Too many to count, perhaps similar to OP. However they are all from before pandemic and I’ve mostly worked from home since. I’ve also gotten divorced so no longer have my ex encouraging me to have presentable shoes, and they’re all getting old and brittle even if they still look nice.

I just threw out a nice looking pair of boots because the sole cracked from age and let water in. That’s my plan for the year - wear everything one last time and see how many of them need to be thrown out

I can no longer go back to the simple life and do sometimes have to go into work but want to get it down to

• boots
• crocs
• sneakers
• dress shoes
• casual shoe/boots

The boots were water proof and good for winter but I want to start hiking again and they’re not in good enough shape for hiking boots so I probably need to replace those

Dress shoes, nice shoes, work shoes, sneakers, boots, flip flops, house slippers. Enough to properly cover my use cases, without having multiple pairs for any one use.

6 I guess:

• Pair of hiking boots that I wear 99% of the time for walking, warehouse work, and motorcycle riding

• Pair of walking shoes that I haven’t used much since the weather has been too cold

• Pair of warm indoor slippers since my apartment gets cold in the winter

• Pair of slides that I use for going to the mailbox or the nearby vending machine at most

• Pair of indoor gym shoes that I use for table tennis

• Pair of baseball cleats for baseball

I also do have a pair of old speedcats that could be worn, but don’t have much sole left. So 6 or 7 but realistically you are only going to see me in public in 1 or 2

4: 2 Pairs of street shoes, 1 Pair of Sandals, 1 Fancy Pair I didn’t wear for years

4, if sandals count. Otherwise 3.

Two pairs of sneakers, a pair of steel toes work boots, and a pair of sandals. Only reason I even have two pairs of sneakers is because I thought I had lost one shoe from one of the pairs and bought another pair before finding the missing shoe.

4 or 5. Winter boots, sneakers, suit shoes, inside sports and flippers if they count.

I really don’t need any more than that.

6 pairs

Running shoes, Iron rangers, hiking boots, dress shoes, mountaineering boots, and plus worn out pairs of sneakers and winter boots that I need to toss. 5 good, 2 bad, plus a pair of slippers if that counts.

Look at your own situation and judge what is the appropriate sum for yourself.

Yep I have too many (although I don’t think I’m at 17), in order of time spent wearing:

Smart black work shoes Slippers Crossover walking shoe/trainers Casual trainers Gym trainers Outdoor working shoes Golf shoes Proper hiking boots Wellies Indoor football shoes Astro football shoes

I go through the work shoes probably 1 pair every 2 years or so. Slippers last maybe 12 months max, although I do wear them for jobs around the house. Everything else just lasts until it falls apart and gets replaced.

I think it’s fair to say that I prioritise function over form - maybe this is the wrong forum for me, but you did ask the question!

Are we counting the ones I can’t find?

4, that’s the most shoes i ever had

A pair of sandals, a pair of slides, and a pair of steel toe boots.

At the moment I have:

• dark brown Chelsea boots
• black derby
• brown brogue derby
• dark blue boat shoes
• 2x older sneakers
• hiking trail shoes
• indoor running shoes
• flip flops

I want to find a good pair of loafers, and maybe eventually some Oxfords, but that’s about it.

Technically 5, but 3 are old pairs that now get used for house/yard work. 1 pair is indoor only. And 1 pair that is nice enough to wear out.

My house shoes, my work boots, my hiking boots, my sneakers, my old work shoes. I used to have dress shoes as well but I broke them dancing a few months back. I need to replace them soon and may also get running shoes.

Oh, and a pair of flip-flops.