Well, I’ve finally figured it out. You need six pairs of shoes. No more and no less (unless you live in a warm climate, then you can live with less).

I used to own 25 pairs of shoes. I was actively adding to that collection before my house burned down (this was a long time ago). There were even two boxes of new shoes that burned in the fire while I was away. I remember that Zappos.com was a relatively new phenomenon and I was an enthusiast. Those shoes I ordered didn’t fit; they were waiting to be returned but they never got the chance.

You don’t need 25 pairs of shoes. You only need six. Or at least, I only need six, and I’m hoping that if you’re reading this, you are looking for a minimalist (but not severe) answer to the question how many pairs of shoes do I need?

This is my answer.

Of course you can live with less. And if you really enjoy shoes, you should feel free to have as many as you want. But I’ve discovered that these are the six types of shoes that make my wardrobe complete.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate, which means I may be paid a small percentage if you buy through the link (at no cost to you). I will try to link at least two examples of each shoe type.

I support shopping your closet, second-hand, or however suits your lifestyle, values, and budget. If you do choose to buy through these affiliate links, thank you in advance for supporting Simple Living Toolkit. I have not personally tested all the shoes I’ve linked to. They are well-rated examples of the styles I’m referring to. I tend to buy my shoes locally when I’m living overseas because shipping abroad is more difficult to deal with than it is in the US. That being said, the first shoe is one that I have tested and do recommend from personal experience.

Now, on to the essential footwear.

The Six Shoes You Need

The Waterproof Slip-On
They really love a waterproof slip-on here in Nigeria (where I’m currently living). Many households in various countries where I’ve lived are shoe-free, and I’ve picked up the habit and taken it with me. When I get home I take my shoes off and put on some clean slides.
The waterproof slip-on is your Croc, your flip-flop, or your slide. It’s something you could wear to the beach or the gym. Vitally, it’s a shoe you can easily wash and drip-dry. It’s a workhorse that protects your feet and keeps them clean and off the floor. I have purchased these Adidas slides on repeat. They last me for about a year and a half before they begin to wear out.

2. The Snow Boot

If it doesn’t snow where you live, you can skip this one. But if it’s cold, keeping your feet warm is a must. Once my feet get cold, I get grumpy, and I do not de-grump until my feet are warm through and through. I buy snow boots a full U.S. size larger than I normally wear. This allows for wearing thick socks and some wiggle room which is important for warm toes. If I’m living somewhere cold, my boots must be waterproof and handle icy sidewalks well.

3.The Warm Slipper

Can you tell yet how important warm feet are to me? This is another one you can skip if you live in a warm climate. But if you live somewhere it gets cold, warm slippers will keep your feet happy. When the weather is warm, I wear my Adidas slides/slip-ons in the house (or just socks), but when it’s truly cold, I want something more.

4. The Walking Sandal

The walking sandal is a flat you can wear all day. You can walk for miles in it. It could be an open-toed sandal or a closed-toe sandal. The point is that it’s comfortable and it keeps your feet breezy in warm weather.

5. The Running Shoe

For me, it’s a running shoe. For you, it might be a tennis shoe, a hiking shoe, a gym shoe, or a walking sneaker. Whatever your active sneaker of choice is, this is where it fits. I tend to wear running shoes with a lot of different outfits (running and otherwise) so I choose a neutral color.

6. The Lifestyle Choice

Finally, a shoe that’s fun for you! It’s the unique-to-your lifestyle choice. Could be a pair of platform heels, dancing shoes, or a pair of shoes best for doing your favorite hobby. If you live on a muddy farm that sees a lot of rain, this could be a pair of muck boots. If you’re a cowgirl, this would be a pair of cowgirl boots. If you’re a city dweller, it might be a pair of booties. Your choice.

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