YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Can You Have Too Many Shoes?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Can You Have Too Many Shoes? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:15:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Helena on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes/page/2#post-2307835 Sun, 12 Feb 2023 18:35:38 +0000 Helena 2307835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love this Angie... Such a great reminder there are no hard and fast rules that apply to everyone when it comes to style! Anonymous on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes/page/2#post-2307781 Sun, 12 Feb 2023 11:41:59 +0000 Anonymous 2307781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ha @SarahD8 :) Clutter stresses me out too! I have 22 (inc slippers) but would be ok to about 25. Even if I had a big house, I don't think I'd want more than that. Minaminu on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes/page/2#post-2307780 Sun, 12 Feb 2023 11:09:44 +0000 Minaminu 2307780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have under 20 pieces and I am currently in the process of reviewing my collection and planning replacements. Comfort first, heel's height second! Handbags, on the other hands,  are my big love. I only have 8 but hoping to add an everyday box bag and a raffia bag as well! Jaime on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes/page/2#post-2307746 Sun, 12 Feb 2023 02:25:04 +0000 Jaime 2307746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Can I have too many shoes? No way ! Kidding, but only sort of. I have 100+ shoes, and still look at the shoes first whenever I shop. I store them in an intricate system along the bottom of my wall length closet, rotate them so that the seasonally appropriate ones are in the front row twice a year, and generally enjoy trying on several with an outfit to see what they do and what I want that day. I do not wear them all every year but have definitely seen sleepers go into heavy rotation after a break. Val MN on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes/page/2#post-2307741 Sun, 12 Feb 2023 01:07:17 +0000 Val MN 2307741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can say how many pairs of shoes I have -- 13, of which 9 are for wearing out and about, and 4 are for the house and yard -- but I can't say with confidence whether this is my sweet spot. The storage is rather crowded. I'd like to have a "shoe museum" like UmmLila's, even just to house my little collection. Anonymous on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes/page/2#post-2307718 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 20:48:25 +0000 Anonymous 2307718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 11 bags Suz on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes/page/2#post-2307711 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 19:18:35 +0000 Suz 2307711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Haha, SarahDB, that is funny! And Rachylou, you said "difficult" question. I might almost call it a "trick" question!  cat2 on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes/page/2#post-2307708 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 18:41:33 +0000 cat2 2307708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ In the spirit of shoe, I mean true, confessions I have 15 pairs of winter flats. The oldest is from 2018. I have a similar count for summer; those are tucked away for the season. My feet are happiest when I switch shoe lasts and styles each day, so I have a mix of loafers, skimmers and ballet flats from a handful of different manufacturers. I average wearing out one a month during the season. My matchy matchy soul is happiest when I have a couple of pairs of shoes, in different styles, to match or closely coordinate with each purse. So a two to one shoe to purse ratio. Each year I assess any gaps and what colors are trending in the stores to prioritize filling them when the colors I want are available. It’s an ongoing project that I don’t fret about getting perfect. This year my only winter gap is the same as last year, in true grey flats; I haven’t found anything that I like in the sales yet, so that might still be on the list next year as well. SarahD8 on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes/page/2#post-2307707 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 17:40:24 +0000 SarahD8 2307707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The Duolingo owl has entered the chat...giving us examples from both ends of the spectrum lol kkards on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes/page/2#post-2307677 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 13:48:48 +0000 kkards 2307677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet —yes, I’ve found the same thing, and rarely wear the same shoe 2 days in a row…. <div>And I think I’ve found my next challenge…wear all the shoes!  (Ok maybe not all as I’m not going to wear my sandals anytime soon)</div> Janet on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes/page/2#post-2307670 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 13:12:50 +0000 Janet 2307670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Re: letting shoes get a break in between wearings — I learned (somewhere? Can’t remember where) that shoes break down less quickly when you give them a day or more in between wearings. My understanding is that it helps them release any trapped moisture and compression so any cushioning inside can recover before putting more pressure on it again. Particularly applicable to items like running or hiking shoes! I got in the habit of buying two pairs of identical running shoes when I was running a lot for this reason, and it did help extend the life of both pairs. I don’t know how true it is, but my shoes tend to last a long time, even though I walk a lot and can be hard on them. jussie on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes/page/2#post-2307656 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 09:47:31 +0000 jussie 2307656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have 20 pairs of shoes and 4 bags. For me, the shoes are the perfect amount. Tonnes of choice, but fits in my small closet. I literally can’t squeeze a single other pair in, so it’s one in; one out. The 4 bags? Hmmm well I would enjoy a little more variety there, but it’s not a shopping priority at the moment. Especially because a lot of the