In Japan, it’s customary to take your shoes off when you enter the house, for both the homeowners and their visitors. Tatami is a material made of braided rice straw, which is used as flooring in traditional Japanese rooms. It’s very culturally important and, if shoes were worn to walk on it, the tatami would get dirty and be exposed to external pollutants, thus disrespecting the ancestral traditions and customs.
Leaving your shoes at the entrance is more than just a custom; it also avoids dirt, pollution, toxins, bacteria and diseases from entering the home. After just one day’s wear, a shoe can acquire thousands of harmful microorganisms and bacteria, so taking your shoes off can be linked to improved personal health and well-being.
Many people still see this as a strange and unusual practice, but it’s very common in many parts of the world for health, safety and hygiene reasons.

Types of Shoerack
Taking your shoes off when you enter the house is becoming a more common practice in Asia, Nordic countries, and even North America. In some places it’s regarded as a health measure, and in others it is simply a form of comfort and hygiene.
Here are some ideas for places to keep your shoes in the hall
- Shoe Tray: The number of options available increases every day; there are many diverse and beautiful versions on the market. These trays can be left at the entrance, so visitors can leave their shoes in a specific, stylish place.
- Wall-mounted Shoerack: This type of organiser is ideal for small spaces. It’s installed horizontally, and provides the perfect place for people to leave their shoes when they enter the house.
- Metal Shoerack: This is one of the most used styles. It keeps the shoes tidy, it’s practical, looks great, and is very easy to install.
- Maxi Shoerack: This style is most used by large families or people who receive a lot of visitors. This shoerack has a large capacity, it’s secure, looks great, and is very easy to install.
- Shoe Boxes: These are preferably made of wood, they can be hung one above the other, or at different heights on the wall. They can also be painted according to the design and decoration style of the hall, and, best of all, to the taste of the owner.
- Shoe Shelves: This type of shoerack has a beautiful design and a large storage capacity. This model is very stable and can store more than 18 pairs of shoes at once.
Health benefits of leaving shoes at the door
- Walking barefoot activates your nerve endings.
- It improves your anatomical structure.
- Reduces stress levels.
- Improves blood circulation.
- Keeps feet fresh, which helps avoid fungi and diseases.
Shoes are, and will always be, a wonderful invention; they allow people to move from place to place without damaging their feet. However, when people arrive at home, they often leave their shoes at the entrance, either by habit, custom or for health and hygiene reasons. It’s a great idea to have a gorgeous alternative shoerack, and there are many different places to keep one. Some ideal options are in the entrance, living room, bathroom or bedroom. They’re very functional and make life easier. They look after your shoes, making sure they’re kept in good condition, and ready for use the next day.