The Only Shoes You’ll Ever Need to Buy (2024)

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The average woman owns in excess of 20 pairs of shoes, with only a quarter of this collection (in most cases the comfortable and practical pairs) being worn regularly. It’s not just the thrill of the shop that leads us to purchase more than we need – a comfortable, durable and stylish shoe is the holy trinity of shoe design and finding a pair is one of life’s holy grails. So how do you go about buying fewer shoes, but buying the right shoes? We’ve spoken to some experts to find out.

Supna Chavda

The Only Shoes You’ll Ever Need to Buy (1)

Ruth Daveyis a shoemaker for RuthEmilyDaveyand handcrafts shoes designed to perfectly fit the shape of your foot.


Justin Fitzpatrickis a shoe designer for J.FitzPatrickand reports on all things ‘male shoe’ through his blog,The Shoe Snob.

The Only Shoes You’ll Ever Need to Buy (2)

The Cornerstones of Comfort

When it comes to shoes, style does matter, but ultimately our feet are a glutton for comfort, not punishment. The disdain we feel after wearing an ill-fitting pair for one day is enough to resign a £100 plus purchase to the back of the wardrobe for eternity.

Fitzpatrick tells us that our shoes should:

  1. Support the arch of your foot
  2. Cup your heel comfortably
  3. Have adequate space in the toe

"Comfort comes from good support, so if the shoe does not feel supportive, don’t bother with it. You will regret it in the long-run,"he says. As well as fitting the real shape of your foot, materials are key to comfort. "Buy good quality leather that is soft and breathable – it’s normally easy to tell by the feel – a good quality leather will just melt at your touch,"says Davey.

A Repairable Shoe is a Durable Shoe

Shape, material and soles. The most durable shoe will nail all three. Davey tells us that shape is vital for durability. If you’ve got the wrong shape of shoe for your foot, "you’re forcing the material of the shoe to bend and wear which will eventually collapse and fall apart."

As for materials, leather is the ultimate material for shoes because it is long lasting and will flex to fit the shape of your foot. And according to Davey, the soles really are the ‘soul’ of the shoe when it comes to durability; they should be constructed in a way that can be repaired when it wears down.Look for shoes that have been built using a Goodyear welt. It is the most durable type of shoe construction available and any cobbler can re-sole a Goodyear welted shoe without the need for specific machinery.

Always ask your shoe seller whether they provide a shoe repair service, paid for or free. The best shoemakers will have one, or at the very least be able toadvise on aftercare and supply tipsto make your shoes last as long as possible.

BuyMeOnce Styles

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When choosing a BuyMeOnceshoe style, think classic. We asked Croysdill whether she thinks it’s possible to own a BuyMeOnceshoe collection – a limitedcapsule that will see us through years of everyday wear, from winter to summer and practically every wedding and event that our social calendar can throw at us. "Absolutely!"she says.

As a guide, Croysdill suggests the following styles for women:

Loafers or Brogues

Think Northampton-made and brands such as Grenson,Tricker’sand Church’s.Buy a pair constructed using a Goodyear weltand you can repair and own them for years. Church’sand Tricker’s use the Goodyear weltfor every shoe (this could change if they introduce a new range so always double check), and Grenson use it for every shoe except their moccasin collection.

Sliders

Sliders are the perfect runaround shoe and a summer essential. Go for a classic double strap, like an Arizona Birkenstock, in leather, suede or nubuck. These shoes are constructed with a footbed that anatomically matches your natural footprint so your foot can stretch, flex and move naturally. It’s not often that you read ‘orthopedic’ and ‘stylish’ in the same sentence, but high-quality natural materials, iconic designs and a comprehensive repair service make this shoe a BuyMeOnce no-brainer.

Boots

"A chelsea boot or a cuban heel in black or brown will never go out of style,"says Croysdill. Again, think 'Northampton’ and go for a brand that uses great leather, a Goodyear welt construction and offers a decent repair service or after sales advice. We love these Church’sMonmouth Chelsea Boots. With good care, they will last for years.