time lately I am trying not to carry a bag, and just have phone and keys in pocket when possible. This is mainly because carrying a bag for long periods of time gives me a bit of a sore neck and shoulders. I still use a bag when I need one, a few times a week depending what I am doing, and it’d be fun to have some more cool choices- but I tend to prefer to focus “investment” into the clothing moreso. Interesting to hear about everyone’s shoe collections. DonnaF on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes#post-2307647 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 05:59:58 +0000 DonnaF 2307647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I used to be a few pairs of (black) shoes and a bag or two gal. I now own dozens of pairs of shoes and have run out of storage space. And a few pairs I haven't yet worn which means I own too many. I also have a dozen or two (cheap) bags. One has started to peel at the top and probably others will soon -- which happens when they're not leather.  I learned somewhere (here?) that the same shoes shouldn't be worn two days in a row because they need airing out. I guess mine get a lot of air! SarahD8 on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes#post-2307646 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 05:39:35 +0000 SarahD8 2307646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have 35 pairs of shoes. 36 if you count the extremely beat up swedish clogs sitting by the back door as "I'm just gonna run outside for a mo" shoes and 37 if you count the pair of way past their prime sandals I just left at my parents' place in Arizona to force myself to replace them this year. (Are you sensing a theme?) In contrast I have I think 4 bags, only 2 of which I use regularly. I am a shoe gal for sure! I think 3 dozen is about the right number for my storage space and brain but I am not sure these are exactly the *right* 3 dozen. Hm. Perhaps an edit is in order. Stagiaire Fash on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes#post-2307643 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 04:31:41 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2307643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think 20, plus specialty things like cleats & slippers, is a good number for me I’ve found a good use for the fashion sneaks that hurt my lower back: at my parents’ house, because it is in the kind of neighborhood that requires driving. I won’t be walking far enough there for them to have a chance to cause me pain. There’s also a pair of black ankle boots that I keep there. Jessikams’ dog story reminds me of the yoga instructor in Florida a couple weeks ago. She was wearing boots because, she said, a client’s dog had eaten her only pair of sandals the day before and she hadn’t had a chance to buy new ones yet. That’s too much minimalism for me! LJP on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes#post-2307642 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 04:18:42 +0000 LJP 2307642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lol Lisa . Shoe sister . Jenni NZ on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes#post-2307626 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 03:00:02 +0000 Jenni NZ 2307626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well I checked the lists I brought on holiday and of my 37 pairs of shoes there were 6 that I did not wear in 2022. 3 had a higher heel than I now prefer, 2 were tall boots which I seem to be off for the last few years but do not want to edit out, and one is a pair that was originally bought for Art Deco but stays in my normal closet since they are actually normal shoes not vintage. I don’t like them that much but they are my only low contrast pair. If I keep not wearing they may need to go. Otherwise everything fits in my space and the other 31 pairs all got worn last year. Bonnie on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes#post-2307624 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 02:50:28 +0000 Bonnie 2307624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When I moved into my present home, I had an IKEA closet put in with shoe storage for 24. It's now full with 25 pair, I tucked the extra pair under one of the shelves which is just a temporary solution since they are getting a bit squashed. Gear shoes are stored in a bench by the back door or in the car. To answer your question, I think in my case that I can have have too many pair for the space I have. However, I may be able to work out a system of switching out the sandals and boots seasonally by storing them else where. I do that with summer tops and winter sweaters. It will just take a bit of rearranging and donating which is long overdue. rachylou on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes#post-2307612 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 01:21:37 +0000 rachylou 2307612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I find this a difficult question. I have too many shoes for daily life and just the right amount when I’m trying to make outfits… MsMaven on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes#post-2307611 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 01:06:25 +0000 MsMaven 2307611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I counted up my shoes--around 25 pairs including shoes, boots, and sandals in boxes waiting for warmer weather. I've never had so many shoes. It's a foot issue--shoe brands that worked well for me just a few years ago are no longer comfortable. My feet have changed and continue changing. OTOH, some of my favorite older brands have disappeared.  I'm so glad sneakers are in style. And so happy there are so many colors and varieties available! UmmLila (Lisa) on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes#post-2307606 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 00:37:21 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2307606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Errrrr Sloper on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes#post-2307600 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 00:21:06 +0000 Sloper 2307600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have too many pairs.  For many years I refrained from buying many, and was fine with a couple pairs for work, sneakers for walking, cowboy and stompy boots for fun.  Then bought more during some stressful times.  