It is an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary music which surprised a few of Kottke's long-time fans.

Kottke's cover version of Fleetwood Mac's "World Turning" appeared on The Drew Carey Show.

Writing for Allmusic, music critic Stephen Erlewine wrote of the album "... Kottke comes up with one of his most unusual records with Standing in My Shoes... His solos are loose and swinging, and even his trio of vocal numbers have a charming, carefree quality.

[1] In his review for Salon.com, critic Gary Kamiya wrote: "Like a ragtime pianist, he has the kind of impeccable ability to play different lines simultaneously that almost requires a split brain.

It's all very solid and unobjectionable, though a bit short on the sublime moments that Kottke at his best can attain... "Standing In My Shoes" isn't groundbreaking, but it's a pleasant excursion into new territory for a first-rate instrumentalist.