maryannscraps
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,791
Aug 28, 2017 12:51:28 GMT
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Post by maryannscraps on Jun 27, 2021 11:30:50 GMT
I wonder why so many seem to have mobility issues and can no longer walk without wearing shoes. I have met very few people here (Norway) that must wear shoes inside. Many elderly choose to wear warm slippers, but that’s for warmth. Feet are meant to move freely. Walking without shoes keeps the muscles in the feet and legs strong, and keeps your balance good. My DH had a blood cancer that attacked his peripheral nervous system and left lasting damage. He has no feeling at all in his feet, so he can't balance very well on them unless he wears his braces. It's a big improvement over the wheelchair he was in when he first had the cancer. Or the walker he graduated to eventually. It's been a long, slow process that's taken more than 10 years to get to this point. He can't exercise the muscles in his lower legs and feet because the nerves that control the muscles don't work.
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christinec68
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,384
Location: New York, NY
Jun 26, 2014 18:02:19 GMT
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Post by christinec68 on Jun 27, 2021 12:13:00 GMT
I don’t feel strongly about it. We generally don’t wear shoes in the house for comfort reasons. We don’t have company often but they are welcome to keep their shoes on (as long as it’s not rainy/snowy out) or to take them off. I don’t automatically take my shoes off when I go to people’s homes but as a guest I certainly don’t mind doing it if it’s the house rule.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Jun 27, 2021 13:33:41 GMT
I wonder why so many seem to have mobility issues and can no longer walk without wearing shoes. I have met very few people here (Norway) that must wear shoes inside. Many elderly choose to wear warm slippers, but that’s for warmth. Feet are meant to move freely. Walking without shoes keeps the muscles in the feet and legs strong, and keeps your balance good. I have arthritis in my feet and have had multiple foot surgeries (and I’m having issues with the other foot now and I’m sure there is another surgery on the not distant horizon). The surgery has permanently repositioned the bones in my foot which shifts the weight bearing and which ultimately required custom orthotics to alleviate the resulting extreme pain in the ball of my foot. If I don’t wear shoes with the orthotics I can feel it in a fairly short amount of time so I try to follow my doctor’s guidance and wear shoes more often than not.
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Post by auntkelly on Jun 27, 2021 13:43:59 GMT
I don’t feel strongly about it. We generally don’t wear shoes in the house for comfort reasons. We don’t have company often but they are welcome to keep their shoes on (as long as it’s not rainy/snowy out) or to take them off. I don’t automatically take my shoes off when I go to people’s homes but as a guest I certainly don’t mind doing it if it’s the house rule. I don’t feel strongly about the topic either. I live in an area where it’s generally dry. Guests usually leave their shoes on when they visit someone else’s home. In my own home, I wear shoes when we have company, but I remove my shoes when it’s just family. If I visited someplace where it was the custom for people to remove their shoes before entering a house, then I would respect that custom. If I forgot to remove my shoes, I would hope someone would politely remind me to do so. If someone has a medical condition which makes it difficult for them to remove their shoes and/or go barefoot, I would expect the host to be understanding and make an exception to the no shoes requirement.
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Post by 950nancy on Jun 27, 2021 16:08:23 GMT
I have a elderly friend. that can’t take her shoes off once she gets them on, she would never get them back of if she did. It’s a good thing she she isn’t traveling overseas. Oh, if she’s like most of the American Peas on this thread, she wouldn’t enjoy it anyways, since it seems you are completely unable to understand that there are other cultures than your own. Bless your heart. I don't think most of us are saying that. I think you are taking this personally. When we travel, we always try to follow customs and norms. I was curious about your floors. If you have untreated pine, that explains why people take their shoes off. When you watch American commercials for flooring (and paint), you see spill after spill and large dogs and uncoordinated kids wreaking havoc on floors. Perhaps for many Americans the convenience of having flooring that will stand up to multiple climates, pets, and kids seems the norm. I think the OP asked an interesting question and we all have different opinions about what is okay in our house. I am usually enlightened by peas who have a different situation or opinion and just feel like the responses make me more open to world differences.
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,804
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Jun 27, 2021 16:29:30 GMT
nope, apparently American floors stand up to more than floors in Norway. Sweep and mop and the floors are clean. The traditional flooring (and many still have it), is untreated pine floors. So yeah, maybe your floors can take more abuse than ours. That makes a lot of sense then as to why shoes aren't worn inside. Pine is really soft and not really a great material for durable flooring. Most traditional wood floors in the US are oak or hickory.