I don’t have good storage, so they end up buried and forgotten. But yeah - it is possible for me to have too many. Looking at beautiful celebrity closets and shoe storage is vicarious fun! Jessikams on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes#post-2307598 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 00:10:23 +0000 Jessikams 2307598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have waaaaaay too many pairs, accumulated as we move from climate to climate, city to city with different lifestyle needs. Plus, I adore them from a design point of view. And I love how a shoe can really change an outfit! Fortunately for my numbers, my dog also loves shoes. He killed 2 pairs just yesterday because I accidentally left them out Suz on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes#post-2307593 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 23:29:14 +0000 Suz 2307593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I counted. I have 29 shoes/ boots/ sandals across all seasons, including indoor-only footwear and snow boots, hiking boots, gear runners.  19 pairs are actual "wear outside the house with an outfit" shoes or boots (vs. gear or indoor). That feels about right to me. I could eliminate a pair or two but I do enjoy footwear and don't want to go too much lower. For many years I lived like your papa and owned 3 to 4 pair of shoes, and it was a misery to me. I find that switching out my footwear helps my feet as well as my outfits, so I do want to maintain some variety.  I do switch out seasonally -- I find it helpful to do so because it's when I do my major edits. I re-evaluate items as a season begins and think about replacements (if needed).  I have 9 bags. A few I rarely use, but I'd also like a few more in different styles. The ones I don't use are clutches. I kept them because, well, who knows? I like the patterns and shapes of them. Maybe they will come into vogue again.  Shoes feel more integral to my outfits because people don't see my bags all that often since I work mostly from home. When I worked outside the home more often, and travelled more, I found bags felt more important.  Tanya on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes#post-2307586 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 23:06:18 +0000 Tanya 2307586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am with Kkards and LJP, I have quite a few pairs of shoes, and not so many bags.  I do have the storage space for them and wear most of the regular shoes pretty often in appropriate seasons.  The ones that don't get worn often are special occasion shoes, special weather shoes (like snow boots), some old sentimental favorites and random types that I wear a lot in some years and not at all in others (e.g. espadrille wedges). LaPed on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes#post-2307578 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 22:15:27 +0000 LaPed 2307578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Back to say: my bag count is much smaller than my shoe count. Three cross-bodies, a couple of big canvas totes, and a smaller leather tote. I sometimes wonder if I should trim the collection down a bit because for the past few years I've really only used my biggest tote and my smallest crossbody (actually a fanny pack). I'm even less of a bag person than a shoe person! That said, I do also have four different gear backpacks (two for backpacking, one for day hiking, and one for trail running). I don't include them in the fashion inventory, but they took up a good chunk of my budget and are totally indispensable. :)   Anonymous on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes#post-2307576 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 22:08:41 +0000 Anonymous 2307576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m scared to count my shoes.  They are tucked into all kinds of spaces, and I’m terrible about letting them go because I am so picky when I buy them.  They aren’t something I buy impulsively, and I obsess over the smallest details and drive myself nuts during the selection process.  I don’t feel like I’m at hoarder-level yet, but I’ve put myself on notice about buying new ones.  Shoes have a strange power over me, it seems!  It may have something to do with an austere upbringing, where we only got one new pair a year.  I guess I’ve made up for that! Janet on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes#post-2307575 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 21:51:42 +0000 Janet 2307575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ll chime in, in the spirit of candor, and admit to a collection that’s probably around 80 pairs. I do have good storage for them, and I do switch out some of the collection seasonally — right now most sandals are packed up in the same boxes that hold tall and/or bulky boots during the summer. They are up on high shelves in my closet where I can get to them easily if I need to (for travel plans for instance), but they’re out of the way. I keep some things for a while when I don’t seem to be wearing them anymore, to be sure I’m giving them a fair shot — I’ve had one or two times I gave up something I loved right before it started trending again. I’ve also been slow to edit during the Covid years, but am now settling into my new wearing patterns so I may be willing to let go of some styles that are no longer calling me. But this collection includes boots, booties, flats, sneakers, sandals, in a wide spectrum of casual-to-dressy. It’s nice to know I can find a shoe I love for any outfit I come up with. That’s not always been the case in my life — in my 30s I owned a collection of black shoes only, and they were pretty utilitarian. Anonymous on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes#post-2307573 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 21:39:46 +0000 Anonymous 2307573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I had to count! I have 14 pairs of shoes including 2 slippers. It is a little high for my storage space. Purchased a new pair of boots and Vans last year. Some of the others need replacing and may discard more than one pair for new purchases. Very cool to have your shoes and bags be the same number. Nice organizational tool. Maybe I will count my bags this weekend LJP on "Can You Have Too Many Shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-have-too-many-shoes#post-2307572 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 21:37:34 +0000 LJP 2307572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Never mind