# Men: Do you have more or fewer pairs of shoes than I do? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 15, 2013, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435 "2013-02-15T21:08:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![bldysabba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecccb3/32.png) [@bldysabba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bldysabba)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 10:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435/41 "2013-02-18T10:30:55Z")
1 brown leather formal 1 black leather formal 1 wooden court shoe for squash 1 running shoe 1 bathroom slippers 1 sandals 6 total, I’m not counting old shoes that I have yet to throw. If you add those, it’ll be 10. Why’re we counting bathroom slippers and sandals as shoes? ---
**Author:** ![Maastricht](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a88e57/32.png) [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435/42 "2013-02-18T11:08:26Z")
My husband hates shoes. He thinks they all feel too hot in any but the most cold weather. He does not have sneakers though, the feel to soft, he likes to feel the ground he walks on. 1. A pair of sneakers – Husband has one current black leather thin soled version of this, and two older worn out similar pairs that he has’t thrown out yet and still wears sometimes. 2. A pair of dressy shoes – Husband has one current black pait that he hardly wears, one older/less fitting pair. 3. A pair of house slippers/sandals (“downstairs” slippers). Three of those, they are all not quite right. 4. A pair of bedroom slippers (“upstairs” slippers). Nope, he would just wear socks. 5. A pair of beach/pool thongs/sandals - Husband has a pair of white crocs for that purpose. 6. A pair of snow boots. No, the few times he will go on a winter walk with me, he will wear the black leather sneakers. 7. An old pair of shoes for yard work. - He does have a pair of wellingtons (rubber boots) 8. A pair of workout/gym/active wear sneakers. - Not quite. He does have two or three pair of shoes for special hobbies. Soccer shoes, a pair of bike racing shoes that clip in the bike pedals. These all come and go with the hobbies. ---
**Author:** ![SmellMyWort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SmellMyWort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmellMyWort)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435/43 "2013-02-18T17:16:36Z")
More but I could probably get rid of a few of these. Brown formal dress Black formal dress Brown business casual Black business casual 3 pairs of running shoes of varrying levels of wear Steel toe work boots Hiking boots Hiking shoes 3 pairs of brown casual shoes Down slippers house slippers soled mocs leather sandals old velcro sandals for boating/water Chaco sandals leather flip flops 2 pair of plastic flip flops (black and dark blue) really old tennis shoes for working in the yard Bowling shoes ---
**Author:** ![brad\_d](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@brad\_d](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brad_d)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435/44 "2013-02-18T17:46:19Z")
My simple answer to the OP’s question is **more** :[ol] [li]Black dress shoes[/li][li]Brown dress shoes[/li][li]Brown casual shoes - on my feet as I type this[/li][li]New Balance 1260’s - newest pair, only used for running (just over 300 miles on them; I usually retire & replace around 400)[/li][li]New Balance 1226’s - most recently retired runners, now everyday casual wear[/li][li]New Balance 1225’s - retired runners, now everyday casual wear[/li][li]New Balance 1224’s - long-retired runners, used when I feel like orange shoes or when I’m doing dirty work (will get tossed when 1260’s are retired)[/li][li]Hiking boots[/li][li]Soccer cleats, last worn several years ago but still serviceable[/li][li]Black patent leather shoes intended for wear with my tuxedo - very rarely worn[/li][/ol]I don’t care for sandals or other open shoes, so I don’t own any. ---
**Author:** ![corkboard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9bcb4/32.png) [@corkboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/corkboard)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435/45 "2013-02-18T18:07:28Z")
1. brown dress 2. black dress 3. brown casual 4. black casual 5. black “going out” shoes 6. hiking boots 7. indoor work boots 8. outdoor work boots 9. mandals 10. gym shower/beach flip-flop 11. running (good) 12. running (beat) 13. snowboots 14. slippers 15. casual boot 16. summer/sketchers 17. Merrells 18. Docksiders Those are the ones I can remember; there might be one or two more. Also, do ski boots count? ---
**Author:** ![Labtrash](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/labtrash/32/528_2.png) [@Labtrash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labtrash)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435/46 "2013-02-18T18:16:33Z")
Steel Toe (work) Sandals (everything else) Dress shoes (in case someone gets married or dies) My wife bought me some crocs but I refuse to wear them. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435/47 "2013-02-18T18:46:01Z")
About 35 pair all told. Multiple flavors of cowboy boots, hiking boots, work boots, tennis shoes, casual shoes, dress shoes, yard and pool shoes and sandals. ---
**Author:** ![MacCat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maccat/32/216_2.png) [@MacCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacCat)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435/48 "2013-02-18T18:59:45Z")
> [@Norse](#): > > Damn, I guess my real name is Imelda Marcos lieu just might have something to say about _that_! :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435/49 "2013-02-18T19:03:30Z")
I definitely have fewer. Only two I wear on any regular basis: some patchwork slip-ons and some Croc knock-offs. I also have usable pairs of brown and black dress shoes, and a pair of sneakers that would probably be usable if they were washed. I might be able to find a pair of sandals. So at most, I have six pairs. I’d like houseshoes to keep my bare feet from getting dirty walking around the house, so I may bump it up to seven soon. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435/50 "2013-02-18T19:38:16Z")
