Etiquette varies around the world. Between countries, cultures and religions there may be many differences, but have you ever considered the etiquette of shoes?? Well, let me share some ‘shoe etiquette’ because it’s actually quite interesting and more important than you may think!
In Switzerland it’s quite customary to remove one’s shoes when entering someone’s home. The Suisse culture is fairly formal - being polite and showing respect for others is considered important. So removing one’s footwear is quite normal. However, when a tradesman entered my home, removed his shoes and then proceeded to put on a pair of slippers it really surprised me! Being a Muslim he would likely have removed his shoes whatever country he was in, but according to him wearing slippers was more respectful. Shoes are considered unclean in the Muslim faith and in Arab cultures, this much I already knew - don’t show the sole of your shoe to someone, shoes must be removed before prayers and if you throw a shoe at someone it’s the ultimate sign of disrespect, hence the acts of shoe throwing towards some politicians! However bringing your own slippers is not an obligation of the Muslim faith, nor the Arab culture but I found it a very polite gesture.
The Japanese culture also places a large emphasis on politeness and respect so wearing dirty shoes inside the house is a sign of disrespect. When invited into a private home in Japan, you’ll be expected to remove your shoes before you enter and your host will provide slippers for you to wear. If you’re staying in a traditional Japanese Ryokan you’ll also find another pair of slippers waiting for you. These will be placed at the entrance to the bathroom and you’ll be expected to change your house slippers for the bathroom slippers when entering. On my last trip to a Ryokan I was amused to find several pairs of slippers awaiting at the entrance in a variety of sizes!
In Thailand (and Buddhism) one’s head is given great importance (sacred and untouchable) whereas one’s feet being the lowest part of a person are considered dirty, as are shoes. Therefore the customs of taking one’s shoes off before entering a home and not raising them in the direction of others are similar to other cultures. You can see from the image the important relation between the head and feet in Thailand as the Queen and those around her keep their heads as close to the Kings feet in order to show him the ultimate respect before their marriage.
So ‘shoe’ etiquette is actually a thing! Remember that the next time you travel!
Julia Esteve
The Etiquette Consultant