Deep Dive

Footwear Spend and Key Purchase Considerations

In another section of this report, we look broadly at how much consumers are spending on clothing and footwear combined. Here, we narrow in further to explore how much shoppers are spending specifically on footwear – and the factors and information that influence their purchase decisions.

We explore consumers’ clothing shopping habits in another section

Pairs of Footwear Purchased Annually

Many consumers are avid shoe-buyers. The largest portion (19%) have added 10 or more pairs to their collection in the last year. 14% purchased 4 pairs, and another 14% purchased 5 pairs. 

Pairs of Shoes Purchased Last Year
Approximately how many pairs of footwear did you buy in the last year?

Total Monthly Footwear Spend

We know how many pairs of shoes consumers purchase each year. Now, let’s take a look at how that translates to monthly spending.

The largest portion of consumers (29%) spend less than $50 each month on shoes. 27% spend between $51 and $100.

Overall (Online + In-Store) Monthly Footwear Spend
Roughly how much money do you spend MONTHLY on FOOTWEAR?

Online Monthly Footwear Spend

Ecommerce continues to grow across all product categories. Footwear is no exception.

The graph below provides an overview of how much consumers are spending online on footwear each month. The largest portion (30%) spend less than $50 online on shoes each month. A quarter spend between $51 and $100. 

Online Monthly Footwear Spend
Roughly how much money do you spend MONTHLY on FOOTWEAR?

Purchase Considerations for Footwear Shoppers

Shoes consider many factors when determining whether to purchase a pair of shoes. Comfort (93%) tops the list, followed by fit and sizing (89%), and overall quality of product (75%).

Top Considerations When Purchasing Footwear
When considering FOOTWEAR, which of the following do you pay attention to?
Comfort
93%
Fit/sizing
89%
Overall quality of product
75%
Durability
67%
What a product looks like on a person in real life
52%
Material
51%

Many of these factors can be difficult for shoppers to assess when shopping online. As such, a large portion of shoe shoppers turn to user-generated content to learn about the experiences of other shoppers. Here, we dig into the way shoe shoppers leverage different types of UGC to help them make informed purchase decisions. 

Information Shoe Shoppers Seek Out

Those shopping for shoes seek out many types of information when determining which pair is the right for them. It’s no surprise that pricing tops the list; 81% of consumers look for pricing information when deciding whether or not to purchase a footwear product.

However, ratings and reviews are a close second. 77% of consumers seek out this content when deciding whether or not to purchase a pair of shoes. 

In addition, over half (51%) of consumers shopping for footwear look for photos and videos from other shoppers to help them to determine whether or not to purchase a specific product.

What Shoe Shoppers Look for When Making Purchase Decisions
Which of the following do you look for when deciding whether or not to purchase FOOTWEAR?
Price of the product
81%
Ratings and reviews
77%
Brand of the product
55%
Imagery provided by the brand or retailer
52%
Favorable returns/exchange policy
52%
Imagery provided by people who have purchased the product
51%
Fast shipping
44%
Retailer/store purchased from
40%
Recommendations from family/friends
36%

Footwear shoppers rely on user-generated content to make informed purchase decisions – especially when they’re shopping online. We explore the role of UGC for footwear shoppers in greater detail here

Key Takeaway 1

Consumers are Spending on Footwear

Consumer budgets may be shrinking. Yet, consumers continue to spend on footwear. In fact, nearly one in five (19%) of shoppers added ten or more new pairs of shoes to their collection in the past 12 months. In addition, a growing portion of footwear budgets are spent online. 

Clearly, there’s opportunity for shoe brands and retailers. However, these businesses must ensure they’re giving shoppers the tools and information they need to make informed purchase decisions.

Key Takeaway 2

Most Footwear Spending is Happening Online

In the past, when a consumer was in the market for a new pair of shoes, they’d head to a local store to find something that fit their needs (both literally and figuratively). Today, many consumers are opting to shop for footwear online.

In fact, our survey respondents spend the majority of their footwear budgets online.

Footwear brands and retailers must equip online shoppers with the tools and information they need to make informed purchase decisions. Delivering excellent digital experiences will boost conversion and satisfaction – and reduce the amount of merchandise that ends up being returned.

Key Takeaway 3

Consumers Weigh Many Factors When Shopping for Footwear

Shoppers have plentiful options when it comes to footwear. And they weigh many factors to determine which products to purchase – and which to pass over. 

Many of the top factors – including size, comfort, and quality – are difficult for online shoppers to access. Increasingly, they seek out user-generated content to get input on these topics from others who have purchased the product in question.

Footwear brands and retailers must make it a priority to collect and display UGC on product pages and throughout ecommerce websites. Doing so can help boost shoppers’ confidence – and their likelihood of converting.

Key Takeaway 4

For Footwear Shoppers, User-Generated Content is Essential

It’s no surprise that price is the most common type of information footwear shoppers seek out when weighing purchase decisions. However, ratings and reviews are a close second. In addition, over half of shoe shoppers specifically seek out imagery from other shoppers like them.

It’s essential to display ratings and reviews and user-generated imagery throughout your website. If shoppers look for this information and come up short, you’re likely to lose a sale.