According to a poll released by Shop Smart magazine, Americans are pretty demure when it comes to their shoe obsessions.
A survey of 1,009 households revealed that an average woman owns 17 pairs of shoes, and spends $50 a pop. Only 33% of women spend $100 or more on their shoes, 39% prefer flats over anything else, 29% feel comfortable buying shoes online, and only 25% have worn shoes that are 4 inches or higher.
As a fashion blogger, these results just don’t correlate–at all–with my life. Granted, I did get rid of a lot of my shoes when I moved back home from Paris, but even after I think I have over 17 pairs. And my upwards spending limit for a fierce pair of pumps…well, let’s just not discuss.
Do you line up with the average American woman? What are your shoe spending habits? And what’s the most you’ll spend on a droolworthy shoe?
Spied @Fashionista
March 16, 2011 9:26 am
I think they may have the average number right but they have it all wrong when it comes to price. I spend about $100-$200 a pair
March 16, 2011 9:27 am
Yeah those results don’t relate to my life neither. The part about only 25% wearing heels over 4 inches almost sends me into shock!
March 16, 2011 9:33 am
I have 102 pairs of shoes and this past year I have given about 20 pair away. I have so many because I am a fan of BIG Sales!! And Yes I great designer names like Jimmy Choo and Michael Kors, but I know how, when, and where to shop to get great styles and more for my money.
March 16, 2011 9:35 am
Well, as a single parent, I don’t, can’t and won’t spend over $100 on a pair of shoes. Not when TJ Maxx, DSW, Marshall’s and Zappos are in business and have a lot of designer brands at affordable prices. Even if I didn’t have my son, I still wouldn’t spend over $100 on shoes. I just can’t being myself to do it. #toeachherown
March 16, 2011 9:36 am
I actually think this is correct, i usually spend on average $50.00 for a pair of shoe and i do own around 17 pairs or more . So i think they are correct.
March 16, 2011 9:36 am
That is not my life at all! I own almost 100 pair of shoes and typically spend between $100-$200. I’m 5’0 tall so I definitely prefer heels and I am completely an online shopper. Matter of fact, I only own about 5 pairs of shoes that are lower than 3″ in height! The results probably highly correlate to Shop Smart magazine readers but definitely not Fashion Bomb fans!
March 16, 2011 9:37 am
I generally dont like to spend over $100 for my shoes because I dont wear the same shoe often, so I dont want to splurge on them. UNLESS, its a bad mutha(shut yo mouth), I might bump it up and wear often. As far as the percentage not wearing 4 inches or more…those poor babies, they dont know what they are missing. And the avg amount of shoes a woman owns…17??? Wow thats shocking!! There are 365 days in a year…and some of them own 17 shoes or less??? Where was their target population surveyed…?? They must dont have many options!
March 16, 2011 9:51 am
The study of course would be an average and it does represent an average in my home. I have maybe 30 pairs of shoes. But They are mostly heels and the most Ive ever paid was $60. I love sales and haggling so theyre worth more but I never pay more. My mum on the other hand has no high heels, and less than 10 pairs but she pays more for each pair than I do.
March 16, 2011 10:00 am
I definitely have around 20-25 pairs including boots and runners. I find that the cheaper a shoe with a heel is the more uncomfortable it is, so I’m always willing to splurge a bit on a comfy pair. However with sandals I’m never willing to pay more than $50!
March 16, 2011 10:00 am
This sounds pretty accurate to me. The average woman, whether working, SAHM, or whatever, probably doesn’t have a need for 100+ pairs of shoes. I believe in splurging on quality shoes, but I don’t believe in Keeping up in with the Joneses and being a label whore.
March 16, 2011 10:08 am
I’m curious as to where the survey was taken (mid-west vs NYC) bc I also think where you live and your lifestyle will play a part in your spending habits.
If I lived on a farm in Beaumont Tx I would prob own only a few pairs of shoes bc I’m either on the farm or at the market.
However I’m a retail buyer in NYC and I have over 400 pairs of shoes with 85% of them being 4″ or higher heels…
*dont judge bc I get a mean discount and bc of that rarely pay more than $400 for anything
March 16, 2011 10:11 am
@Ty- you’re right, no woman “needs” 100+ pairs of shoes, but trust and believe that i love each and every of the 70+ that I own and plan to get more once sandal season is in full bloom. You can accumulate a massive inventory of shoes and not try to “Keep up with the Joneses” or be a “label whore”. I have plenty of shoes that are from Asos (a lesser known “label” when compared to the Steve Madden’s, Betsey Johnson’s and Jimmy choo’s) but they are fly as ever and that’s why I collect them.
You can have plenty and not be trying to keep up with anyone. If you’re like me, then you just have an addiction (kinda like crack! :)
March 16, 2011 10:15 am
I love shoes!! I’m 5′ so I always say,”the higher the heel the better.” I am an educated consumer so I know where to go to buy shoes for less than $100. I don’t mind buying shoes over $100 but I rarely do. I definately own at more than 17 pairs of shoes. Aldo, Steve Madden, Betsey Johnson, Chinese Laundry and Nine West make it easy to find shoes and boots at good prices. Like Ambrose I can be found in DSW and Marshall’s Shoe Warehouse at least twice a month. I would really love to know the demographics of the individuals who reponded to the survey.
March 16, 2011 10:29 am
Wth 17 pairs of shoes is nothing! I cud think of more than 17 colors and styles that I NEED.
March 16, 2011 10:33 am
I have over 100 pair of shoes. Most of the heels are around 3 to 4″, I really dont spend that much on shoes. I think the most that I have ever spent is $140 but I have been eyeing a pair of $300 JC boots. I dont know mamy women that are willing to spend over $400 for some shoes. I love online shopping because it decreases that chances that I’m going to see someone else rocking my shoes.
March 16, 2011 10:44 am
I only spend $50 or less but that’s because I live for sales and I have never paid top dollar for anything, including my home and the furniture and my car. I have been known to wait months for the price to be right lol. I got a pair of $200 shoes for $29.99 and when I get married I am wearing a pair of fab shoes that I intend spending $50 on, no more. All my heels are over 4 inches though.
March 16, 2011 10:56 am
Where are you guys finding these $50 shoes!?!? I’m a size 10, and am never lucky when it comes to that, especially with European designers who seem to stop at size 9 (40), and run out of everything big immediately. Even when I stopped in the Loubie store in Paris, they literally did not have my size. In anything. So I tend to buy full price.
On an unrelated note, @lola can you hook a sista up with that discount!?!
March 16, 2011 10:57 am
Nothing about this survey reflects my lifestyle either but like someone else said, to each their own. I’m willing to spend whatever (so long as I have it of course) on a fab shoe and I go through phases and right now I’m all about pumps and sky high heels.
March 16, 2011 11:00 am
WOW! I guess I am soooo NYC. Over a hundred pair of shoes. YSL, Louboutin, Gucci, Balenciaga, Blahnik. I have gotten them all on sale but they are still more than $50. (LOL) I WILL pick up cheap flats or sandals and have no issue with shopping at Payless. But 17pairs at $50 a pop sounds crazy to me. I agree with the person that said it is about where you live and your lifestyle.
March 16, 2011 11:01 am
Well I don’t remember anyone knocking at my door asking to count my shoes, therefore I’m not classified as the average :) I own more than 17 pairs, 95% of them are 4″ high or more, and even tough I am not a crazy spender since I’m in college almost all of them cost me more than $50..
March 16, 2011 11:26 am
claire don’t act like you can’t remember where to buy a reasonably priced shoe! i’ve been a fan of this blog for years, and ninewest used to be your go-to. let me find out you gettin brand new.
March 16, 2011 11:37 am
LOL @ Sigh.
March 16, 2011 11:37 am
@sigh It’s been a while, but last time I checked Nine West shoes were slightly more than $50…ditto Steve Madden (did you see me wearing Steve Madden during fashion week??). No getting ‘brand new’ here, just asking an honest question.
On another note, thanks for reading all these years:)
March 16, 2011 11:55 am
I spend between $50-$80 on shoes. I only own maybe 10 pairs of shoes. I am 6’0 tall, so the highest I go with my heels is 3.5 inches.
March 16, 2011 12:26 pm
LOL at 17 pairs of shoes at $50 each. I wish life were that simple. I own about 55+ pair of shoes (just got 3 pair in the last month that I havn’t worn) at about $75-$120 each, and that’s probably not including sandals. It definitely depends on where you live and your lifestyle.
March 16, 2011 12:31 pm
I give my shoes away and recently had a swap party where I gave a bulk of shoes away. After the party I counted and I still have 115 pairs of shoes. I guess I am not like most women as 17 pairs of shoes to me is simply not enough…..
March 16, 2011 1:06 pm
I believe it because when you combine different income brackets together it will pan out that way. Not everyone can afford shoes $50, $100 or more. So with the current economic climate some women have scaled back or found creative ways to stay fly.
March 16, 2011 1:25 pm
Hmm, I think my case is a little different. I have way over 17 pairs of shoes. But the reason for this is that I buy from the thrift store, ebay, or any places that have sales. I generally don’t spend more than $40 and thats pushing it. And If I’m spending more than $100 I really have to love them and feel that its worth the price. So I have a couple of pair of designer shoes and less than 5 pairs of Jeffery Campbell’s which are a great alternative to shoving at tons of money on a trendy shoe.
March 16, 2011 1:35 pm
I’m with Claire… I’m a size 12 and the only place to find shoes under $50 in my size is payless! It’s incrediably difficult for me to find cute shoes (shout out to Nordstrom.com for looking out, and they have an awesome return policy) But I pay anywhere from $80-$250 for shoes. And I get free shoes as well (perks of being a shoe designer with friends in the factories). I’d say that including, heels, flats, sneakers, boots… I have around 150 pairs of shoes….
March 16, 2011 1:45 pm
17 pairs… gosh this makes me feel very GUILTY!
March 16, 2011 1:46 pm
I’m a ten too and I try not to spend more than $150 on a shoe. I have 5 children…im not quite sure whats wrong with it but I think I have to raise them and all and then I can splurge…LOL
Anyway, if my shoe is $$$$ I ONLY buy on discount. I love HSN and any place that offers “flexpay” for designer styles. I typically only shop online.
I love to hit the dept. stores (JS, Steve Madden’s etc) for serious discounts on 1 day slae days etc.
March 16, 2011 1:56 pm
I’M WITH CLAIRE- WOW I’M SO NOT THE AVERAGE WOMAN. THE AVERAGE WOMAN PAYS $50 WOWWEEE. LETS SAY I HAVE $50+ PAIRS AND ON AVERAGE- WELL LETS JUST SAY I BOUGHT A PAIR FOR $350 AND I KEPT LOOKING OVER MY SHOULDERS B/C I THOUGHT IT WAS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE. LOL- THIS IS GREAT THOUGH
March 16, 2011 2:02 pm
I thrift a lot of my shoes and now kick myself for having not started sooner. Thrifted shoes are the best because someone else has paid the price for working them in, by the time you get them they are so comfy. I have no qualms about spending some money on a good pair of shoes, but I hardly find shoes right off the rack that are completely comfortable.
March 16, 2011 2:05 pm
17? thats it? i probably gave away that many pairs last year.
I have over 100 pairs of shoes. And I am willing to spend more for a good shoe.
March 16, 2011 2:08 pm
17 pairs of shoes no way, I have more like 60+ pairs of heels, sneaks, flats and boots. I am a bargin shopper and a working scientist so I always find great brands for less than retail price. I never pay full price for anything! I honestly think my bf has me beat he has a mean collection of sneaks and loafers lol
@Purple I’m 6’0 ft too and still step out in 4-6inch heels and feel amazing in them! You definately should try it and please believe your man will love you for it even if he is shorter than you.
@*shoefairy* I’m not sure where you are located but Nordstrom rack in Cali has a GREAT shoe department and carries large sizes for women and I think DSW does as well.
March 16, 2011 2:33 pm
What woman only owns 17 pairs of shoes, esp. considering that most people’s feet stop growing at like, 14?! My shoes are a story of my life; the Jordan phase from high school, the sky-high heels from college, my jump boots and combat boots, my more demure 3 1/2 inch-ers now that I’m a mom and regular church-goer. 17 pairs, where dey do dat at?! LOL
March 16, 2011 2:53 pm
It seems pretty accurate to me. I probably have about 20ish pairs of shoes. Though only four of those are flats, but that’s because I’m under 5’0″ and heels save my sanity. The most that I’ve spent is about $60 and those are the ones I wear once a week. I adore them.
March 16, 2011 3:15 pm
It’s not average for me. My last count of shoes last year was over 100 pair. I would love to spend $50 on shoes but I have spent over $100 for some shoes. I’m on a shoe shopping hiatus this year but I’ve already told myself that I can indulge for my birthday in January on any pair I want. I honestly can’t imagine only have 17 pairs of shoes.
March 16, 2011 3:15 pm
This makes me smile…I’m not surprised. I know for a fact that all my girls have more pairs and spend more or WILL spend more for a pair, but still. I just cleaned out my closet yesterday and threw out several pairs…still no where near 17, but I only wear about 7 pair…I organized them by what i had worn during the last year and it wasn’t much. The other’s I kept because they are fabulous and I SHOULD be wearing them. I won’t spend over $250 on a shoe and that’s pushing it…I have huge feet so I have to buy the correct size and good materials and I rarely get them on sale.
March 16, 2011 3:26 pm
Like others on this thread, I live for great sales on shoes! After working in retail for so long, you learn the cycle and process of markdowns. My favorite places to shop are Nordstrom Rack(scored Sam Edelman Nixie Pump reg. $150+, for about $60), DSW (great finds on Steve Madden Luxe) , TJ Maxx and Macy’s. My limit is $50 for shoes, that’s it. I know that sounds crazy, but it is possible. I just bought a pair of BCBGMAXAZRIA (not girls or generation) shoes at TJ Maxx for $29-normally $150+. Now I’ll admit, I did STALK the shoes,(LOL) but they’re mine now! Same at Macy’s- Boutique 9 shoe, marked down from $150 to $65 plus 20% off. If you’re willing to wait, you can get great deals. I have about 50+ and counting.
But if I really, really wanted a pair of shoes, and just couldn’t wait-I’d say $100 would be my max. Cheap I know, but that’s just me! :)
Great discussion though.
March 16, 2011 4:34 pm
17 pairs is believable but the $50 is what has me tripping. ummm are these payless, clearance, & or bargain basement shoes they are talking about?? The only decent shoe you can get for $50 is a pair of TOMS :/ lol
March 16, 2011 4:41 pm
Like everyone else, I don’t agree with the survey especially not in NYC. My job has me in sneaks and flats which has caused my feet to spread slightly. Also, I can’t walk in heels as good as I use to. However, I decided to step up my game and have purchased 15 pairs so far this year. Two unfortunately are being returned. I have purchased from Dolce Vita for Target, Isabel Toledo for Payless, Jessica Simpson, Nine West (don’t really like their shoes), Pour La Victore and so forth. My best purchases so far have been a pair of peep toe Giuseppe Zanotti is scored marked down 80% for a whooping $80 at DSW. I also bought two Marc Jacobs boots also 80% off for $60 each at DSW. Best one in NYC is Union Square.
I think people should just buy what they like and what they want. I definitely want more higher end designer because I want it. When I can afford I will be buying. For me.
March 16, 2011 5:52 pm
Well I’ve downsized since I moved out of my parents home… about 45-ish pairs currently lol. You don’t even want to see the bag collection I left behind as well. An extra large rubber maid bin full of them…my mother is having a field day lol. I’m deffinitely nothing close to the average american woman, but I need more specifics on those stats like income, age etc. Do I have heels over 4 inches? Yes mam miss pam. What I’ve spent on one pair of shoes is between me and god, its fine just as long as it fit into my budget.!!
March 16, 2011 6:33 pm
haha, this discussion is great! And LOL at @sigh. Even though I’m out and about, I just did a quick tally and I think I have about 45/50 pairs of shoes at home. And that’s including boots and sneaks. I’d say that in most biggish cities I bet the average is closer to that 50/60 mark. It would also be interesting to see if that “$50″ figure was full price for the shoe, or included sales and such.
I’ve had pretty good luck on my shoes, I have quite a few pair that were in the $250-$350 range that I got for less than $80 or so! But I do have to say that I really, really can’t see myself plunking down more than about $300 for some shoes….like I’d really have to be making some real figures then!
Of course I’m a grad student, so much of this is colored by my current broke situation!
March 16, 2011 7:25 pm
wow, this survey isn’t representative of me at all. maybe it’s b/c i’m from the nyc area. i have about 75 pairs of shoes ranging anywhere from $20 to $350. most of the shoes i have on the lower end price range are vintage boots. the majority of my shoes are heels, and those are generally 4 inch heels because i’m short and need the extra height. i don’t really like flats. i’m comfortable buying shoes online but generally if i know what the sizing is like for the brand b/c even though i wear a size 7, some shoes run narrow or small which is a problem for me because my feet are a little wide.
March 16, 2011 7:38 pm
I really think it depends on your lifestyle. I love heals and that’s basically all I own. None of my heels are under 3 inches and I have not paid full price for a shoe in forever lol I used to splurge on evrything but once I got older I learned how to become a smart shopper. I have been getting $300 and $400 shoes for $50 and $60 bucks now when I see shoes full price I never want to buy them because I know I can find or get a sale. I love online shopping because most or very few people in my region probably won’t have it.
March 16, 2011 7:41 pm
Haha @Claire its a blessing and a curse! I buy under the guise of “archiving for my daughters” (I’m childless) or my nieces (none of those either) lol
I’m in lingerie now so I don’t get the same discounts that I used to but like one of the previous posters I hv several stores markdown cycle to a science! I also use sites like shopittome.com and shopstyle.com to let me know when my fav brands go on sale.
March 16, 2011 8:53 pm
Please delete this before my husband sees it… It really might represent the average but personally, I’d rather have shoes than most other toys some people buy. Right now I have about 60 pair and the prices vary because I buy what I like. There are 25.00 clearance shoes right next 700.00 had to hide the receipt because he might kick me out of the house if he sees how much they cost shoes. I think everyone should have what makes them happy and shoes put a smile on my face.
March 16, 2011 11:11 pm
I have boots, come f me heels, sneakers, flats, work pumps… My sneaker count is at 26. And that’s just the sneakers. What kind of poll is this? I try not to spend no more than between 90 – 150 on my shoes… But there is the rare pair that rapes me…(unreleased retro jordans, michael kora, calvin Klein
March 16, 2011 11:13 pm
I have boots, come f me heels, sneakers, flats, work pumps… My sneaker count is at 26. And that’s just the sneakers. What kind of poll is this? I try not to spend no more than between 90 – 150 on my shoes… But there is the rare pair that rapes me…(unreleased retro jordans, michael kor, calvin klein), but yea, I call #bullshit on this one.
March 17, 2011 4:13 am
I guess I’m far from average as well. I’m working with over 100 pairs and have put myself on a shoe diet because I’m out of space. I have a little bit of everything and I think my most expensive pair are some Fiorentini + Baker boot. I’ll plead the 5th on the cost. The perils of being a woman!
@ lola, PLEASE tell me where in the sam hill you keep 400 shoes in NY!
March 17, 2011 10:01 am
[...] Sure, the average woman only has 17 pairs and spends $49 per pair of shoes, but I’ve found you plenty more at a myriad of price points. For me, this spring/summer is all about investing. I have my eyes set on a few wedges by Pierre Hardy, along with at least one neon colored beaut from Miu Miu. Whatever your preference or budget, we’ve got you covered: More Christian Louboutin… [...]
March 17, 2011 4:16 pm
17…??? I think I’m working with around 90 to 110 pairs. Prices vary from $40 to $300 (sigh*). Oh well!
March 17, 2011 9:19 pm
I own less than 17 pairs and my most expensive shoe is like $120. Other than that everything is less than $50 after sales or before.
March 18, 2011 2:16 am
Honestly, I have way more than 17 pairs of shoes, but the $49 average sounds about right
March 18, 2011 8:41 am
I’m surprised that so many women can find shoes for less than $50.00. I average about $100+
March 18, 2011 10:23 am
I’m just a poor college student, but I already own close to 70 pairs of shoes. I think the most expensive one I have cost about $90. Yeah…and I plan on becoming a financial planner…haha
March 18, 2011 11:16 am
I have close to 300 pairs of shoes, I love shoes and I’m addicted!!!!! I am a bargain shopper of course! My favorite shoe brands are MK, BCBG, and STEVE MADDEN, DOLCE VITA, the list continues. The most money I’ve ever spent on heels was $90 and I was in highschoool. I look for sales sales sales!!!!
March 18, 2011 6:16 pm
Instead of counting our shoes, how about being thankful we have them? To answer the question, I donated a grip of shoes to get down to 70 pairs. All of which are most likely in the $100-200 range and are 4 1/2 inches+. Then, I have a few pairs of $500+ that better last me a lifetime.
Now I’m taking my greedy ass to donate the equivalent of my most expensive pair of shoes to Japan and you should too. Or, have you forgotten about this:
http://www.america.gov/st/washfile-english/2005/September/20050915165123ajesrom9.768313e-02.html
Donate here:
http://www.redcross.org/
http://www.worldvision.org/#/home/main/quake-tsunami-devastate-japan-1-1360
March 18, 2011 10:17 pm
LOL I think that stat doesn’t apply to a lot of readers on here because they are all fashionistas! Of course they own more than 17 pair. I have over 17 and I haven’t purchased a pair of shoes (other than my workout shoes) in over 2 years =/ I think I need to do something about that this year.
August 21, 2011 10:15 pm
Today I spent $300 on a pair of flats and I am feeling guilty as all heck. That is why I got on this site because I wanted reassurance that I am not totally out of my mind. I own probably about 20 pairs but give away a lot to charity. Last year I spent $400.00 on a pair of shoes and told myself I would never do that again. I was choking on the $300 price tag today but I could not resist a comfy stylish flat. Comfort trumps all. Style is second.
March 23, 2012 5:18 pm
I do not line up with the average American woman. I am a college student and I wish I could have that many pairs of shoes, but my funds are low lol…. I am extremely frugal, so I don’t spend much on shoes. Not to say that I am not willing if I had the means.
March 26, 2012 3:09 pm
[...] that wears leopard shoes: 1) She wears them with no more than 2 outfits, and given the fact that the average female has 17 pairs of shoes (I’m sure that’s way off but go with it for now) that means she’s got A LOT of [...]