"No Shoes in the House": Why Flip Flops Make Great "Inside Shoes"

Did you know that the oldest known sandals date back thousands of years? That's a long time for footwear to evolve. We may not know whether ancient people liked wearing shoes in the house (or cave), but we know they didn't bother with expensive white carpets. Nowadays, inside shoes are essential. It's harder to match flooring to the surrounding environment. It's a daily effort to keep your home clean and safe for your loved ones. On top of that, your shoes track in dirt, toxins, and more daily. Many cultures have already adopted practices that keep the dirt out. Flip flops are more than just a trend- they are a staple for anyone maintaining a home. Once you learn more, you'll wonder why Americans wear shoes in the house instead of flip flops. Below we will talk about a few ways that wearing flip flips indoors will change your life. We will also share tips from people who swear by this practice.

Your Carpets Will Last Longer

Few people even have time to keep up with life's little messes. The great outdoors can be beautiful, but that doesn't mean you want it in your nice, clean home. Gasoline, bird poop, bacteria, and other undesirable things can end up on your shoes after just one day's worth of errands. Most rugs aren't washable, and stained carpets are difficult to treat. Hardwood can get bits of dirt and gunk stuck in crevices. Unless you have a lease requiring regular carpet treatment, you probably want to avoid racking up the bill on carpets alone. Ask anyone who has experienced a natural disaster... or potty-trained a pet. House shoes only get as dirty as your floors, meaning both stay clean longer. This way, you can spend less time cleaning your floors and more time binging your favorite TV shows.

You Won't Bring As Many Toxins Into Your Home

Unfortunately, studies show that where we walk spreads bacteria more than we think. One study found that almost half of shoe soles collected contained C. diff, which is now resistant to any antibiotics. If you spread bacteria around your home, you greatly increase your risk of getting (and staying) sick for a while. Families with kids or older people can develop health problems when exposed to toxins over time. Small amounts may not be harmful, but shoes quickly accumulate toxic chemicals from daily use. Think used gum, empty bottles that leak out, etc. You probably already get healthy exposure to bacteria before factoring in shoe gunk. In this case, a "no shoes in the house" rule is better for your health!

You Get to Rock Comfy Shoes

The debate between house shoes vs. slippers is all about your needs. Walking around in slippers all evening can make your feet sweat, which is far from comfy. Whether you are relaxing at home or out by the pool, it's easier to unwind when your shoes set the mood. Most people like the feeling of freedom that you get with bare feet. Flip flops will leave room for you to wiggle your toes. They can also be made with a thin or thick heel, depending on your needs. You can look for flip flops with a thick base or thin, lightweight flip flops. You can shop for men or women, and backless or full flip flops. Most flip flops are easy to slip on or off, for those who need the best of both worlds. You can choose from a variety of materials, from rubber to leather. You can find shoes with extra or normal support in the heel.

Your Friends Will Thank You

If you walk around someone's home after walking through mud or pumping gas in the rain, you may not be invited back. It's good etiquette to leave a place as clean as it was when you arrived. If your friend has a dog and three kids, they may ease up on footwear rules. Still, many people appreciate the extra consideration. Leave a pair of inside shoes in your car if you can. You'll be able to grab them and go, instead of fretting over what your current shoes look like. Since flip flops are so lightweight, they are easy to cart around and quick to put on. Just remember to wait until you are in your friend's entryway to switch shoes. Pro tip: if you have kids, try a pair of flip flops that fasten and have some traction on the bottom.

Inside Shoes Make Traveling Easier

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, it's good to follow basic etiquette. Just like bowling or skating rinks, you want to mold the process (and shoe) to fit the setting. If you are traveling to Japan, for instance, you will wear inside shoes at some point. This goes for everyone, not just locals. The Japanese utilize geta sandals, flip flops worn for both function and style. Many public places provide inside shoes if you don't have any with you. They likely have a room or entryway to make the transition indoors simple. In Japan, this space is called a Genkan. While slippers are used in some cultures, you may find that flip flops are more versatile. Sandals let your feet breathe, meaning you don't have to worry about getting someone's house shoes dirty. They minimize the amount of footwear while completely protecting floors!

The Bottom Line

Fortunately, the market for house shoes is growing. More and more people are leaving their dirty shoes at the doorstep and opting for flip flops. Make wearing shoes in the house easier on you AND your carpets. You can enjoy the best of both comfort and functionality with flip flops. For more on the best indoor shoes, check out our blog. Our team riders will tell you how quickly our sandals and slippers changed their life. When it comes to inside shoes, you deserve the best!