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Post by gar on Jun 27, 2021 16:40:53 GMT
The traditional flooring (and many still have it), is untreated pine floors. So yeah, maybe your floors can take more abuse than ours. That makes a lot of sense then as to why shoes aren't worn inside. Pine is really soft and not really a great material for durable flooring. Most traditional wood floors in the US are oak or hickory. It seems to work for them 😊
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AmeliaBloomer
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,842
Location: USA
Jun 26, 2014 5:01:45 GMT
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Post by AmeliaBloomer on Jun 27, 2021 16:50:52 GMT
May I tangent about door mats, please?
I get judgy about guests who choose to keep their shoes on but also choose not to wipe their feet on the mats inside each door. Such an easy thing to do, but apparently not a habit for everyone…or many. Instead, they just stride in. LaDeeDa.
I notice more general grit and little pebble-ie things when I sweep after outdoor shoes have been worn in the house.
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,804
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Jun 27, 2021 17:06:50 GMT
That makes a lot of sense then as to why shoes aren't worn inside. Pine is really soft and not really a great material for durable flooring. Most traditional wood floors in the US are oak or hickory. It seems to work for them 😊 Yep. And really, whatever works for each person is fine.
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Post by gar on Jun 27, 2021 17:40:26 GMT
It seems to work for them 😊 Yep. And really, whatever works for each person is fine. Absolutely 😊
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Post by gar on Jun 27, 2021 17:41:34 GMT
It seems to work for them 😊 Yep. And really, whatever works for each person is fine. Absolutely 😊
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moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,255
Location: Western Illinois
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on Jun 27, 2021 19:22:41 GMT
In what way are floors ruined? I’m asking seriously, not trying to be snarky. Floors need to be cleaned whether you wear outdoor shoes inside or not, but I’m curious what you consider to be "ruined"? Water spots cannot be removed by cleaning, mud will scratch them, too much water can also warp the floors…. There are no good reason to wear outdoor shoes inside. Thanks for answering. I also saw your response later where you clarified what flooring is usual in Norway - that helps in understanding your strong feelings and what you describe as happening to ruin the floors. I do understand the concept of bringing indoor shoes or covers (I assume like the blue booties that are often worn at house showings or by medical people?), and I can see where many people would choose to do that if they are unable to go without or remove their shoes. I have to admit my mind flashed to when I wore a walking boot because of a broken foot - I don’t think any shoe covers I’ve ever used would have been big enough to go over that boot, although I assume there must be some that would?
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Post by curiouscrafter on Jun 27, 2021 22:12:11 GMT
We are shoe free with a dog. It’s not so much about the dirt that get tracked in but more about the bacteria and germs from the floors of public buildings…grocery stores, schools, restrooms. No thanks. This ^^^
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ddly
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,019
Jul 10, 2014 19:36:28 GMT
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Post by ddly on Jun 27, 2021 22:57:36 GMT
I don’t have a shoe free house but we don’t wear our shoes in the house. We all have slippers we wear. I don’t care if visitors wear shoes.
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Post by dewryce on Jun 27, 2021 23:11:52 GMT
Oh, if she’s like most of the American Peas on this thread, she wouldn’t enjoy it anyways, since it seems you are completely unable to understand that there are other cultures than your own. Bless your heart. I don't think most of us are saying that. I think you are taking this personally. When we travel, we always try to follow customs and norms. I was curious about your floors. If you have untreated pine, that explains why people take their shoes off. When you watch American commercials for flooring (and paint), you see spill after spill and large dogs and uncoordinated kids wreaking havoc on floors. Perhaps for many Americans the convenience of having flooring that will stand up to multiple climates, pets, and kids seems the norm. I think the OP asked an interesting question and we all have different opinions about what is okay in our house. I am usually enlightened by peas who have a different situation or opinion and just feel like the responses make me more open to world differences. I agree completely. Of course if I were in a home where removing my shoes was expected I would do it. But if they weren’t slip on shoes, it would be incredibly difficult and painful if appropriate seating wasn’t available right there at the entrance on one of my bad back days. On those days I have to sit on a highish surface like my bed, turn, and lift my bent leg so that it rests on the seat with my foot very close to me. Then I can reach my shoes. It still hurts, but at least it’s possible. So I wouldn’t be able to do it on a small or short little bench, or one with arms. And I think the comment about it having to be the American Way or the highway was uncalled for. Especially in this thread considering most of us are saying that we want our guests to do whatever makes them most comfortable in our own homes. I haven’t noticed any comments where anyone indicated they wouldn’t do it if requested or expected when they are guests in another’s home. Just that it might be painful, or maybe that they wouldn’t be able to come. Personally, I prefer floors that are easy maintenance, but I imagine the older soft pine floors are beautiful with a lot of character. Solid oak floors here seem to age well and their wear and tear can also be a part of their charm.
