How many pairs is enough?

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iluvbagsnshoes

iluvbagsnshoes

Keeper of dachshunds
O.G.
Nov 23, 2008
924
224
#1
Shoes have always been "my thing," even more than bags. Due to several reasons, including needing to wear more comfortable shoes (pinched nerve and numb toes), turning 30, becoming more realistic about my lifestyle/needs and sharing my closet with my boyfriend, I have been downsizing my shoe collection.

At one point in my mid-20s, I had over 120 pairs of shoes. I have sold/donated many pairs, and have invested in nicer, more comfortable shoes like Paul Green, Ferragamo, Cole Haan, Donald Pliner, etc. I haven't counted recently, but I'd estimate I have about 50 now.

I am in the midst of another major closet clean up, and I tried to cut down to 25 pairs (not including outdoor boots or athletic sneakers). I am finding it so difficult to let go of almost any of my remaining shoes. I know I don't need them, but I feel attached or worry that I might need some of them for some purpose in the future.

I am curious how others balance their love for shoes with the realities of space, lifestyle, budget and comfort, and how many pairs you feel is enough?

I look forward to your responses!
 
#2
I buy until I physically run out of room :)

Although I tend to re-buy types of shoes I wear a lot (and wear out, including flats and riding boots).

But I really don't have a limit; if I find a great deal I'll buy it. I rarely pay full price so it's not a budgetary issue. And I do find that I wear most of my shoes- given the right occasion.
 
#5
I like to have a variety of each type of shoe I wear, so that I have shoes to go with every outfit.

These are the types I wear:

Pumps (a bunch)
Wedge sandals (maybe 5)
Stiletto sandals (black)
Flip flops (maybe 5)
Sneakers (brown, black, navy, plus workout shoes)
Wedge sneakers (gray & olive)
Booties (maybe 4, plus some old longer ones that can only be worn with wide leg pants :-s)
Tall Boots (brown & black)
Snow boots (brown & black)
Hiking boots (brown)

No flats for me.
 
#6
I grouped my shoes by type--black heels, nude pumps, etc. Then I asked myself, do I need four pairs of black flat loafers? No. I kept the one that the most comfortable. Do I need three pairs of black high heels? No, the black satin and black croc are fine--the calf leather will not be replaced. And so forth. The last time I did this I got down to 30 pairs and I would dearly LOVE to get it below 20.
 
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#8
Thanks for the responses so far ladies! I also have mine grouped by type and then by color. One shelving unit for flats by color, a shelf for boots, another for heels/pumps and one for athletic/casual shoes like Toms. There are shoes everywhere due to the layout of my closet/dressing room.
I've been inspired by the "minimalist closet" thread in The Wardrobe and I'm tired of always tripping over and seeing shoes all the time. Also I can never choose because I have too many options! And then I went and bought a new pair today...
 
#9
I used to have about 200-250 pairs and over the years it's gone down to about 100-125 pairs (including boots)....it was a struggle and perhaps a tear. As of late, I've become painfully more realistic about the shoes I'm buying and asking myself if I really need them. Now I don't buy any shoe that can't be paired with at least 4-5 different unique outfits and isn't similar to a pair I already own. It helps that I keep my wardrobe fairly neutral and classic....shoes tend to be my trendy item and my pop of color. I also have got into the habit of purging my closet once a year of anything I haven't worn in the past year (shoes included)...the only exception is evening dresses. So I try not to buy something unless I have something to donate.

I group my shoes by occasion: work, casual day/evening, dressy (weddings/black-tie), athletic, and going-out (on date night, the SO gets to choose which pair of fukk-me shoes I wear for the evening...this way he doesn't complain about how many pairs I own). Then because I live in NYC, there's a subcategory of season. Very easy to rack up 100+ pairs with such crazy logic :laugh:
 
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#10
berrydiva said:
As of late, I've become painfully more realistic about the shoes I'm buying and asking myself if I really need them. Now I don't buy any shoe that can't be paired with at least 4-5 different unique outfits and isn't similar to a pair I already own. It helps that I keep my wardrobe fairly neutral and classic....shoes tend to be my trendy item and my pop of color. I also have got into the habit of purging my closet once a year of anything I haven't worn in the past year (shoes included)...So I try not to buy something unless I have something to donate.

I've been making sure to sell/donate some every time I buy, but I feel guilty about the money I spent on shoes I rarely or never wore.

Very easy to rack up 100+ pairs with such crazy logic :laugh:
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I agree!

I'm enjoying everyone's shoe logic!
 
#14
e_nmn_m said:
I want a limited shoe selection because for me it is incredibly stressful to have too many choices. It takes too much time to make a decision.
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I've noticed the same thing.
Ladies with a lot of shoes: do you tend to pick your outfit first and then select shoes to match or do you start with the shoes?
 
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