Many a sociologist, marketer and stand-up comic has tried to discern women's apparent obsession over shoes. A new survey at least tries to quantify it.
Among the findings from the survey from ShopSmart magazine, a sister publication of Consumer Reports, women own an average of 17 pairs of shoes (excluding athletic), although some own three times as much. Still, on average, women only typically wear three of those pairs on a regular basis.
The survey of 1,009 American women comes as the footwear industry is on an upswing after faring comparatively well during the recession.
"Shoes never make your butt look big, you don't have to worry about squeezing into them if you've put on a couple of pounds, and they can instantly make you feel sexier," said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart, in a statement. "Maybe that's why, despite the economy, we're still buying shoes."
Other findings:
- Women typically purchase three pairs a year and, on average, spend $49 on a pair of shoes. Nearly one-third (31 percent) have never spent over $100 on a single pair.
- Nineteen percent have gone shoe shopping to cheer themselves up.
- Over one quarter (28 percent) feel shoes are an important part of their outfit. About half (51 percent) typically notice shoes other people are wearing.
- Forty-six percent of women have bought an ugly pair for comfort, but more women are willing to tolerate pain for fashion -- 60 percent versus 49 percent -- than they were in a similar survey in 2007. Forty-eight percent have had a shoe-related injury (blister, break, sprain, etc.), 35 percent had an evening ruined by an uncomfortable pair of shoes and 24 percent have fallen because of their shoes.
- Although the majority of women (86 percent) are up front with their spouse or significant other about their shoe purchases, 14 percent admit to hiding at least one purchase.