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Post by christine58 on Jun 27, 2021 23:17:15 GMT
If you live with, visit or are someone who is immunosuppressive, shoes should NOT be worn inside the house. Every person I have ever known to be undergoing chemo is told this. Especially stem cell transplant patients.
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Post by miominmio on Jun 28, 2021 7:28:44 GMT
I don't think most of us are saying that. I think you are taking this personally. When we travel, we always try to follow customs and norms. I was curious about your floors. If you have untreated pine, that explains why people take their shoes off. When you watch American commercials for flooring (and paint), you see spill after spill and large dogs and uncoordinated kids wreaking havoc on floors. Perhaps for many Americans the convenience of having flooring that will stand up to multiple climates, pets, and kids seems the norm. I think the OP asked an interesting question and we all have different opinions about what is okay in our house. I am usually enlightened by peas who have a different situation or opinion and just feel like the responses make me more open to world differences. I agree completely. Of course if I were in a home where removing my shoes was expected I would do it. But if they weren’t slip on shoes, it would be incredibly difficult and painful if appropriate seating wasn’t available right there at the entrance on one of my bad back days. On those days I have to sit on a highish surface like my bed, turn, and lift my bent leg so that it rests on the seat with my foot very close to me. Then I can reach my shoes. It still hurts, but at least it’s possible. So I wouldn’t be able to do it on a small or short little bench, or one with arms. And I think the comment about it having to be the American Way or the highway was uncalled for. Especially in this thread considering most of us are saying that we want our guests to do whatever makes them most comfortable in our own homes. I haven’t noticed any comments where anyone indicated they wouldn’t do it if requested or expected when they are guests in another’s home. Just that it might be painful, or maybe that they wouldn’t be able to come. Personally, I prefer floors that are easy maintenance, but I imagine the older soft pine floors are beautiful with a lot of character. Solid oak floors here seem to age well and their wear and tear can also be a part of their charm. That is YOUR opinion. What I see, is an unwillingness to acknowledge that other cultures have other customs (and in my country, it is regarded as rude to wear your outdoor shoes inside in other people’s homes. If you have a medical reason for wearing shoes, you bring indoor shoes or something to cover them with. Not, under any circumstances, do you put your host in the awkward situation of having to agree to something that she would prefer you to not do), as the arguments thrown back at me, for the most part, have been worded in a way to make the shoeless culture seem inconsiderate and backwards.
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maryannscraps
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,791
Aug 28, 2017 12:51:28 GMT
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Post by maryannscraps on Jun 28, 2021 11:18:40 GMT
If you live with, visit or are someone who is immunosuppressive, shoes should NOT be worn inside the house. Every person I have ever known to be undergoing chemo is told this. Especially stem cell transplant patients. Huh, my DH had a stem cell transplant and nobody every said anything like that. He was told to stay out of the dirt in the yard, and not to go outside while the lawn was being mowed. They said petting and being around the dog and cats was fine, even though they spent time outside. We all laughed at his low bacteria diet, where eating twinkies was fine but no fresh fruit. We mostly take our shoes off when we come in the door, except for DH. Not a rule or anything, but I like to wear my oofos in the house because they make my feet feel good.
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Post by christine58 on Jun 28, 2021 11:27:56 GMT
Huh, my DH had a stem cell transplant and nobody every said anything like that. He was told to stay out of the dirt in the yard, and not to go outside while the lawn was being mowed. They said petting and being around the dog and cats was fine, even though they spent time outside. We all laughed at his low bacteria diet, where eating twinkies was fine but no fresh fruit. We mostly take our shoes off when we come in the door, except for DH. Not a rule or anything, but I like to wear my oofos in the house because they make my feet feel good. My mom (colon cancer) and my cousin (Leukemia) were both told to stay out of the dirt also BUT they were both told, no shoes in the house. The charity I volunteer for has many kids who had stem cells (cord blood) transplants and they were also told the same thing.
