Reason 1.

You will reduce cleaning costs. Do not wear shoes in the house to vacuum. Just as a matter of common sense, taking off your shoes before the door will reduce the amount of dirt that gets into the house. No matter how well you wipe your shoes on the mat, particles still cling to the grooves and crevices of your shoes, especially those with rubber soles. And when it rains, shoes become an even bigger hazard to the home, leaving wet, muddy streaks on clean floors.

Reason 2.

You'll Banish Toxins. No shoes inside toxins. More than just dirt clings to your soles; toxins get a free ride indoors too. A Baylor University study showed an increased risk of cancer in people who lived near coal-tar-sealed asphalt pavement. Coal tar particles and other contaminants can easily be picked up by shoes and brought straight into our homes.

Reason 3.

You'll Stay Healthier. No shoes inside health. Bacteria found on shoes include strains that cause infections like meningitis, diarrhea, and even pneumonia, according to a study conducted by Charles Gerba, a microbiologist at the University of Arizona. As well, a study in Houston that examined household contamination with Clostridium difficile spores found that almost 40 percent of tested shoes carried the bacteria, which can be resistant to cleaning products and difficult to treat with antibiotics.

Reason 4.

You'll Strengthen Your Feet and Legs. No shoes physical health. How often do you walk around without shoes? Orthopedic medicine has found that there are multiple health benefits to ditching your footwear frequently, including better balance, stronger leg muscles, and improved posture. Make the most of your opportunities to wiggle your toes at home.

Reason 5.

You'll Create Sacred Space. No shoes sacred space. In many countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, going no-shoes at home is the norm. While the tradition may have cultural roots, it can be adopted and adapted to fit any lifestyle. As one of its many benefits, the custom establishes a positive ritual that honors your home and creates a sacred space.