Shoes off or on?

When expats come to Sweden to view properties, the question of shoes often come up.  The basic information that expats are given is to always take their shoes off when they arrive at a Swede's house.

Actually, this is a misconception. It is one of those things you probably won't ever hear from a Swede but...it varies between the social classes.  The upper classes will not take off their shoes off when entering a friend's home as long as the weather is not rainy or snowy outside. If it is winter or inclement weather, the upper class will either wear galoshes or bring indoor shoes and change.  The upper class will frown upon anyone walking around their home in their socks, it is considered quite improper.

The middle class, however, expects you to take your shoes off when entering their home regardless of weather and will not think twice if you walk around their home in your socks.

There you go, the secret about shoes in Sweden.  Pass it on:)