Praying in shoes is a confirmed Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ), who said: "Differ from the Jews — for they do not pray in their shoes or sandals." Imam Ahmad held it recommended provided the shoes are clean of any najāsah; if a person finds something on them, he wipes them on the ground and prays. He should not place them in front of him but to his left if there is no one on his left, or under his feet. In modern carpeted mosques, the principle is preserved by maintaining cleanliness and respecting the place of prayer.