Bipedal Customs

The Pistolero

I have a question about footwear and the customs that apply, if any.
1. My hiking boots or my leather 'everyday' boots? I'll be working in a teach camp for six months and want to know which would be more suitable for the situation. That leads me to the next question:
2. Since I'll be in and out of a building all day, does one take their shoes off and on before and after entering a building or do they even care. I know wearing footwear indoors is a real big deal in some countries. Is India, Kolkata to be specific, one of them?
I ask because my leather boots are easy to get on and off. Hiking boots, while easy enough to remove and aply, will be a real pain in the kiester if I'm doing it all day long.

Thank you for any input.

machadinha

Hm now why do I get the feeling you want to be a punk rocker or a goth even if you say you don't Pistolero?

I'd say wear sensible footwear when hiking or otherwise needing to protect your feet (crowded and hurried traffic situations might fall under that), leather slippers for everyday comfort, plastic slippers for public showering and quick comfort.

Soldier's boots will just look totally out of place unless in the Himalayas in the very mid-winter. As for walking around in torn clothes or even leather jackets to show your disdain for materialism you'd just make a fool of yourself with so many people not having a nail to scratch their bum. I should know, I'm a punk rocker myself. Er well I used to be I suppose. Leave the leather and make-up at home, really. Concentrate on what you might learn there. Any saddhu and even the fake ones will be twenty times as hardcore as you so leave the attitude at home already.

__________________
Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

The Pistolero

Thanks for the tip.
To give minor details, I'm not, nor was I ever, goth or punk rock. I'm not against those people, mind you, I was just using that as an example. I'm just a happy-go-lucky guy in a kilt, T-shirt and a pair of sturdy boots. Not military style (had to strap those bastards on for three years and don't plan on doing it again...ever). My main concern was how often, if at all, will I have to get in and out of my boots depending on the custom. That, and I wanted to make sure I didn't come off as a badass. This isn't a retalitory reply. Your input put it all into the context I needed.
Thanks again.

machadinha

OK cool Pistolero
A little less snappily on my part:
Wearing shoes or boots can be annoying yes because you'll almost always have to take them off entering a shop, monument, religious place or someone's home. Conversely an ankle in a sandal gets easily strained on a slippery sidewalk or in hectic traffic etc. So try to wear shoes that are easy to get in and out of like you say, slip into sandals whenever it seems appropriate or comfortable (note that mildly decent-looking shoes will be required for more formal occasions).

gs_uppal

In India you are not supposed to wear footwears in Temples & homes of Brahmins (they follow that).
And this is more common in South & Western India (not Goa) than in North. But Temples a strict NO everywhere. Wherever you have any doubts just see what others are doing and follow it, and if you have anyone with you ask him/her.

Kanbe

why dont you wear chappels (sandels). They are comfty and easy to put on and take off. Plus, you will blend in.

hanu-man

I took a pair of hiking bots and a pair of fancy hiking sandals ultra comfortable usually. After 2 weeks i bought a pair of flip flops for a few rupees and wore nothing else. I,ve still got them with the imprint of my feet. highly recommended for easy on off and they certainly make you a bit more agile and observant. (particularly after standing in a rat!) Its amazing how far your toes spread when unrestricted too.

__________________
he who puts his hand on me to govern me is a usurper & tyrant and I declare him my enemy

The Pistolero

Thank you all for the advice. I'm not one much for sandals (to be honest I haven't worn a pair in close to around never). It looks as though I'm going to find out for myself and delve into the wonderful world of open-toed footwear. You all have been a lot of help.

alimeenan

Woah, woah, woah - wait Pistolero!!

You said 'tech camp'? You mean you're working over there in an IT type capacity?

Then NO! You do not take your shoes off before going into the building and NO! you should not wear chappels (sandals) to work - they are not professional at all. Professional work wear is mostly what we (assuming you're UK) would refer to as 'business casual' - shirt, no tie, and smart(ish) shoes - boots are completely fine under smart trousers, or, maybe on a Friday, jeans.

The other respondents failed to notice the critical 'tech camp' comment, if you're planning on travelling with backpack and shorts, then boots would be unfeasible and probably look a bit daft, but under trousers for a professional capacity they would be fine (if a little warm but that's your call). If you want to make a professional impression - do NOT wear sandals!

For a home, yes, you should take off your shoes/boots/chappels, even if they insist you don't - they're just being polite!

Have a fab time in India - I worked in an IT company in Bangalore fo most of last year - it was a fantastic experience - enjoy!!

Ali

The Pistolero

I appreciate the further info but I did say 'teach camp'.

Thank you all the same.