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Post by freecharlie on Jun 28, 2021 15:29:06 GMT
I agree completely. Of course if I were in a home where removing my shoes was expected I would do it. But if they weren’t slip on shoes, it would be incredibly difficult and painful if appropriate seating wasn’t available right there at the entrance on one of my bad back days. On those days I have to sit on a highish surface like my bed, turn, and lift my bent leg so that it rests on the seat with my foot very close to me. Then I can reach my shoes. It still hurts, but at least it’s possible. So I wouldn’t be able to do it on a small or short little bench, or one with arms. And I think the comment about it having to be the American Way or the highway was uncalled for. Especially in this thread considering most of us are saying that we want our guests to do whatever makes them most comfortable in our own homes. I haven’t noticed any comments where anyone indicated they wouldn’t do it if requested or expected when they are guests in another’s home. Just that it might be painful, or maybe that they wouldn’t be able to come. Personally, I prefer floors that are easy maintenance, but I imagine the older soft pine floors are beautiful with a lot of character. Solid oak floors here seem to age well and their wear and tear can also be a part of their charm. That is YOUR opinion. What I see, is an unwillingness to acknowledge that other cultures have other customs (and in my country, it is regarded as rude to wear your outdoor shoes inside in other people’s homes. If you have a medical reason for wearing shoes, you bring indoor shoes or something to cover them with. Not, under any circumstances, do you put your host in the awkward situation of having to agree to something that she would prefer you to not do), as the arguments thrown back at me, for the most part, have been worded in a way to make the shoeless culture seem inconsiderate and backwards. are you not seeing that YOU are also unwilling to see that cultures other than your own feel differently? Why is it only American unwillingness to see other sides? You certainly aren't open. And again, most people are saying they do what the homeowner prefers. Some homeowners are flexible and want their guest to do what is comfortable and some are more rigid in their expectations. But you are just as unwilling to see other people's views as you are accusing us damn Americans of doing.
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sharlag
Drama Llama
I like my artsy with a little bit of fartsy.
Posts: 6,580
Location: Kansas
Jun 26, 2014 12:57:48 GMT
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Post by sharlag on Jun 28, 2021 15:54:41 GMT
If you live with, visit or are someone who is immunosuppressive, shoes should NOT be worn inside the house. Every person I have ever known to be undergoing chemo is told this. Especially stem cell transplant patients. New information! Thanks for sharing.
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Post by katlady on Jun 28, 2021 16:25:53 GMT
One time we had a worker come into the house. I forget if it was a plumber or a gas utility person. But, even before we said anything, he pulled out those paper covers for his shoes and put them on. That was a surprise. I don’t tell people to take off their shoes, and I wouldn’t have said anything to him.
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Post by dewryce on Jun 28, 2021 16:33:14 GMT
I agree completely. Of course if I were in a home where removing my shoes was expected I would do it. But if they weren’t slip on shoes, it would be incredibly difficult and painful if appropriate seating wasn’t available right there at the entrance on one of my bad back days. On those days I have to sit on a highish surface like my bed, turn, and lift my bent leg so that it rests on the seat with my foot very close to me. Then I can reach my shoes. It still hurts, but at least it’s possible. So I wouldn’t be able to do it on a small or short little bench, or one with arms. And I think the comment about it having to be the American Way or the highway was uncalled for. Especially in this thread considering most of us are saying that we want our guests to do whatever makes them most comfortable in our own homes. I haven’t noticed any comments where anyone indicated they wouldn’t do it if requested or expected when they are guests in another’s home. Just that it might be painful, or maybe that they wouldn’t be able to come. Personally, I prefer floors that are easy maintenance, but I imagine the older soft pine floors are beautiful with a lot of character. Solid oak floors here seem to age well and their wear and tear can also be a part of their charm. That is YOUR opinion. What I see, is an unwillingness to acknowledge that other cultures have other customs (and in my country, it is regarded as rude to wear your outdoor shoes inside in other people’s homes. If you have a medical reason for wearing shoes, you bring indoor shoes or something to cover them with. Not, under any circumstances, do you put your host in the awkward situation of having to agree to something that she would prefer you to not do), as the arguments thrown back at me, for the most part, have been worded in a way to make the shoeless culture seem inconsiderate and backwards. I don’t feel like it’s not being acknowledged, more just people are sharing the way it’s handled where we live, simply answering the original question, just like you are doing. And in some places it is seen as inconsiderate. That’s not meant as a knock against how your country does it, just sharing how it is viewed in some areas here. And I can see how reading that might feel like an insult or an attack if that’s how you do it, but I truly do not feel that is the intent. (Eta: And I say this not to say that you are wrong in seeing it as you do, because that’s a matter of opinion and yours is just as valid as anyone else’s; but to hopefully help you feel better and understand that the intention isn’t to attack or denigrate your customs, simply share what ours are. Am I making sense?) Eta: I agree about not making the host uncomfortable or putting them in an awkward situation, so it’s wonderful to read info like you’re providing so that we know bringing indoor shoes would be expected. Had I not read that I never would have considered it simply because the only time I’ve been exposed to it has been when someone just had their floors done and when my sister had her baby. In cases like those, people have given me warnings ahead of time. But of course someone in your region would probably never considered the advanced warning simply because they’ve not needed to since that’s the way everyone does it there. I love reading about differences in states, regions, countries on here! Do your floors develop a sort of patina over time? How is the color affected, does it eventually turn a lot darker or more brown than yellow? I think that’d be very pretty.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 7, 2024 9:32:56 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2021 22:00:30 GMT
I remember seeing a TV programme once where a Scandinavian family were hosting a travel programme presenter to stay over in their home - might have been Ben Fogle - not sure ,but I think they had a basket of slippers by the door for guests to use .
