6 Reasons Why Women Buy More Shoes: Insights from Research
Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world. – Marilyn Monroe
Undoubtedly, shoes are more than just a means to walk. They are a way to express character, mood, and even ambitions. According to Statista, women around the world buy an average of 2-3 times more pairs of shoes than men. What’s the secret?
Self-Expression
Shoes are like a calling card that encodes our mood, character, and expectations for the day. For some, it’s white sneakers symbolizing freedom and mobility; for others, it’s striking loafers that seem to declare, “I’m ready to conquer the world!”
This choice often happens not through conscious calculations but through feelings. It’s no surprise that 56% of women, according to Deloitte, admit that shoes should primarily reflect their mood.
Emotional Purchases
When feeling anxious or sad, shoes can become a kind of “quick fix” for our mood. Browsing online catalogs or wandering through boutiques, we get an extra dose of emotions—the anticipation of trying on, the joy of finding the perfect pair. All this stimulates the release of dopamine.
This is how the phenomenon of “shopping therapy” arises—an attempt to relieve stress through a new purchase.
How It Works
- Quick Energy Boost: Trying on a new pair makes you feel a surge of positivity as the brain perceives the purchase as a small celebration.
- Psychological Trick: Sometimes it seems that solving problems is a matter of having “something new” in life. So, buying a new pair of shoes or sneakers allows you to feel in control.
- Instant Reward: Doubting yourself? High-heeled shoes “add” a few centimeters—not just to your height but also to your confidence.
When Shopping Therapy Becomes a Problem
If you buy shoes “to relieve stress” or “improve your mood,” buying several pairs might only provide temporary relief.
Pro Tip
Before rushing to the checkout, try taking a short pause—have a coffee and think it over. If the passion fades, it was just an impulsive wave, and your wallet will thank you.
Style Experiments
38% of respondents in the Journal of Consumer Psychology have between 10 to 15 pairs and consider this quantity perfectly normal.
Why So Many?
Each “mood” requires its own pair. In the quest for self-expression, we love experimenting with style. Today it’s sporty chic, tomorrow it’s bohemian. Why not?
Pro Tip
Sometimes a “review” helps: set aside what you haven’t worn in a long time and see if you really need so many options. Remember, the number of pairs varies for each person and depends on lifestyle and personal priorities.
Influence of Social Media
In the era of Instagram and Pinterest, new trends emerge instantly. Seeing a favorite blogger’s stylish loafers or leather boots in stories makes you want a similar pair. According to a survey, 45% of women experience FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) when they don’t manage to grab a trendy model at the peak of its popularity.
Why Do Social Media Have Such an Influence?
- Visual Contact: We see not just shoes on a shelf but complete looks and lifestyle images that we want to replicate.
- Real-Time Inspiration: The feed updates daily, so trends can go from zero to mass popularity in just a week.
- Social Pressure: When friends or colleagues discuss a fashionable pair, it’s easy to get caught up in the general euphoria and order the same pair.
Pro Tip
Before clicking “Buy,” ask yourself: “How does this model fit into my lifestyle?” If you can imagine wearing this pair with at least two or three outfits, the purchase might be justified. If it’s just an emotional impulse, give yourself a day to cool off. Sometimes this time is enough for the FOMO to dissipate.
Different Life Roles
Each of us has many different “contexts”: a business lady at work, a caring mother on a walk with children, an athlete, or a romantic girl on a date with a loved one. Each of these scenarios requires not only a different approach to clothing but also the “right” shoes.
Why One Pair Isn’t Enough
- Functionality: It’s important to feel not only elegant but also comfortable to spend the whole day on your feet. During a walk with a child, the priority shifts to comfort and safety. If a formal event is ahead, we usually choose a pair that adds confidence to the look.
- Hygiene and Longevity: By changing shoes, we don’t “kill” a single pair but extend its life. Moreover, some models are simply not suitable for active walks or sports.
- Psychological Aspect: Switching from one role to another, we often need to emphasize the new state. Favorite sneakers can be a symbol of relaxation, while high-heeled loafers can be an internal “everything is under control.”
How to Avoid Chaos in the Shoe Closet
- Clearly define your key roles. How much time do you spend in the office? How much on walks, meetings, or traveling? This analysis will help you understand which pairs you really need.
- Sort and care for your shoes so that each pair remains attractive and lasts longer.
- Invest in quality where comfort is more important, and leave extravagance for those cases where you need to make an impression.
Shoes as an Investment
The idea of investing in shoes is not new. The value of exclusive luxury brand models does not decrease over the years but rather increases. Quality shoes sometimes become collectible items and are equated with works of art.
For example, owners of limited-edition collections from Christian Louboutin or Chanel can sell shoes at a profit on specialized auctions or through online platforms.
On resale platforms like StockX or GOAT, some vintage Jordan 1 models from the 1980s reach prices of over $10,000.
Largest Shoe Collections
Imelda Marcos, the former First Lady of the Philippines, became a legend for her enormous collection. She owned between 1,000 to 3,000 pairs of shoes (according to other sources, even more).
Jordan Geller, in 2012, entered the Guinness World Records for the largest collection of “sneakers,” consisting of 2,388 pairs.
Why It Works
- Limited Editions: If a pair is released in a limited series, the demand for it increases several times.
How to Choose Shoes That Truly Reflect Your “Self”
Clearly define your key roles and lifestyle needs. Invest in quality and comfort where it matters most, and reserve extravagance for special occasions. Regularly review and care for your shoes to maintain their appeal and longevity.
Instead of Conclusions
Shoes are more than just a fashion statement; they are a reflection of our mood, personality, and aspirations. Whether it’s for self-expression, emotional comfort, or practical needs, the right pair of shoes can make a significant difference in our lives.
