The FDRA’s 2022 National Spring Shoe Shopper Survey, found that 44 percent of consumers have delayed purchasing shoes during this high inflation period.

Consumers shopping for shoes  (32 percent) have opted to buy fewer items rather than multiple pairs, with 24 percent of consumers shopping for shoes choosing to shop for off-brand products at lower prices.

Other key insights from the survey include:

  • 48 percent of shoe shoppers plan to spend less this spring than in spring 2021;
  • 49 percent of shoe shoppers are putting off purchasing shoes due to inflation;
  • 68 percent of shoe shoppers have noticed higher shoe prices; and
  • 57 percent of shoe shoppers plan to buy online for home delivery, a large increase from 44 percent in Spring 2021.

More broad findings from the survey found that:

  • A majority (74 percent) of U.S. consumers said they are very likely (56 percent) or somewhat likely (18 percent) to purchase shoes this Spring for themselves or their families. The 27 percent who are not likely to purchase shoes were asked demographic questions to ensure a representative sample.
  • Athletic or casual shoes are the most likely category to be purchased for consumers themselves or their families, with 58 percent, followed by fashion shoes with 35 percent, work shoes with 4 percent, and 3 percent said other.
  • This spring, only 24 percent of shoe shoppers plan to purchase new shoes in a physical store, with 19 percent planning to shop online, in-store or curbside pickup. Most U.S. shoe shoppers (57 percent) plan to shop only online.
  • Sixty-eight percent of Spring shoe shoppers said they have noticed that shoe prices are higher, while 26 percent said they had not noticed shoe prices increasing. Six percent said they had seen no real difference. Men are 14 percent more likely to report being aware that shoe prices have increased than women (75 percent to 61 percent).
  • Amazon is the most popular site for purchasing shoes with home shipping, with 50 percent of shoe shoppers choosing the site. Thirty-seven percent of shoppers plan to shop directly from Amazon’s website (e.g., Nike), while 12 percent shop from a retailer’s website (e.g., Nordstrom, Footlocker). Just 2 percent of shoe shoppers plan to shop elsewhere.
  • Forty-one percent of shoe shoppers plan to shop for shoes at local stores, including DSW and Famous Footwear. Big box retailers (e.g., Target, Walmart) are the preferred location for 39 percent of shoe shoppers, whereas only 13 percent plan to visit department stores (e.g., Nordstrom). Just 7 percent of shoe shoppers are planning to shop elsewhere.
  • The two aspects most liked by shoe shoppers shopping in-store were better prices (32 percent), and proper fit and comfort (32 percent). Twenty-five percent of shoppers prioritize customer service and/or convenience of the store’s location, with just 11 percent saying they like seeing new trends.

Photo courtesy FDRA