house. It has become a part of their fast-paced lifestyle to save time. Also, people don’t suggest their guests put off their shoes while entering the home. They think it is offensive.

Also, due to less dust and mud in the cities, Europeans and Americans find it convenient to carry their outdoor shoes inside the home. However, the case is simply the opposite in China and Japanese. They consider wearing the hose at home highly offensive. Japanese eat meals on the floor and so, avoid wearing shoes inside the home, and Chinese do it to protect the floor from unnecessary wear and tear.

you might also like

Leave a Comment