[Edit: We have removed our recommendation for DrMarten's boots from this article due to their recent change in warranty policy. You can read more about it here.]

Plimsolls

For those trainer days, look into something like the Achilles’ white sneakerby Common Projects. The utilitarian design and hand stitched, high-quality Italian leather goes with everything, even a tailored suit.

Court Heels

BuyMeOnce asked cobblers everywhere which high heels they think are the most durable. British-made LK Bennett came up tops. Try these LK BennettStila Patent Leather Courts.

Strappy Heels

For the perfect summer sandal, which works just as well at weddings as it does running for the bus, check out these beautiful and durable clogs by Swedish Hasbeens. Handcrafted using naturally tanned chrome-free leather, natural rubber and sustainably sourced lime tree and alder wood, this 70s throwback shoe will be a wardrobe staple for generations to come.

For the Gents

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Fitzpatrick has a definitive list that isn’t too dissimilar from Croysdill’s selection for women. The best classics are unisex.

Oxford Shoes

"Every man should have a good pair of Oxfords,"says Fitzpatrick, "maybe with a nice bit of broguing on it." He suggests Septieme Largeurfor great entry-level, high-quality shoes. For true beauty, go for a ‘wholecut'– where the upper is made of one piece of leather. It goes without saying that you should also consider Northampton-made brands such as Church’s,Tricker’sand Grenson. These ChetwyndFeatherweight 450full brogue Oxfords by Church’shave all the BuyMeOnce shoe credentials.

Boots

Fitzpatrick says your BuyMeOnceboot can be a Chukka, Derby, Balmoral or Chelsea – it’s up to you, as long as they fit the contours of your feet and they’re made with good quality leather.

Plimsolls

The ‘Achilles’ white sneakers by Common Projects are a perfect off-duty trainer with a timeless urban design. They are hand stitched in Italy with high-quality leather and are so versatile you can wear them with practically anything.

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How much should you spend?

Comfortable feet have expensive taste. Fitzpatrick’s number one tip is not tobuy cheap shoes, because you will end up spending more money in the long run. Daveyempathises with the initial high cost of good quality shoes: "I think it’s very difficult nowadays – not everyone has their own shoemaker and affordability is a big factor. If you spend that little bit more on the quality, it will definitely end up being cheaper in the end."

Breaking-in

Blisters from new shoes are like crying on your birthday but are often inevitable until you reach shoe comfort nirvana. "If you have certain spots that cause you trouble, you can always use the oils in your skin and the strength of your fingers to rub the areas and soften up the leather,"recommends Fitzpatrick. Unless the shoe is made using very soft leather that instantly moulds to your feet, as Davey’s shoes do, you simply have to wear them until the leather softens.

Building Your BuyMeOnce Capsule Collection

Remember that this list is just a guide and what means ‘style’ to one person can mean something entirely different to someone else. It’s a personal balance.

Christian Louboutin would probably hate for someone to look at his shoes and say, ‘Oh my God! They look so comfortable!’ But comfort is a huge part of feeling fantastic. So work your contour hugging, classic design shoes and when it’s time to get them repaired, revel in the fact that not only have you saved yourself a ton of money and wardrobe space, but you have also succeeded in keeping another pair of bad shoes out of the landfill.

Questions to Ask in the Shoe Shop

  1. Do these really fit the shape of my foot, support my arch, cup my heel and have enough space in the toe?
  2. Are these shoes made using good quality materials? Leather makes the best uppers and inner-soles and rubbermakes the best outer-soles.
  3. If you're buying dress shoes, boots, loafers or brogues, have they been made using a Goodyear welt so that they can be re-soled after years of wear? If you're buying plimsolls or trainers, ask about the quality of the leather and the stitching.
  4. How do I care for these shoes after I’ve bought them to ensure they will survive years of wear? Can the sole be easily repaired or replaced once worn? Does the manufacturer offer a repairs service?
  5. Are these classic? Will the style outlast the latest trends and will your grandchildren still covet them when you’re gone?