I love hearing about other cultures and traditions too.
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scrapngranny
Pearl Clutcher
Only slightly senile
Posts: 4,826
Jun 25, 2014 23:21:30 GMT
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Post by scrapngranny on Jun 29, 2021 0:14:36 GMT
If you have dogs there is no point to a shoeless house.
I feel it is rude to ask guests to remove their shoes to enter your house, no matter what. I would put the paper booties on, but refuse to remove my shoes.
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Post by belgravia on Jun 29, 2021 1:53:41 GMT
If you have dogs there is no point to a shoeless house. I feel it is rude to ask guests to remove their shoes to enter your house, no matter what. I would put the paper booties on, but refuse to remove my shoes. You would REFUSE to take your shoes off if someone asked you to? See, I think THAT’S rude.
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Post by 950nancy on Jun 29, 2021 3:02:15 GMT
I agree completely. Of course if I were in a home where removing my shoes was expected I would do it. But if they weren’t slip on shoes, it would be incredibly difficult and painful if appropriate seating wasn’t available right there at the entrance on one of my bad back days. On those days I have to sit on a highish surface like my bed, turn, and lift my bent leg so that it rests on the seat with my foot very close to me. Then I can reach my shoes. It still hurts, but at least it’s possible. So I wouldn’t be able to do it on a small or short little bench, or one with arms. And I think the comment about it having to be the American Way or the highway was uncalled for. Especially in this thread considering most of us are saying that we want our guests to do whatever makes them most comfortable in our own homes. I haven’t noticed any comments where anyone indicated they wouldn’t do it if requested or expected when they are guests in another’s home. Just that it might be painful, or maybe that they wouldn’t be able to come. Personally, I prefer floors that are easy maintenance, but I imagine the older soft pine floors are beautiful with a lot of character. Solid oak floors here seem to age well and their wear and tear can also be a part of their charm. That is YOUR opinion. What I see, is an unwillingness to acknowledge that other cultures have other customs (and in my country, it is regarded as rude to wear your outdoor shoes inside in other people’s homes. If you have a medical reason for wearing shoes, you bring indoor shoes or something to cover them with. Not, under any circumstances, do you put your host in the awkward situation of having to agree to something that she would prefer you to not do), as the arguments thrown back at me, for the most part, have been worded in a way to make the shoeless culture seem inconsiderate and backwards. My question about the dogs was not thrown back at you. I have two very thick beasts who swim in our lake and have low bellies. No amount of foot wiping would get all of the sand/dirt off of the dogs unless they were tossed in a tub every day after a walk. We have bamboo floors that are hardy and can take grit when needed. I was looking at the floors from my perspective and wanted to know if your country was big on pets. That's it. I don't think your country is inconsiderate or backwards. I think you read into the comments what you wanted.
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Post by greendragonlady on Jun 29, 2021 3:41:33 GMT
I wear shoes inside but they are shoes that don't go outside. I have plantar fasciitis so walking around without shoes is painful. What do you wear for shoes? Anything special? My feet hurt All. The. Time. The foot doctor said there's nothing wrong with me, but here we are. I've tried a ton of different shoes, and had special inserts made twice (once from the chiropractor and once from the foot doctor) and nothing seems to help.
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