I disagree with EG on this one. We have a shoeless house, and it is a lifestyle, a choice. We offer slippers at the door for those with cold feet. Shoes, even clean of dirt, track in polution, ashes, and the hard soles press small scratches in hardwood floors. We stopped wearing shoes inside when we had crawling toddlers and never went back.

I have also noticed that the amount of housework I have to do is far less in a shoeless environment. It is a tradition in many cultures, and now at our house. Our house feels like our sanctuary, and now we feel like we are wearing shoes to bed if we enter anyone's house and leave our shoes on.

I don't think there is a right or wrong here, but those who wear shoes in their home ought to be aware they are increasing their housework and decreasing the life of their floors, and that they are really missing out on another way to do things. And those nice shoes you mentioned? Pointy heels leave divits in hardwood floors.