Well of course here (Sweden) everyone takes of their shoe regardless. They consider it dirty and unhygienic to wear 'outdoor' shoes inside. It's also the reason carpets aren't used, as they can harbour dirt and disease (they say). I often ask them about dogs coming in and out, but they can't answer that one.
I was bought up to always take off shoes at other peoples houses, so it does feel a bit strange not to nowadays when back in blighty.
My houses here have old oiled pine boards, so I don't care if others come in with shoes on. And one of the houses is used as a workshop anyway, so I tell customers to keep their shoes on, as their shoes are cleaner than the floor.
But it is funny to watch the swedes when they visit, especially the workshop house. I ask them in and they don't know what to do. They look at me, then my feet, then their feet, then back at me again, as it goes against all their rules, and they do like to follow the rules.
If people are coming over for an evening, or something, then they often bring their own slippers, or use some of mine kept specially for visitors. Not least because some of the boards are pretty rough, and the floor insulation poor, so it's best to have something more substantial than socks.
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