# Shoes and gender: a poll **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 8, 2011, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728 "2011-06-08T12:56:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Skammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skammer/32/143_2.png) [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728/41 "2011-06-08T15:29:24Z")
Male. Let’s see, a black pair, a brown pair. One pair of running shoes, plus some beat up sneakers. Work boots, swim shoes, ‘duck’ shoes (leftover from when I lived in a snowy climate). So… 7, which I’m a bit surprised by. In my youth it would have been two (dress shoes, sneakers). ---
**Author:** ![Moonlitherial](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Moonlitherial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonlitherial)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728/42 "2011-06-08T15:34:01Z")
Female and counting here Brown boots Tall black boots Short black boots Hiking boots Outdoor running shoes Indoor running shoes Running shoe like casual shoe Brown sandals Gold sandals Black sandals White sandals Brown pumps Black pumps Black flats Navy flats Black dress sandals White dress sandals So I’m under 20 pair but damn I need some colour in my shoe collection. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Scud](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f08c70/32.png) [@Tom\_Scud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Scud)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728/43 "2011-06-08T15:36:55Z")
Male. Six that are in actual rotation, plus maybe 4 more pairs that are either in some state of disrepair or just jammed back into the back of a closet somewhere. (Kene sandals, 2 pairs of winter-ish shoes, black leather shoes kept at the office, winter boots, fuzzy slippers. Out of rotation are a pair of All-Stars (replaced by the sandals), some very flat middle eastern style sandals that were never comfortable, these plastic Earth shoes that are very light but provide crappy support, and a pair of leather shoes whose soles are messed up.) ---
**Author:** ![Rebo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rebo/32/13005_2.png) [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728/44 "2011-06-08T15:39:42Z")
I’m female, and I have somewhere between 30 and 50 pairs. It’s time to purge again! I only actively wear about 15 pair. ---
**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:** [June 8, 2011, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728/45 "2011-06-08T15:47:16Z")
Male. 8 pairs:[ul] [li]dress shoes[LIST][/li][li]black[/li][li]brown[/li][/ul] [li]casual shoes, brown[/li][li]running shoes[ul][/li][li]Newest pair, worn only for running or working out[/li][li]Next-newest pair, for general-purpose casual wear[/li][li]Oldest pair, worn when I expect to get them wet or dirty[/li][/ul] [li]hiking boots, worn infrequently but nice to have[/li][li]soccer cleats, worn _very_ infrequently but still nice to have[/li][/LIST] I would like a pair of black casual shoes, but just haven’t motivated myself to acquire one. My “active” running shoes are getting due for replacement soon. When that happens they’ll all move down one rung on the ladder and the current oldest pair will head for Goodwill. I own no sandals or flip-flops, and never find myself wishing I did. ---
**Author:** ![Infovore](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/infovore/32/420_2.png) [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728/46 "2011-06-08T15:57:17Z")
Female. Many pairs (I have no idea how many–I haven’t counted them. If I had to guess, I’d say probably around 30 or so). However… Among my many pairs of shoes there are no heels, no girly sandals (my two pairs of sandals are huaraches and Tevas), and only a couple of pairs of low-heeled dress shoes (one black, one brown). Most of mine are athletic shoes, hiking boots, low semi-dressy boots, loafers, and other casual shoes. I should probably get rid of about half of them because I never wear them anymore. So I guess I’m half a stereotype. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Lacunae\_Matata](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lacunae\_Matata](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lacunae_Matata)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728/47 "2011-06-08T16:01:08Z")
> [@MichaelEmouse](#): > > People with more than a dozen pairs of shoes: What’s the marginal gain of another pair? When you’re buying your 31st, do you think about the other 30 pairs? I don’t think about gains. My foot size hasn’t changed significantly in over a quarter of a century. Shoes that are only worn a few times per year can still look nice and be comfy for a long time. I’ve just amassed a large collection. Plus, except for this recent period of underemployment, I have worked in sales, marketing, and entertainment. An appropriate and somewhat flamboyant wardrobe is sort of expected in those fields. ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_Tyger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Silver\_Tyger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Tyger)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728/48 "2011-06-08T16:06:48Z")
