For me, it’s a hard no.
If you’re looking for simple ways to support your health (including the health of your home), I’d recommend leaving them at the door.
Simply put –
From the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the products we use – almost everything we come into contact with has to ability to deposit small amounts of undesirable substances into our body. Our body has to work to metabolize and excrete these substances, or they end up being stored mostly in our fatty tissues.
For optimal health, we want to try to reduce our toxic load as much as we can as an accumulation of toxins within the body can cause havoc on our internal systems.
Toxins can enter our homes in several ways. Through the air (indoor air is generally more toxic than outdoor air, which is why I make sure to get fresh air daily), in the household products we use, and simply through the bottom of our shoes.
The soles of your shoes are home to dust, dirt, mold, allergens, and harmful bacteria like c. diff and e.coli from fecal matter (to name just a few).
How I reduce the amount of toxins I am exposed to in my home:
1. Shoes at the door
2. House plants + beeswax candles to purify the air
3. Natural cleaning products (you can make your own with vinegar and baking soda)
4. Ceramic non-stick cookware + glass food storage containers
5. Vacuuming + dusting frequently
6. Opening windows to let the fresh air flow through
7. Using a water filter
8. Non-toxic skincare + beauty products
If you don’t know where to begin, taking your shoes off in your home is a great start.
