In 2008, billions of dollars were spent on cute ladies shoes. It is significant that in 2009, with all the troubles with the economy, industry receipts were almost unaffected. Furthermore, fashion shoes make up a great part of the total sales, exploding any theory that holds that necessities come first.
Shoes are a necessity in the western world, where very few go barefooted and those who do are mainly children during the hot summers. In other parts of the world, shoes constitute a luxury and there are many women who may not have a single pair. However, in other regions, women own many pairs of shoes and some may even have more than they can ever wear out.
Statistics vary on the amount of money spent on shoes, with online figures giving a total ranging from five billion to eleven billion for the year 2009. One of the largest segments as far as growth is concerned is the large shoe category, as manufacturers realize that there are many women with oversize feet. High heels make up a large category, with medium-sized spike heeled shoes outselling flats, and extreme spikes running not far behind the less elevated styles.
This may be because designer ladies shoes are often created with very high heels, both in shoes and boots, and for day wear as well as night outs. A pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes or boots can be regarded as a bargain if they run under five hundred dollars. Designers use everything from calf skin to gold and diamonds to create shoes that celebrities and the rich will pay top prices for.
Of course, there are many ladies who need less fashionable shoes, designed more for comfort and the workplace than for the top of fashion. These women wear styles with names that denote comfort, a cushioned effect, a wider width for hours of work, and maybe even non-slip soles for safety reasons. Athletic shoes are another big seller, since many women jog, run, play tennis or golf, ride bikes, or work out at the gym. There are also dance shoes made for today’s active women.
Ladies shoes add up to big business, and the love of shoes seems to be part of the feminine nature.