A “Slipper-y” Alaskan Custom That You MUST Know Before Coming Here!
When traveling, we are often surprised by local customs and habits. We have our little idiosyncrasies in Alaska as well. For example, if you want to be a good guest here, you need to be forewarned of one peculiar expectation. Almost everyone here will ask you to remove your shoes before entering their home. In fact, it is considered bad manners to ignore this request. Shoe removal may be common in other cultures, but in the United States, this custom is mostly unexpected.
If you are staying in a hotel, you might not ever encounter this general rule. However, rental homes will most likely have a sign by the door where you enter. It is possible that you will have been sent this directive in their instructions on how to enter the home. If you visit a private residence, the evidence will be the pile of shoes by the front door.
Most homes have shoe racks (pro-tip, put your shoe on the upper rack so they don’t get drips in them from other shoes)or boot trays (for melting snow) by the front door where you should plant your footwear upon entry. A party will feature a sea of shoes to wade through in the entryway or artic entry (An arctic entry is a mud room between the front door and the living space. There is often a second doorway to enter the main house to retain heat.) Poor placement of your shoes may result in wet socks when you go to retrieve them before departing, as the floor can get puddled with melting snow. But all of the locals know to try to get their shoes within arms reach of the carpeted area… so the prime shoe real estate is often taken by the time you arrive.
We recommend that you travel with slippers or a pair of “indoor only” shoes for your comfort. It makes a lot of sense once you have lived here for a while. I became so used to it that when we travel outside of Alaska, people are surprised when our whole family will stop at the entrance of THEIR homes and remove our shoes (kids included). My family in “the lower 48” used to stare at our little pile of shoes by the front door in confusion (they know to expect it now). I carry my Uggs® in my purse to a party… furry, pretty, cozy, and dry… though I know that most guests will simply be in their socks.
On that note, wear your nice looking socks because they will be on display! You will appreciate a nice pair of thick fuzzy socks if you decide not to travel with slippers, especially if you tend to have cold feet. A pair of wool socks will keep your feet warm, even if they get wet.
So remember your manners in Alaska! Be prepared to go shoeless or bring a clean indoor option for your stay here! You may find that you like it (I always travel with slippers now!)
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