We’d love to see your BuyMeOnce shoe capsules, whether they are complete or in progress! Share your photos with us through Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using #BMOShoes

The Only Shoes You’ll Ever Need to Buy (6)

Supna Chavda is a former content producer for BuyMeOnce and is now pursuing her dream of becoming a lawyer. She occasionally dabbles in floristry and enjoys a good stout.

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July 28, 2016 — BuyMeOnce USA

Tags: Capsule Wardrobe fashion shoes

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The Only Shoes You’ll Ever Need to Buy (2024)

FAQs

The Only Shoes You’ll Ever Need to Buy? ›

A flawless pair of shoes can turn basics into an outfit, and with a well-edited shoe wardrobe, your style is unstoppable. But what does a basic shoe wardrobe look like? And what is the minimum number of shoes that a woman can own and still cover all her bases fashion-wise? In my opinion, 12 is the magic number.

How many pairs of shoes should a woman own? ›

A flawless pair of shoes can turn basics into an outfit, and with a well-edited shoe wardrobe, your style is unstoppable. But what does a basic shoe wardrobe look like? And what is the minimum number of shoes that a woman can own and still cover all her bases fashion-wise? In my opinion, 12 is the magic number.

What is the most durable type of shoe? ›

Among the various materials used to make shoes, leather is certainly the most durable. In addition to being sturdy, it is also durable and waterproof. Leather shoes are also quite easy to maintain. You can keep them clean by using a leather moisturizer and rubbing it on the leather.

Can leather shoes last a lifetime? ›

If you buy high end men's shoes crafted with high quality leather, they can last indefinitely with the right care. Don't believe us? In 2008, archaeologists unearthed the world's oldest leather shoe in an Armenian cave. Even at 5,500-years-old, National Geographic said the shoe was “exceptionally well preserved”.

Are shoes made to last? ›

Many of us wear shoes past their “expiration” date simply because we don't know what to look for! As a general rule of thumb, shoes should be replaced every 8-12 months for most people or every 500-700 kilometres for running shoes. Some shoes will last longer, and some will wear out more quickly.

How many shoes does the average person own in a lifetime? ›

The other day I came across a survey reporting that the average American man owns 12 pairs of shoes, while the average American woman owns a whopping 27 pairs. That would make the national average about 19 pairs per person. Wow! Really?

How many shoes does the average person buy in their lifetime? ›

The average American woman will spend $20,557 in her lifetime - on shoes, according to a new study. Researchers found the typical female will own 268 pairs during her adult life and blow $4,364 on shoes which either don't fit properly, or have been worn once - or never worn.

What is the most popular shoe type in the world? ›

Sneakers are an essential in every wardrobe. They're the perfect way to mix style and comfort. Once purely athletic, the humble sneaker has become the most popular choice in footwear.

What is the longest lasting shoe sole material? ›

PU :: Polyurethane soles are lightweight, resilient, flexible, and have good ground insulation and shock-absorbing properties. These soles have the best durability performance. RUBBER :: Rubber has excellent ground traction and is a non-marking, long-lasting material that enhances the shoe durability and longevity.

What kind of shoes to wear when walking a lot? ›

  • Best Overall Shoes for Walking: Allbirds Tree Runners.
  • Best Walking Shoes with Arch Support: Hoka Bondi 8.
  • Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet: Nike Structure 24.
  • Best Cushioned Walking Shoes: Allbirds Tree Flyers.
  • Best Shoes for Walking on Concrete: Skechers Go Walk Massage Fit.
Apr 5, 2023

Do shoes go bad if not used? ›

While shoes won't start to deteriorate immediately after buying them, you should begin using them six to 12 months after your purchase. According to Stump, this is when they start to break down little by little. “It may not mean they're completely unusable,” he says.

Why shouldn't you wear leather shoes 2 days in a row? ›

Leather Uppers especially need time to air out

We define ample time as around 24 hours – so ideally give it a day between wears. If you don't give your shoes a day to air out, the sweat-soaked leather will warp, and your shoes can start to lose their shape — not to mention get musty and start to smell.