More, and this doesn’t count a couple of old pairs of shoes that I haven’t gotten around to dumping or donating. #1: Everyday athletic shoes (New Balance cross-trainers) #2: Primary running shoes (New Balance 1080) #3: Backup running shoes (used to be the primary pair; same new Balance model as #2) #4: Trail running shoes (Brooks Ghost) #5 & 6: Casual shoes (two pairs of Lands End moccasins) #7: Lands End boots for winter weather #8 & 9: “Dress” shoes (one pair of wingtips, which I don’t wear often, and a somewhat-less-dressy pair of brown shoes) #10: An old pair of New Balance cross trainers which are now relegated to being worn while mowing the lawn or doing yard work. #11: Slippers ---
**Author:** ![StusBlues](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@StusBlues](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StusBlues)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435/51 "2013-02-18T19:42:48Z")
I have a pair of black Dockers shoes that I wear to work or formal occasions, a pair of black Nike sneakers that I wear otherwise, and a pair of flip flops. Three pair. And that’s the ballgame. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2013, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435/52 "2013-02-19T01:19:24Z")
3 pair: 1. Dress shoes 2. Sneakers for everyday wear 3. Sneakers for yard work ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2013, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435/53 "2013-02-19T13:34:41Z")
Yep, I counted them this am in the closet getting dressed. Exactly 33, plus the pool sandals and the yard sneakers on the back patio. The largest contingent are those for work casual. ---
**Author:** ![August\_West](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/august_west/32/18069_2.png) [@August\_West](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/August_West)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2013, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435/54 "2013-02-19T17:36:32Z")
Wow, now I’m worried that I’m a shoe hoarder or something. I own: DRESS/ BUSINESS [ul] [li]Burgundy wingtips[/li][li]Burgundy penny loafers[/li][li]Brown oxfords[/li][li]Brown penny loafers[/li][li]Brown tassel loafers[/li][li]Black cap toe oxford[/li][li]Black patent formal pump[/li][li]Black split-toe blucher[/li][li]Blue suede bucks[/li][/ul] CASUAL/ TRAIL/EXERCISE [ul] [li]Merrell driving shoes[/li][li]Topsiders -white[/li][li]Topsiders- Gray[/li][li]Black Chuck Taylor low-tops[/li][li]NB running shoe[/li][li]Merrrel trail runners[/li][li]Asics cross country track shoe[/li][li]Asolo hiking boots[/li][/ul] BOOTS[ul] [li]Lacrosse Iceman (for temps below 0°F)[/li][li]Sorel snow boots (temps below 32°F)[/li][li]Maine Hunting Shoes (worn to work in wet/snowy conditions to prtect dress shoes)[/li][li]Wellies (gardening)[/li][/ul] And I’m sure I’m missing a few in there ---
**Author:** ![geneb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a88e4f/32.png) [@geneb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/geneb)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2013, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435/55 "2013-02-19T18:29:29Z")
Good lord (most of) you guys have a lot of shoes. I have 3 pair: Black dress shoes for work and dressing up, flip-flops for quick trips outside and going to the beach, Steel toed boots for everything else. ---
**Author:** ![Sicks\_Ate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2013, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435/56 "2013-02-19T18:47:41Z")
I would have said I don’t have too many shoes, but I guess when I think about it I do. Too many, however, are just old shoes I should throw away but haven’t. Brown leather semi-dress X2 Brown leather dress Brown casual Crappy flip-flops X2 Nice flip-flops X2 Blue running shoes (retired and should be trashed) Green running shoes (retired, ‘everyday’ shoe) Hiking shoes (semi-retired and replaced with trail runners, used for yard work) Trail running shoes #1 Trail running shoes #2 (semi-retired) Trail running shoes #3 (hated them, they need to be burned) White sneakers Insulated tactical/snow boots Steel toe work boots And, a brand-new pair of Merrell Road Gloves that will arrive (per UPS prediction) on Thursday. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2013, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435/57 "2013-02-19T18:49:00Z")
> [@August\_West](#): > > [li]Merrell driving shoes[/li] You change your shoes to drive? Are you Bertie Wooster? ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2013, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435/58 "2013-02-19T18:57:20Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > You change your shoes to drive? Are you Bertie Wooster? Or [Bill Cosby](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-JQksYxgM0). I know it’s long, but it’s worth it. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2013, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435/59 "2013-02-19T19:03:28Z")
> [@geneb](#): > > Good lord (most of) you guys have a lot of shoes. I have 3 pair: Black dress shoes for work and dressing up, flip-flops for quick trips outside and going to the beach, Steel toed boots for everything else. When I was younger (mid-to-late 20s), and had to wear a suit to work every day, I probably only had 2-3 pairs of shoes at a time: - Wingtips to wear at work - Sneakers for everyday outside-of-work wear - Maybe a pair of casual shoes (for, say, going out on a date, where I’d be wearing something better than jeans and a t-shirt) Picking up running as a regular exercise regimen has added a lot of shoes to my active list, as has switching away from wearing a suit on a daily basis. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2013, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435/60 "2013-02-19T19:04:10Z")
Hmm, more-14 pair. 2 pr steel toed boots, one for work one for home. steel toed mukluks steel toed rubbers Doc Martin Oxfords for not in the field in winter Clarks Unstructured for summer Asics runners at home Asics gym shoes for workouts Diadora cycling shoes Merrell sandals Birkinstock sandals Beater Reeboks for yard stuff Dexter dress shoes Keen winter boots It was worse when I was in the military, that added about a half dozen boots to the mix… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-have-more-or-fewer-pairs-of-shoes-than-i-do/650435.md?page=4)