I’m not entirely sure, but about ten. I wear two regularly. Female (duh). Off the top of my head, I’ve got three pairs of shoes for RenFaire (rope sandals and two pairs of boots), everyday sandals, a pair of tennis shoes, slip on everyday shoes, a pair of hiking boots, and two or three pairs of dress shoes. I may have forgotten some. ---
**Author:** ![Gilles\_de\_Rais](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@Gilles\_de\_Rais](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gilles_de_Rais)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728/49 "2011-06-08T16:16:57Z")
Female About three dozen – including golf shoes, three pair of hiking boots, cowboy shoes that get worn once a year, and three pair of shoes that are only worn in the bedroom and are rarely (if ever) walked upon… ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728/50 "2011-06-08T16:17:12Z")
Male. Including old worn pairs stashed here and there for back-up ( like the one I usually keep in the trunk of my car - I’ve had unfortunate accidents while hiking around of sinking waist-deep into boggy ground ), maybe a half-dozen. One semi-dressy pair for semi-dressy occasions, a couple of pairs of steel-toes for work. But honestly I wear the same pair of light hiking boots or an older worn-out variant 90+% of the time. I have rather high in-steps and most shoes are frankly uncomfortable ( those semi-dressy shoes kill my feet after a few hours ). When I find a brand/pair that works that becomes the default for comfort reasons. The only reason to ever have more than one is to let them air out. ---
**Author:** ![Sudo\_Intellectual](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/73ab20/32.png) [@Sudo\_Intellectual](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sudo_Intellectual)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728/51 "2011-06-08T16:17:33Z")
Female. Haven’t counted recently but I’d guess close to a hundred. Possibly more after a shoe sale last month added to my collection by about 6. I only have 1 pair that I haven’t worn yet, which arrived just two days ago. That’s not including flip flops or slippers. I guess if I included those it would definitely be over 100. ---
**Author:** ![Walkabout](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/46a35a/32.png) [@Walkabout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walkabout)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728/52 "2011-06-08T16:19:35Z")
I just went in the closet and counted - I have 37, including four pairs of slippers. I usually have three or four pair in constant circulation, depending on the season (casual/dressy, black/brown), some for specialized use (boots, sneakers), some rarely worn (pumps, dressy sandals), and some that are worn or pretty much out of style that I will get rid of eventually. I’m female. When I go to buy a new pair of shoes, I’m usually looking to find something to match a specific outfit or use, such as for a special occasion, my current shoes are getting worn out, or I need to update my style. My husband has fifteen pairs. ---
**Author:** ![tr0psn4j](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/958977/32.png) [@tr0psn4j](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tr0psn4j)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728/53 "2011-06-08T16:22:43Z")
I have my flippety flops, A Keen and a Vasque for every day wear, dress shoes that are buried somewhere deep in my closet and [hiking boots](http://www.rei.com/product/797625/oboz-yellowstone-ii-hiking-boots-mens). I had initially bought the Vasque for light hiking but they’re a little too light even for every day outdoor use. Not sure if these count but I have two Simms boots to wear over waders, one of them has a felt sole. Also, I have another pair for float tubing. So, **male 5-8** with plans on buying 1 or 2 more in the next month. ---
**Author:** ![BetsQ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/fbc32d/32.png) [@BetsQ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BetsQ)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728/54 "2011-06-08T16:45:39Z")
Female. 22, I think. I really, really need to find a pair of business casual black sandals soon, though, because it’s getting really hard to get dressed for work. Black pumps black open-toed pumps black slingbacks brown open-toed pumps navy and silver pumps strappy beige sandals brown boots black boots snow boots sneakers black ballet flats silver ballet flats brown dressy sandals turquoise sandals brown and white sandals black loafers tan loafers brown casual sandals several pairs of Sketchers Mary Janes in different colors/styles flip flops ---