Can a shoe last for 20 years? ›

On average, heavily worn but well-maintained Goodyear-welted shoes can last between 5-10 years. A pair that is rotated out among a collection of shoes should last between 10 to 20 years.

How many years should a pair of shoes last? ›

On average, shoes can last from two to seven years depending on the quality and the way they are cared for. Many people wonder how long their sneakers or flats will last. If you are actively using these shoes, you'll have to invest in a new pair faster than a pair that's worn for fashion.

Do shoes last longer in the box? ›

Shoe boxes can protect your shoes and keep them in proper conditions to avoid any kind of residue or build-up, and this can drastically improve the overall lifespan of your shoe. However, there is no benefit to storing your shoes at all if you are going to put them away without cleaning them.

How long should expensive shoes last? ›

Shoe Price: $200-$399.99

If we are talking welted shoes, you can expect anywhere from 2-20 years from them, assuming you take decent care of them. If you take exceptional care of them you could have them +20 years.

Can you tell a lot about a person by their shoes? ›

Someone's age, gender, income, and attachment anxiety can be determined at an above chance level just by looking at photographs of their shoes. Surprisingly minimal appearance cues lead perceivers to accurately judge others' personality, status, or politics.

How many pairs of shoes is it normal to own? ›

Women are more likely to keep shoes they don't wear, holding onto an average of seven pairs – while men keep about three pairs. And more than half of females buy shoes every six months or more, with most owning an average of 11 pairs.

How many shoes does a minimalist own? ›

A good rule of thumb for the minimalist lifestyle is to keep about five pairs of shoes total, give or take. Five pairs of shoes that each serve a unique purpose will provide sufficient footwear for all of your daily needs without going overboard.

What age buys the most shoes? ›

In 2021, the 45 to 54 age group was the highest spender on footwear, spending 470 U.S. dollars on average in the year.

What age buys the most sneakers? ›

What demographic buys the most Nike products? Consumers between the ages of 15-40 buy the most Nike products, including sneakers, apparel, and sporting goods.

How much money do Americans spend on shoes? ›

On average, the American consumer spends 419 U.S. dollars on footwear over the course of the year.

What is the #1 shoe in America? ›

Largest Shoe Brands Research Summary

The largest shoe brand in the US is Nike, with a revenue of $46.7 billion and over 79,000 employees. As of 2022, the US shoe industry has a market size of $85.84 billion. The average American owns 20 pairs of shoes, (12 for men and 27 for women).

What is America's favorite shoe? ›

The “Nike Air Force 1 comes out on top in every single state as the most popular and searched for iconic sneaker in 2021,” according to eBay. It come in women's, men's and kids; high-tops, medium and low-tops; and a variety of colors.

What is the most searched shoe? ›

Top 10 Most Searched Sneakers in the US
  • Nike Air Max 97. Nike Air Max 97. Denim Fashion. ...
  • Nike Air Max 270. Nike Air Max 270. ...
  • Nike Air Max Plus. Nike Air Max Plus. ...
  • Vans Old Skool. Vans Old Skool. ...
  • Nike Air Max 90. Nike Air Max 90. ...
  • New Balance 574. New Balance 574. ...
  • Adidas Superstar. Adidas Superstar. ...
  • Nike Air Max 95. Nike Air Max 95.

Which shoe sole is most comfortable? ›

A rubber sole is more comfortable compared to plastic. It is pliable and provides a better grip than plastic and leather soles when exposed to wet and oily surfaces.

Which soles last longer? ›

Rubber soles

A high-quality rubber sole can last many miles and is almost indestructible. And that's no surprise because that's one of the objectives of a rubber sole – to be a long-lasting sole that you can really go hard on.

Which sole will wear out early? ›

In general, the rougher the sole, the more it is for off-road conditions (the sole is to give you grip). If you were to wear off-road trainers on pavement/concrete/tarmac most of the time, then the sole would wear out quite quickly.

