It may be convenient, but it’s not healthy to keep your shoes on when you get home. The sole of the shoes, especially the plastic ones, can retain viruses, bacteria, and all kinds of germs for a few days.
- Make a habit and change your shoes before entering the house, especially now during the coronavirus outbreak.
Choose a pair of shoes that are comfortable and go with everything, and you can wear them only outside.
Now, I wear only a pair of shoes outside the house, white classic sports shoes that are easy to clean and go with everything. When I get home, I leave them on the rug in front of the door, take my socks off and wear the house slippers.
- Wear closed-toe shoes to avoid exposing too much skin.
Springtime is unpredictable, windy, and rainy days can carry germs and viruses from all over the city. Stepping accidentally in a puddle and wearing closed-toe shoes can prevent your feet not only to get wet but also to catch some germs. Or the worst-case scenario, you can step on gum and carry it on your shoes’ sole to your home.
- Clean your shoes: put gloves on and wipe the sole of your shoes with disinfected wipes or alcohol sanitizer.
Also, you can apply the tape shoe trick that fashion stylists use: cover the bottom with one layer of duct tape. I use it all the time to protect the sole, especially when the shoes are new, in case I must return them.
Take off your shoes when you get home, clean them, and leave them for a couple of hours outside.
Probably now, with this occasion, many people will start implementing a new house rule requiring shoes off in the house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I take my shoes off when I get home?
It may be convenient to keep them on, but it is not healthy: shoe soles, especially plastic ones, can retain viruses, bacteria, and all kinds of germs for a few days. Changing your shoes before entering the house is a good habit to develop.
What shoes are best for wearing outside the house?
Choose one comfortable pair that goes with everything and wear it only outside, such as classic white sports shoes that are easy to clean. Leave them at the door when you get home and switch to house slippers.
How do I clean and disinfect my shoes?
Put gloves on and wipe the soles with disinfectant wipes or alcohol sanitizer, then leave the shoes outside for a couple of hours. You can also use the stylists tape trick of covering the sole with a layer of duct tape to protect it.
Are closed-toe shoes better for hygiene outdoors?
Yes, closed-toe shoes avoid exposing too much skin, which matters on unpredictable windy and rainy days that can carry germs around the city. If you accidentally step in a puddle, closed-toe shoes keep your feet from getting wet and from picking up germs.