Mary Killen Mary Killen

Dear Mary: Do I really have to take my shoes off indoors?

Plus: Avoiding new friends, and how to not go dutch

issue 29 November 2014

Q. There has been a marked increase in the number of people who have pristine flooring and are so keen not to have outside dirt brought in that it has, in my view, entered the value system of good manners for me to offer to remove my shoes when arriving at their homes. That’s fine. But in the evening, especially if I’m invited to a dinner or drinks party, I think about my shoes according to the rest of my outfit. To then have to take off the soft, possibly Jimmy Choo, suede shoes or delicate leather boots and spend the evening in barely stockinged feet is, to me, uncomfortable and a wasted opportunity of dangling around in lovely footwear. To be offered a disposable Muji slipper would be even worse. Is there any way I can stay sartorially intact without causing offence?
— T.R., Devon

A. Why not outwit such pristine floor owners by arriving in disposable Muji slippers and changing into the Jimmy Choos at the front door?

Q.

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