According to a new national poll featured in the April 2011 issue of ShopSmart magazine, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, women own an average of 17 pairs of shoes (down from 19 four years ago) yet only typically wear three of those pairs on a regular basis. Over half of women (51%) own more than 10 pairs and 13 percent have over 30 pairs (not including athletic shoes). The poll also found that women typically purchase three pairs a year and, on average, spend $49 on a pair of shoes, while nearly one-third (31%) have ever spent over $100 on a single pair.
“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. Maybe that's why, despite the economy, we're still buying shoes,” said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart. “So we've compiled a guide to share the hottest trends, the most addictive shoe-shopping websites, how to pick a pair that won't kill your feet, and an investigation into the difference between a $30 and $575 pair of shoes.”
Other findings:
* Almost a third (29%) of American women are doing it, a significant increase from four years ago when only 14% were buying shoes online.
* Over one third (39%) of those who have purchased shoes online have made a return.
* Nearly one-fifth (19%) have gone shoe shopping to cheer themselves up.
* Although the majority of women (86%) are up front with their spouse or significant other about their shoe purchase, 14% admit to hiding at least one purchase.
* Over one quarter (28%) feel shoes are an important part of their outfit indicating that they put a lot of thought into selecting them each day. Plus over half of women (51%) typically notice shoes other people are wearing.
* For everyday footwear, women prefer flats as 39 percent of women indicate that it is the preferred heel height. Only 8 percent of women wear heels over 2 1/2 inches on a regular basis.
* Despite a preference for flats, one quarter have worn heels 4″ or higher on at least one occasion.
* Forty-six percent of women have bought an ugly pair for comfort, but more women are willing to tolerate pain for fashion—60% vs. 49%—than they were in 2007.
* Women take precautions for the pain as 61 percent have carried a second pair of shoes to a party or event to change into.
* Forty-eight percent have had a shoe-related injury (blister, break, sprain, etc.).
* Thirty-five percent of women had an evening ruined by an uncomfortable pair of shoes.
* Twenty-four percent have fallen because of their shoes.
