Maybe you've heard that in Japan it's not only polite to take off your shoes in someone's home, it's culturally expected. Japanese homes have a special area by the door for the family or guests to leave their shoes (facing outdoors) and room shoes (like slippers) are provided. These shoes are never worn outside the home. You wear the room shoes unless you're on a tatami mat (where you should have socks or be barefoot) or in the bathroom (where you wear slippers specifically for that room). Besides the custom being respectful, there are many practical reasons for adopting a similar practice in your own home. Here are just four: 

1. Track in less bacteria

If you wear Japanese-style room shoes once you're inside your home, you won't track in nearly as much bacteria from the outside world. Even if you don't feel like your shoes got dirty, the germs from public restrooms or the outdoor walking path are not going to be visible. You don't want to track that bacteria all over your home, especially if you have toddlers or pets that are prone to putting things on the floor into their mouths. One study found that a common bacteria on shoe bottoms is E. coli, and that can cause serious infections. Japanese-style room shoes for yourself and your guests will help you worry less about what germs are being tracked inside.

2. Clean less frequently

Besides protecting yourself from germs, changing into room shoes right away will decrease the amount of mud and dirt that's tracked into your home. Without that dirt all over, you won't have to clean the floors quite as often, freeing you up to attend to other responsibilities. Japanese-style room shoes will be worth it, especially with young children who tend to get dirtier outside.

3. Wear out shoes and flooring less quickly

A great deal of your time is likely spent in your own home. If you're wearing shoes that whole time, that's going to wear out your shoes faster, as well as the frequently trafficked floors in your house. High-quality shoes can be expensive, and new flooring even more so. You want shoes and flooring to stay nice for as long as possible. Japanese style room shoes can help with that, as they'll be gentler on your carpet and keep you from wearing your outdoor shoes all the time.

4. Feel more at home

Society nowadays is always on the go. If you struggle to leave work at work and relax at home, changing out of your shoes right away into a pair meant only for your home may help you get into a relaxed mindset. You'll really feel more like you're truly at home when you're in the shoes. If you prefer to wear the type of shoes you wear outdoors, opt for a pair of Japanese room shoes that aren't as much like slippers so they feel sturdier for you.

There are many benefits to having Japanese-style room shoes in your home. Pick up some today, from a business like Morihata, and make your home cleaner and cozier!