What Do Your Shoes Say About You? 9 Personality Traits They Reveal

We’ve always known that shoes say a lot about a person, but researchers at the University of Kansas made it official earlier this decade with a published study. Yes, in fact, you can judge a person by their shoes.

In the study, participants were shown images of strangers wearing shoes, and were asked to guess the wearer’s age, gender, income, political views, social status, and other important personality traits. They were able to correctly guess an astounding 90% of the wearer’s characteristics — and all that was based just on that person’s footwear!

We know shoes matter in making a first impression, but we didn’t know they matter that much! So whether it be sexy red-bottom stilettos, hot sock boots, or classic nude pumps you love wearing, read on to find out what your favorite pair reveals to other people about you.

1. Expensive shoes equal a high-income earner.

Let’s start with the obvious: pricey shoes belong to people who earn high incomes.Sometimes they may just look expensive but they really aren’t.

 

2. Flashy footwear show that the wearer is an extrovert.

Another obvious clue is showy, bright-colored shoes mean that the wearer is an extrovert.

Don’t miss these showstopping heels!

 

 

 

3. Practical shoes mean the person is agreeable.

Not surprisingly, practical shoes reveal that the wearer is an agreeable person.

 

4. Old but well-kept shoes belong to a conscientious type of person.

Shoes that are not new but look well-cared-for belong to conscientious people. A meticulous dedication to footwear upkeep likely translates to other aspects of the wearer’s life, right?

 

5. Shabby shoes reveal a liberal thinker.

Shabby-looking and inexpensive shoes, such as flip-flops and scuffed-up sneakers, give away a liberal-thinking wearer.

 

6. Ankle boots? These belong to an aggressive person.

Apparently, ankle boots mean that the wearer is an aggressive person.

 

7. Uncomfortable shoes are chosen by someone with a calm personality.

The biggest revelation from the study is that uncomfortable-looking shoes are worn by people with calm personalities.

 

8. Someone who prefers to wear new shoes is said to have attachment anxiety.

People who are most worried about their relationships and are said to have “attachment anxiety” prefer to wear brand-new shoes. The researchers say that “this may be because they worry so much about their appearance and what others may think of them.”

 

9. Boring shoes reveal someone who is aloof and repressive.

Finally, boring shoes reveal that the wearer is someone who finds it hard to form relationships. This was the one trait participants in the study were not able to guess correctly out of the 90% they were able to judge.

Boring-shoe-wearers described themselves as “aloof” and “repressive”. They don’t care what other people think of them so they don’t feel the need to stand out appearance-wise.

 

Did you know you can get to know someone without even talking to them? Just by shoe-gazing or simply taking a look at their shoes! Shoes can be used as a cue to someone’s personality or even his/her mood on that day. A study published in the Journal of Research in Personality in 2012 showed that 90 percent of people’s personality is reflected in their choice of shoes. So, get ready to have more shoe-contact after reading this one!

A woman can have a wide range of shoes, but like most fashion and beauty items, which shoes you wear can say a lot about who you are as a person and more likely to reflect your daily mood. For example, how you would feel much different wearing heels than wearing sneakers or vice versa. Here is a fun look at what your shoes might tell about your personality:

Heels

If there is one word to sum up your personality in one, it must be confident. Heels are more than just shoes to make you stand out of the crowd. Yet, different types of heels can communicate different things about someone’s personality and here are some of them:

Pumps

Lady boss coming through! Admit it, you like to be the controlling one and you fight for a leadership role. Others like to rely on you and you will never disspoint them as you take care of business like it is a do or die. Because of your strong personality and competitiveness, you can be pretty intimidating to those who can’t keep up with your pace. Your self-confidence in terms of appearance is very high and you absolutely cannot be bothered to be the center of attention.

Platforms

You are probably a social media savvy, updated with Facebook, Instagram, and other social media “platforms”. You like to update your own page frequently as well. When there is one person to take control of the situation, it would definitely be you. You are quick on your feet, decisive, self-assured, and somehow often be the person in charge. People feel comfortable when the responsibility is in your hands as they know you are that trusted and responsible gal.

Stilletos

You have the spirit of a business woman and take your job very seriously. Even though your work life is very professional, you are still a person that likes to have fun. When it comes to career, you are extremely hardworking. Giving up on work will never come up in your dictionary. Maintaining work-life balance is what you’re good at and your high pointed stilletos are what keep you focused in life.

Kitten heels

You are one true old soul, honey. You are that one lady with a knitted dark red sweater paired with pleated emerald midi skirt and stuck in the 50’s era, drowning in your collection of vintage goods.

Boots

You are that laid-back-gal who don’t worry about things that much. ”Go with the flow and see where life takes you” is your motto. Your boots make you feel good and confident. It can also be the reason why people just can’t seem to walk all over you. When it comes to chasing your ambitions, you are that determined daredevil that goes for it without stopping. You are tough and strong-minded. In a discussion, you have a strong opinion and you arenot afraid to stand up for it. You are reserved, have the preference to do things on your own and rely on yourself only.

Sporty sneakers

You are social, sporty, confident, goal-oriented and organized. The most typical trait, however, is that you are always caught up in your busy schedule. Your day to day schedule is so packed and you’re always on the go. But, the great thing after all is you are good at multitasking, like to arrange things, and can always take care of everything. Sleep is the only time you are taking a break. Being comfortable in what you wear is your only reason in choosing shoes rather than only to please someone else’s eyes.

Flats

You’re a sweet and girly girl to the fullest, love anything pink, anything with poms. Men perceive you as sweet, and you wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Happiness is all that matters to you and your outgoing personality has you laughing until you cry.