The majority of Americans blow big bucks on shoes theyll never wear again: survey
More than half of Americans (56%) admitted they regularly purchase shoes they later regret because of how uncomfortable they are.That’s no small problem when you consider the average person takes almost three million steps and walks nearly 1,200 miles per year, according to a new survey of 2,000 Americans evenly split by generation.That equates to walking a little over three miles each day.
People also said they stand for roughly five hours each day, on average.And yet, the survey, commissioned by Skechers and conducted by Talker Research, found people wasted an average of $279 in the last few years on painful shoes they never wear.When wearing shoes that hurt their feet, respondents said the lingering pain lasts for a full two days, on average, and they feel it everywhere from their feet (67%) to their backs (43%), knees (31%), ankles (29%), and hips (21%).Many said that traditionally fun occasions, from nights out (26%) to vacations (23%), concerts (19%), and weddings (17%) have all been ruined due to painful, uncomfortable shoes.In light of this, people said they evolved to become a bit more practical and prioritized buying shoes that are truly supportive at age 34, on average.However, three-quarters of people (74%) still admitted they wish they had started to prioritize wearing supportive shoes earlier in life.Looking closer at the shoes people buy today, comfort is key in the buying decision.Respondents said that price is the No.
1 thing that influences their shoe selections in 2026, closely followed by supportiveness (61%), durability (55%), and style (43%).That’s why Skechers commissioned the study: to highlight the importance of shoes that hold up to the pace of everyday life.They also emphasized that the right shoes are essential for runners to meet their goals.
They said, “Every runner chases that exhilarating feeling of pushing past a personal best, finding a stride that feels like flying.”In the study, more than half of runners (65%) confessed...