[Nyororin]

As Kayci said, there are quite a few cultures that take their shoes off at the door. I have traveled around Canada several times, and this didn't stand out to me as something done in all parts of the country... But then again, I don't think I went into many private residences.

Chances are it is come held over cultural feature. What is the cultural background of the area where you live?

If it is somewhere far north, there is another possibility. I have read that communities in very cold areas that receive a lot of snow each year have a tendency to use stronger attempts to keep cold from being brought inside. This means removing shoes, coat, etc, in an area just inside the door and possibly going through a second door before reaching the living area.