here you usually put off shoes in the first room after you have entered the house or flat, this is the room dedicated to this purpose, and therefore it is called "antechamber" or "entrance hall". it is usually equipped with shoe case where you will put your shoes, and there are also hangers for your coat and other stuff good for preparation to leave the house, like large mirror to see how you look
. the host might offer you wear the inside shoes (cannot find right translation in dictionary) if he got a spare, simple shoes used only at home so your feet don't get cold
main reason why you don't leave your shoes in front of doors is because you may not find them there once you finish your visit
there are some homes where they don't require your shoes off at all.