**Author:** ![rhubarbarin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/eb9ed0/32.png) [@rhubarbarin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rhubarbarin)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728/55 "2011-06-08T16:47:53Z")
I’m a woman. Had to count things up: Practical: tall rubber boots, hiking boots, Vibram Fivefingers, a pair of ASICS running shoes I don’t wear anymore, 2 pairs of ‘work shoes’ for the jobs I work on my feet - those cheap cotton mary-janes, 1 pair of non-slip Shoes for Crews sneakers I use rarely. Total: 7 pairs. Purely for looks: tall brown leather boots, tall black leather boots, tall yellow leather boots, 5 different pairs of strappy flat sandals in neutral colors (2 of them need repair or resoling), 2 pairs black leather flats, brown leather flats, red leather flats, ivory leather wedges, black leather wedges, brown leather wedges, seersucker espadrille wedges, 2 pairs black leather sandals with 3" heel, white leather sandals with 4" heel, ivory leather sandals with 3" heel, black leather round-toe pumps with 2 1/2" heel, brown leather round-toe pumps with 3" heel, red and white pumps with 2 1/2" heel. Total: 23 pairs. 30 pairs. Damn, that’s a lot of shoes. And there are so many more I covet. ---
**Author:** ![Moonlitherial](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Moonlitherial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonlitherial)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728/56 "2011-06-08T17:02:36Z")
Oh hell Renfaire gear. Well I’m over 20 now. Red boots, green shoes,red shoes and purplish shoes. That’s where all the colour in my shoes are! ---
**Author:** ![lorene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/65b543/32.png) [@lorene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lorene)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728/57 "2011-06-08T17:15:43Z")
Female. I have a ton of shoes. I just gave some away, so I’m going to estimate 50 pairs of shoes and 12 pairs of boots (not including running shoes, spinning shoes, any other workout stuff). I’m at work right now, and I have 9 pair under my desk. I wear sneakers to commute and have a basic shoe wardrobe here that carries me through most days—black pumps, brown pumps, navy pump, black dressy sandals, navy ballet flats, etc. When I have a need for more color or for a different style, I’ll bring a pair from home. Every once in a while, I have to drive to work. I generally take advantage of that to do a big shoe switch and have bring in some different ones to “live” here and bring home the ones that have been here for a while. As to the question about “gain” beyond the first 30 or so pairs…My shoes are mostly different from one another. But I suppose it depends on how much of a difference you consider _different_. I have 2 pairs of black patent mary jane pumps, for examply. But one pair has a rounded toe and a stacked heel, while the other has a squared-off toe and a thinner heel. In my book, they are quite different from one another. I have 4 pairs of black sandals, but they’re various points on the spectrum from casual to dressy. It’s not as though they’re interchangeable. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728/58 "2011-06-08T17:18:36Z")
> [@lorene](#): > > I wear sneakers to commute and have a basic shoe wardrobe here that carries me through most days—black pumps, brown pumps, navy pump, black dressy sandals, navy ballet flats, etc. I keep my shoes in the car. 🙂 I have finally gotten down to three pairs of work shoes, and I will not buy any navy blue clothing because then I’d have to get another pair of shoes! ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728/59 "2011-06-08T17:24:45Z")
Female Hmmmm black mary janes cream mary janes black sneekers white sneekers brown leather clogs screaming international distress orange croc clogs I use orthotics in everything except the clogs. I use the brown clogs for traveling by airplane, and the orange ones to muck around on the farm in mud. ---
**Author:** ![Covered\_In\_Bees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7ab992/32.png) [@Covered\_In\_Bees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Covered_In_Bees)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728/60 "2011-06-08T17:27:08Z")
Male, 7. One very old pair of sneakers that I’m not sure even fit me anymore. One pair of dirty red Chuck Taylors that I never wear anymore because I have a different pair of red ones. Some super fly shoes for looking stylish. One pair of professional shoes for my high powered business meetings. Finally two more pairs of Chuck Taylors, one pair in royal blue the other in neon blue. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoes-and-gender-a-poll/584728.md?page=4)