[Blitzwing85]

I've always thought it was more talked about in Japan because they do it for more cultural or traditional reasons? Rather than simply not wanting to dirty the floor. Maybe i'm wrong but that was what i thought.

Where as in many other countries it's still done, but mostly just so you don't feel like you're being igorant to others.

End of the day the world is a filthy place, and i wouldn't want someone walking around on my expensive carpet with dirty shows on!!!
I have a hallway as others have mentioned with a coat hanger and shoe rack and matress...plus wooden flooring for easy cleaning.
I expect guests to remove shoes here as i would in their house.

But certainly shoes are always left on anywhere else. Except obvious hygeine contious places such as swimming baths etc.