I think the shoes on all the time in the house seems to be an American white person thing. Not sure about Europe, but here, most people take their shoes off inside. I'd get told off by my mother for wearing shoes in the house. And it's not tikanga either ;)

Ah, yes—definitely in America, I think mixed in Europe maybe. I should have specified. :D

Canadians ALWAYS take their shoes off at home. Walking into a friend’s house with your shoes on is unthinkable.

Even in America, it's very regional; seemingly dependent upon local weather types. In some places, taking off your shoes as a guest is considered rude. It's a little too familiar, a little too "make yourself at home". I fully understand the more global stance of no shoes in the house, though.