by Karen Boyd

Created on: April 15, 2009

Most definitely; women can own and acquire too many shoes.

What is defined as "too many"?

An overwhelming, ridiculous amount of shoes can be factored by quantity, repetitive style, and time of acquisition or purchase.

(Note: If it's not already obvious, these women do not fall into the category of shoe-huggers; ones who hang onto that one pair of comfortable, wear-with-everything shoes until they literally fall off their feet or become a safety hazard.)

Women who own too many shoes are generally women who love to shop; shopaholics. In the case of shoes, let's just call them "shoeaholics"!

The perception of owning too many pairs of shoes is most clearly identified by quantity. True, quantity can be subjective; excessiveness being in the eyes of the beholder. However, if a woman's shoe storage encompasses a space greater than a standard-sized bedroom closet, be forewarned. If shoes make their way into other crevices of "non-living" space; under beds, in other bedroom closets, in utility closets, in basement storage areas, even in her car - this definitely signals shoeaholic.

Shoeaholics will often admit, (subconsciously), to their shoe collecting extremities. If you hear exclamations such as, "Wow, I don't remember buying these" or "I can't find that (specific color, specific style, specific brand) pump", you've encountered a woman who owns too many shoes. If she can't find them or forgets about them, she's not wearing them - wasted money and space.

Repetitive style is also a great indicator of a shoeaholic. Unless a woman is extremely organized or ready to tackle her shoe addiction, shoes are all over the place and there is no rhyme or reason (other than perhaps season) to where or how the shoes are stored.

Therefore, women who fall into this repetitive style syndrome don't even realize that they own several pairs (or multiples of pairs of shoes) that are all too similar in color, material, and shape. Do you suppose this could be a defense mechanism for a shoeaholic? If they put it out of sight, it's out of mind, then destined to repeat?

Time of acquisition or purchase is perhaps one of the greatest dangers of overindulgent shoe shopping. By "time", let's refer to style period and fashion trends. A shoeaholic feels good to be surrounded by her hordes of shoes. It is not often that these possessive women will dig back into shoe archives, looking to dispose of shoes no longer fashion forward nor fitting to her age and lifestyle.

Fashion is often and can be cyclical, however it's best not to depend on it. Vintage is not always attractive; sometimes it's down-right hideous.

Typically the only way a shoeaholic woman could be alerted of her shoes-through-the-decades collection is if she packs to move, a natural disaster floods or blows shoe storage areas to oblivion, or, perhaps, a God-forbidden house fire strikes her abode.

Obsession and addiction aside, there is, however, sound reason for women to acquire at least a few pairs of shoes. Depending on the climate you may have up to four seasons during the year; spring, summer, fall, and winter - each calling for different shoe shades and materials. Additionally, one pair each of the common neutral colors are needed for appropriate dress and match - black, brown, and possibly white or beige.

Nevertheless, there is no reason on God's green Earth why a woman needs a pair of shoes to match every outfit or more shoes than she could wear in an entire year! If this sounds like you (or someone you know) seek help!

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