The Shoes-Off Vs. Shoes-On Debate Rages On: Which Is Healthier for Your Home?

1217-shoes_vg.jpg
1217-shoes_vg.jpg

Shoes! They're so controversial! Some people shudder at the thought of tracking in dirt and germs into their home and have no-shoes policies, others hate the idea of taking their shoes off in their home or others (for a variety of reasons). What side are you on? Here's the latest news on this touchy subject--just in time for holiday parties ...

Related: A little reason to wash your hands often...

We've talked about this subject before, and it really fired you guys up. For good reason. The debate is a heated one. Let's take a look at what both sides are saying, courtesy of a fascinating article written by a friend of mine, Diane Mapes, over at MSNBC.com:

Anti shoes: Can you say "fecal matter"? People (and experts) argue that dirt and grime, including E. coli and all kinds of harmful bacteria and microbes, are tracked into homes on the back of shoes. Yuck! People with young, crawling children say they dread their children's hands touching dirty surfaces like this, so they ask visitors to remove their shoes. There are also cultural reasons that some people have no-shoe policies. (P.S. Shoe-haters, there are some cute, hand-made "please remove your shoes" signs at Flopping Fish.)

Pro shoes: Think shoes are gross? So are feet! Bare feet are crawling with bacteria and fungus and who wants to share the wealth? Jessica Gottlieb, a 39-year-old mom blogger from Los Angeles, says she dreads no-shoe homes: "I just don't go," she says. "If I get an invitation that says 'no shoes,' I make an excuse and say I'm not available. It's such a control issue. How dare you tell me what to wear? I've gone head-to-head with a hostess before and told her, 'I'm leaving my shoes on. I'll just stand in your foyer and talk.'" Other reasons people dread taking off their shoes: toenail fungus, height issues, embarrassment over feet and toes, etc. And don't think the communal sock or slipper basket is a good idea: One expert who was quoted in the article noted that nobody should use communal socks--they are breeding grounds for fungal infections. Yuck!

See our tips: 5 germy habits you should probably try to break...

So, looks like we're at an impasse here. I've always been anti-shoe, myself (especially since I have young children in my home--how do I know you didn't just use the restroom at 7-11 before arriving at my door?). But a shoe Nazi I am not--especially when I'm having a party. I have wood floors and tile throughout most of my home, so I can always scrub the floors after everyone goes home. Big deal--not worth the stress of losing friends over a silly rule.

Where do you stand on this issue? And tell me, if you were having a big holiday party, would you tell people to remove their shoes?

MORE FROM GLAMOUR: