Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Stuff Check: Shoes



I am not a shoe woman. Never have been. Shoe shopping has always been more torture than treat. It can't be helped really, with clod-hoppers like mine. Shoes that look completely cute in a size six or eight, looks absolutely hideous when blown up to size-11 proportions.

So imagine my surprise when I finally photographed my shoe collection, as the Center for the New American Dream's blog invited readers to do, and found out that I'm really downright average on the shoe ownership scale. In fact, I own more than the average 19 pairs per American (broken down by gender its 27 pairs for women and 12 for men) since I own three more pair than the 19 pictured above for a total of 22 pairs. 22!

Then I went and counted all the boyfriend's shoes and he only has 20 pairs. I complain about how many pairs he has (many of which he never wears), and it turns out that he has less than me. Ouch. I guess appearances are deceiving since more of my shoes are hidden away and his are out in the open.

Maybe owning 22 pairs of shoes would be okay if I loved and wore them all, but of course I don't. Out of the 22 pairs I own,  I regularly wear five. There are 7 pairs I have worn less than five times. And out of those seven, there are four pairs I've never worn. Ugh. Apparently not being a shoe person does not exempt me from making impulse shoe buys. Plus there are three pairs that should really be pitched, but for some inexplicable reason I keep hanging on to them.

It's time to cull my collection. I've already put two pairs in the donation pile and I'm giving myself six months to either wear or get rid of any unworn shoes in my closet. I'm going to shoot for 18 pairs or less by November.

How many pairs of shoes do you own? And is that number too many, too few or just right?

13 comments:

  1. Eee gads! Ok, first of all I have to say...

    Big Footed Women UNITE!!!!

    I can't even wear most women's shoes because I have really wide toes, narrow heels and high arches... it's generally Birkenstocks or men's size 9 tennis shoes with extra arch supports!

    OK... and now for the shocker. I own 29 pairs of shoes! Holy Moly!

    Of course, it's not like I actually wear most of them... In fact a rather hefty majority have been sitting around collecting dust (literally) for over 10 years now. Methinks that perhaps shoes just went up a notch on the closet culling project list!

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    Replies
    1. OK... wait... make that 30. Ug!

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    2. Size nine in men's doesn't seem so big to me.... ;) But I do appreciate the unity!

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    3. Eee Gads! I just discovered a few more pairs! I see a "shoe shame" post in my near future...

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    4. No blame, no shame, Cat. We're just sharing info here!

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  2. Just counted...and I currently have 6. 4 of which are ONLY worn for special occasions/date nights. I would love some more shoes, like some new non-granny athletic shoes, a pair of flip-flops or sandals, general kicks (I lean towards Vans Classics), and a pair of ballet flats. These have been on my wish list for over a year. But I give myself grief over buying new, so I have been scouring thrift shops for options. I have yet to find anything I'm in love with. Sometimes, I should just give in lol!

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    Replies
    1. wow, 6! That's practically zero in my book.

      I think if I didn't let myself buy new then I wouldn't have any shoes. It's hard enough finding new 11s!

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    2. very jealous, Megyn! I have more than 6 just at work. All black heels...but they're all different heights so that means they're different, right? lol

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  3. I have 18 pairs, including two pairs of slippers, two pairs of riding boots (one of which is old and kept as a spare, just in case my main pair spontaneously combust and, y'know, it's vital I ride a horse IMMEDIATELY..)
    There's one pair of manky old flip flops, which can probably go, as I have a much more comfortable pair of walking sandals which will serve the same purpose.
    Three pairs of ballet pumps, which I probably won't chuck, but neither will I be replacing all of- one pair is fine! Also two pairs of gladiator sandals, again will wear them out until one remains..

    I think I could definitely do with fewer shoes- ideally I'd love to have a few really well made and comfortable pairs..winter boots, ballet pumps/flats, sandals, running shoes, riding boots, walking boots, maybe wellies...slippers.. So eight...half of my shoes need to go!

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    Replies
    1. Eight is admirable! I just did a quick count and I think I would be happy with 15-16. Sure it's much more than the bare minimum I need to live in all conditions, but I like a little variety. This means finally giving up some of the shoes I've been holding onto for sentimental and who-knows-why reasons though. Stay tuned!

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  4. At one point I had 23 at college with me alone, and more back at my parents' place. I've gotten rid of about half of what I have but still need to count. I have around 8 at work, 3 pairs of boots at home, 7 pairs by the door, and probably 4 more in the bedroom and 4 in the closet...okay, so I need to get organized! But I think it's about 26?

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    Replies
    1. Do you like them all? That's my issue. If I had 20 pairs I liked and wore that would be okay, but my current reality seems silly.

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  5. Here's my shoe collection story..
    http://oilandgarlic.wordpress.com/2011/05/11/may-11-own-12-pairs-of-shoes/

    I think I've added 2 pairs to the collection since that post but except for one pair, I do wear most of my shoes regularly. I'm like you. It's not the volume as much as the usage.

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