Should you require my guests to take off their shoes at the door, especially if the gathering is cocktail or formal attire?

Walking barefoot or just in socks causes me pain and can lead to bleeding ... "OP should carry these shoe coverings with him ...

A man says a Dungeons & Dragons session he was expecting to participate in was canceled after a situation involving his shoes ...

Ultimately, not taking your shoes off is a bit like grabbing food without washing your hands first. You're carrying bacteria from the subway pole, stair railings... In short, not very appetizing.