One of the oldest religions in the world, Hinduism is based on the concept that the body of God is represented by the universe. There are holy and unholy places, ranging from the lowest, the feet, to the highest, the head. As the feet are in constant contact with the earth, they are considered impure. This belief has influenced how Hindus think about shoes and feet, giving rise to a particular set of rituals and rules regarding them.

Hindus place great importance on purity, whether it is physical cleanliness or spiritual purity. This is one reason why practitioners keep themselves and their environment clean at all times. According to the Hindu American Foundation, or HAF, “shoes (and feet) carry the dirt, dust and impurities of one’s daily travels.” Thus shoes and feet are the antithesis of the purity Hindus strive to attain. Shoes are considered unclean. As such they should never be worn indoors. Visitors to a Hindu’s home should always remove their shoes before entering the threshold.

This also applies to temples. As sacred sites, it is imperative to remove all footwear before entering a temple. Most Hindu sites of worship have an area to cleanse your feet before you can enter the temple proper, or special temple shoes you can wear within the grounds.

Shoes and feet have such a low status within Hindu culture that is considered an insult if you point your feet or show your soles at someone or at the temple altar. It is considered a grave affront to throw footwear at someone, and you should never nudge or touch someone with your feet, whether you are barefoot or wearing shoes. This caveat extends even to objects held to be sacred by Hinduism, such as papers or books, as these represent the Goddess of Learning, Sarasvati

Feet are accorded special status when it comes to greeting someone of superior status. Touching the shoes or feet of a yogi, guru, teacher, parent or elder is a sign of great deference and respect because honouring even the lowest part of the body of person with such obeisance shows high regard.

In Hinduism, cows are considered sacred animals. Hindus refrain from eating beef and from using leather. As such, shoes must be completely leather-free. Most Hindus prefer wearing rubber sandals or canvas shoes. Furthermore, shoes and other items that come into contact with the feet, such as carpets, mats, skateboards and socks should not have sacred designs, symbols or images emblazoned on them. It is a mark of disrespect to associate these holy items with the feet, the lowest part of the body.

Sources:

http://www.hafsite.org/media/pr/zazzleletter

http://www.sanskrit.org/www/Hindu%20Primer/feetsymbolism.html

http://www.mailerindia.com/hindu/veda/index.php?hculture