Surviving with Fewer Shoes

wilma · ‎03-13-2010

I have always loved shoes: looking at them, trying them on, & buying them. I loved having the perfect shoe for every outfit.

I used to own nearly 100 pairs of shoes. I wore all of them, but some were only worn once or twice a year. Some pinched, were too uncomfortable, or had heels that were too high. Still, there’s nothing like a great pair of shoes. From time to time I would try on my collection, look at them on my feet and in the mirror, and they made me smile. How beautiful they were! So I kept them even though some of them were rarely worn.

Finally, I resolved to get rid of the ones that were uncomfortable or rarely worn. After some purging & a lot less buying, I ended up with about 50 pairs. That was a few years ago. I avoided going into shoe stores & shoe departments initially to avoid the temptation. Now I can go and look with a purpose - to buy something that I really need.

As of August 2019 I am down to 33 pairs. I am actually surviving with fewer shoes. I still have enough to choose from for my daily outfits. I honestly haven’t missed the pairs I have purged. While they were beautiful shoes, I just didn’t need or want them anymore.

Maybe I can get my total down to 20-25 someday? Or I could have a total relapse and go shoe crazy? Still love shoes so only time will tell.

ETA: Down to 32 pairs now. Got rid of a dressy metallic peep toe high heel shoe. It pinches a bit under my big toe. Kept thinking I’d wear them someday, but I keep reaching for & wearing my metallic flats instead.

ID2 · ‎06-25-2012

I've never been a shoe fanatic. I only have shoes that I need. Now if you're talking purses, that's a different story.

"Pure Michigan"

catter70 · ‎10-11-2017

I just gave my cousin several pairs of shoes that I can no longer wear due to comfort issues. She volunteers at the thrift store at her church and someone will get some nice leather, lightly worn boots/ shooties. I've cut back on my shopping all around and find I don't want as much as I used to.

ALRATIBA · ‎07-15-2016

I'm a shoe lover also. I have no idea how many pairs I have.

When I switch my closet .... I generally either throw away those not worth saving for another season, or donate some that are still good, but that I just don't like anymore.

Foxxee · ‎10-03-2014

The main reason I give away my shoes is my feet increasing in length as I have been getting older. It's my falling arches, but 1 1/2 sizes so far?

Wore Dr. Scholls sandals around the house for years hoping to prevent that, but no luck. Probably some here remember the wooden foot bed, toe gripper, and strap across the front that many designers copied, even Chanel.

I love shopping for shoes, but not at all happy about this.

Bubblyfoam · ‎02-26-2011

Shoes and purses yikes! I downsize but then buy more. And yes my ever increasing foot size doesn't help.

rms1954 · ‎06-06-2019

@wilma I can relate to everything you said BUT I have not purged many of my shoes I no longer wear. Some are brand new. You are a better woman than I. I probably own more than 100.

drizzellla · ‎03-14-2010

Shoes slowly over loaded the shelves and floor of my closets. I rarely wore most of them. So a few months before I retired, I decided to wear a different pair of shoes everyday to work. When I came home if the shoes were the least bit uncomfortable, I donated them.

I still have too many. I rarely wear heels or dress shoes anymore. I should get back to purging. I would like to have all my shoes in one closet. And yes, I can easily survive with fewer shoes.

Imaoldhippie · ‎06-10-2015

Along with my old age and not being able to wear heels anymore and being retired I too have narrowed down my shoes. I only buy Clarks and Earth now that are cute and comfy and only if I need them.

LIFE IS TO SHORT TOO FOLD FITTED SHEETS