Flatmates clash over whether to wear shoes inside

Zara, who has lived with her housemate Maya for 14 months, says Maya should take her outdoor shoes off before entering their shared home after repeatedly ignoring a shoes-off policy.

Zara says she implemented a strict shoes-off rule and bought a shoe rack, but that Maya always walks into the house with shoes on, leaving dirt, germs and scuff marks. Zara cites her Moroccan upbringing as the reason she expects shoes to be left at the door, says she wipes their dog Rufus's paws after walks, and recounts finding chewing gum Maya had stepped in on Rufus’s bed.

Maya says she sometimes forgets, that not every shoe fits neatly on the rack, and that she grew up wearing shoes around the house and finds it practical and cosy. She says she often leaves shoes in her room or kicks them off in the kitchen when rushing, that slippers do not always feel right, and that occasional indoor shoes are harmless; she also told Zara she will stop wearing shoes inside when Rufus gets doggie slippers.

Guardian readers were divided: some said removing shoes on entry is a reasonable courtesy, others urged compromise and noted sharing requires agreement. The article invites readers to vote in an online poll, which closes on Wednesday 14 January at 9am GMT. Last week’s poll on a different household question returned 4% yes and 96% no.

Key Topics

Culture, Zara, Maya, Rufus, Morocco, Shoe Rack