Good for you! There's nothing better than a good purge!

I just got rid of two pairs of shoes, both red.

One pair was ancient--the other were my sandals from last summer.

chadya--you just reminded me. I am still hanging on to the first pair of "serious" shoes I ever bought--I was probably seventeen or eighteen--low healed (slim) classic patent leather pumps. (I may or may not still have the matching patent leather purse.) The problem with the pumps--they're a size seven! After 30 plus years, my feet have fallen and flattened and I now wear a size nine.

However, they are still in their original box.

Congratulations on a job well done

AJ, 4 a year gives me the minimal turnover rate I can deal with (7 years avg. if purging at rate of buying) and honestly the minimal amount that would satisfy my desire for new/variety. After 3 years now of seeing what I buy I'm getting a better handle on what's reasonable to expect from myself, long term.
Ideally, it would likely break down into a boot, a sandal, a flat and a more sporty style most years. Maybe one year that sandal is a heel, maybe the next year the flat is a bootie, etc. No strict rules on that, just observing shopping patterns.

Well done! I am very impressed - and inspired!

Wow, that is so impressive! I know I still have more shoes than I need though I do like having a variety. I have several in mind that might be on the hit list because I want to reduce the overall number. I am also going to review my dressy, occasion shoes because I can probably eliminate a few of those.

I'm thinking about 40 sounds good to me, not counting gear. That means I need to purge about 20 pairs- yikes!