What are the number one shoes for standing all day? ›

Best Work Shoe for Standing All Day: Nike Phantom React Men's | Nike Phantom React Women's. Best Slip-on Shoes for Standing All Day: Skechers Slip Ins: Ultraflex 3.0 Men's | Skechers Slip Ins: Ultraflex 3.0 Women's. Best Shoes for Standing All Day for Wide Feet: Hoka Arahi 6 Men's | Hoka Arahi 6 Women's.

How often should you change your shoes when walking? ›

In fact, some experts recommend replacing your walking shoes every 300 to 500 miles. If you walk briskly for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, that translates to a new pair every six to 12 months.

Are Crocs good for your feet? ›

That said, Crocs lack arch support, so exercising, walking for an extended period of time, or working in them is not recommended by foot specialists. The plastic construction may also lead to sweaty, stinky feet and even blisters.

Is it better to keep shoes in boxes or out? ›

Compared to piling all your pairs on the entryway steps, having them stored inside their boxes is a better idea since shoe boxes are easy to stack and identify. Cardboard boxes can resist a small amount of moisture. This can protect your shoes from the damage caused by humidity.

Is it sanitary to wear used shoes? ›

Health Risks of Wearing Used Footwear

The average foot can sweat up to a cup of liquid daily! This point alone should be a consideration when purchasing second hand shoes. Fungal or bacterial infections, such as Athlete's foot, can be easily contracted through minor cuts, skin fissures or under the nail beds.

Is it OK to buy second hand shoes? ›

Is it safe to buy used shoes? Mainly, yes – it's pretty safe to buy used shoes (and it's a great way to recycle unwanted shoes and stop them going to landfill!). But there are a few important things to consider when buying used shoes. Firstly, look at the condition of the shoes.

Is it weird to wear the same pair of shoes Everyday? ›

When it comes to how often you should wear your favorite pair of footwear, Dan recommends trying to rotate every other day. This not only extends the life of the shoes, but it's best for your feet. “The repetitive stresses of wearing the same shoes day after day, hour after hour, can eventually make us uncomfortable.

Do shoes last longer if rotated? ›

Keep track of your miles in each shoe.

Rotating shoes will make them last longer, but you generally will still want to replace your shoes after 300-500 miles. Once they reach this point or begin to feel worn down, retire the shoe and bring a new pair into the rotation.

How many hours a day should you wear shoes? ›

If you are walking 30 minutes a day or an average of three to four hours a week, replace your shoes every six months. If you are walking 60 minutes a day or an average of seven hours a week, replace your shoes every three months. Plan on replacing your fitness walking shoes every three to six months, or by 500 miles.

Why are my shoes dry rotting in my closet? ›

This process usually occurs if your leather footwear is kept in warm, dry conditions. Dry rot can also happen if your shoes are being stored in extreme conditions — very hot or cold temperatures as well as high humidity. The degradation won't happen overnight.

How many years will Jordans last? ›

How Long Do Jordans Last? Similar to Air Max sneakers, Air Jordans can last around 7-10 years in storage. Occasionally wearing them can increase this time period. Conversely, wearing them daily can accelerate their deterioration.

When should you throw old shoes? ›

On average you should keep your shoes for between 8 and 12 months before replacing them. This averages to around 300 to 500 miles for running shoes. One good indicator that your shoes are worn is when the support and cushioning start to become compressed and the material doesn't bounce back the way it used to.

How many shoes should I own? ›

The traditional rule of elegant dressing recommended seven pairs of shoes, that is, as many pairs as there are days of the week.

How do you tell if your shoes are worn out? ›

Inspect the Insides of Each Shoe

Worn-out padding in the ball of the foot could indicate a number of foot problems including falling arches. Check the back of the shoe that wraps around your ankle. Your heel should not slide around; if it does, it could lead to a lack of stability that could cause an ankle sprain.

How long do unworn sneakers last? ›

The synthetic materials in modern sneakers will begin to crumble into dust whether or not they are ever worn, even if they are kept in their boxes in a cool dark place. After five to ten years the midsole foams will get hard and the cushioning will deteriorate noticeably.

Do shoes get ruined in storage? ›

Keep shoes in a climate controlled environment.

Climate-controlled storage is ideal for shoes as temperature and humidity extremes turn leather brittle, weaken fabrics and cause glues to loosen. Shoes left too long in attics or basem*nts can become unusable within a season or two of harsh treatment.

How often should you throw away shoes? ›

As a general rule of thumb, shoes should be replaced every 8-12 months for most people or every 500-700 kilometres for running shoes. Some shoes will last longer, and some will wear out more quickly.

Where is the best place to keep shoes at home? ›

The best zones for shoe rack placement as per Vastu are the west and the southwest corner of your home. These directions are ideal to place your shoe racks and cupboards. Avoid placing them in the north, northeast and east zones. So, move your shoe rack to its ideal location today.

Is it smart to buy expensive shoes? ›

A well-made pair of shoes is a piece of high craftsmanship. And the main difference? You will have greater support and padding, and your feet will feel “hugged” instead of “constricted”. Higher-priced shoes are built on the foundations of high construction quality and balanced arch support.

How often does the average person buy new shoes? ›

According to podiatrists, everyday shoes need to be replaced every 8 to 12 months – or when they start showing signs of wear and tear. But how do we know when it's time to swap our favourite pumps, trainers or boots for a new pair?

How many shoes does an average woman have? ›

The average woman owns 19 pairs of shoes

On average, women purchase 4 new pairs of shoes per year.

Is it OK to have 2 pairs of shoes? ›

Alternating between two pairs of shoes can help to build the strength of our intrinsic foot muscles by allowing our foot to have to adapt to different shoes. This intrinsic strength is important for strong feet and prevention of injuries such as plantar fasciitis.

What is the average female shoe? ›

The most common foot size for the average American female is somewhere between an 8.5 and a 9, which might surprise some people since in the 1970s the average foot size used to be 7.5 until only recently.

How many shoes do you need minimalist? ›

Five pairs of shoes is the perfect amount for my current lifestyle because I have an appropriate choice to wear for anything on my agenda. I don't miss having more than one pair of each style or options for activities that haven't been on my calendar in years, like ballet class.

What is the most common girl foot size? ›

The most common foot size for the average American female is somewhere between an 8.5 and a 9, which might surprise some people since in the 1970s the average foot size used to be 7.5 until only recently.

What women's shoe size sells the most? ›

In the US woman's “most sold” sizes are between 6.5 and 8.5. most common sized for a woman in the US is 7, 7.5 and 8. According to a study conducted by the National Shoe Retailers Association, the most common women's shoe size in the United States is 8.5.

What is the two finger rule shoes? ›

Generally speaking, there should be about one finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Another way to check this is to slip a finger between the heel of your foot and the heel of your shoe. There should be just enough space for your finger to fit nice and snugly.

What age do feet stop growing? ›

Usually, feet stop growing around age 20 or 21, but it is dependent on when puberty begins. The earlier one starts puberty, the earlier the feet should stop growing. Genetics is a factor as well.

What is considered small for a woman? ›

Women with a BMI of less than 18.5 are considered underweight. The average woman's height is 5 feet, 4 inches. If you weigh 107 pounds or less at this height, you are considered underweight with a BMI of 18.4. A healthy weight range for that woman would be 108 to 145 pounds.

What is an average woman's height? ›

For a woman raised in the United States, the average height is currently 5 feet 4 inches, or around 63.7 inches. However average heights vary, depending on where a person is born and raised. This was reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and applies to women over the age of 20.

How many clothes is considered minimalist? ›

Minimalist wardrobes are more flexible. There is no set number of items. A minimalist closet could have 20 pieces or 200. What matters is you wear all of them – and they all bring you joy.

How many shoes is it normal to own? ›

The traditional rule of elegant dressing recommended seven pairs of shoes, that is, as many pairs as there are days of the week.

What is the perfect amount of clothes for a minimalist? ›

A minimalist should own 5-6 casual tops, shirts, tees, as well as 2-4 workout tops or tanks. One top for each day of the week is a good rule of thumb to build a conscious wardrobe focused on simplicity.

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