I Just Got Rid of So Many Pairs of Shoes—These Are the Ones I Kicked and Kept

Shoe clean-out

Photo:

@allypayer

As someone who loves shoes, I have a bit of a storage problem. No one has an infinite amount of space for shoes, so we've all been there. I recently found myself at maximum shoe capacity in my closet, and at that point, the only thing left to do is weed out. 

One of my rules of thumb when it comes to deciding which shoes to get rid of is whether or not they're covered in a thick layer of dust. If the answer is yes, into the donation pile they go. I also take trends and comfort into consideration. That said, it's still difficult parting with shoes, but my best advice is to consider treating yourself to a new pair once you've freed up all that space.

After doing the recent shoe clean-out in my own closet, I made several observations that might help to motivate you to do some decluttering of your own. Scroll on to find out which pairs I discarded and which ones I decided to keep (and shop them, of course).

Kicked: Basic Pumps
Kept: Platforms

Shoe styles to keep forever

Photo:

@allypayer

You're probably aware by now that platforms are 2022's biggest and brightest shoe trend. I actually got this pair right before the pandemic and am glad I remained patient during the many months when I had nowhere to wear them. On the other hand, basic pumps get minimal wear from me anymore, so away they go.

Shoe styles to keep forever

Photo:

@allypayer

New Balance is the It sneaker brand year after year, so I have no plans to toss any of mine anytime soon. A style that I did part with is trendy sneakers that quickly became dated. (Note to self: don't buy those anymore.)

Kicked: Plain Rounded-Toe Flats
Kept: Flat Clogs

Shoe styles to keep forever

Photo:

@allypayer

I'm not a huge fan of boring flats, so I ended up getting rid of a few pairs of those. A flats style I'm holding on to, though, is clogs. I think those will remain in style for quite some time.

Kicked: Espadrille Wedges
Kept: Heeled Slide Sandals

Shoe styles to keep forever

Photo:

@allypayer

I found a pair of espadrille wedges hiding in my closet, and out they went. They just don't suit my aesthetic these days. But a style I don't get rid of until they wear out is heeled slide sandals.

Shoe styles to keep forever

Photo:

@allypayer

Penny loafers will always be my number one flats style. I love the slightly chunky, more classic look of them. The single-sole loafers in my closet, on the other hand, hit the donation pile.

Kicked: Animal Prints
Kept: Logo Prints

Shoe styles to keep forever

Photo:

@allypayer

Although animal-print shoes will inevitably always come back around, I'm just not that into them right now. A print that I never get tired of, though, is logos.

Kicked: Embellished Sneakers
Kept: Classic White Sneakers

Shoe styles to keep forever

Photo:

@allypayer

There was a time when I was into sneakers with glitter, studs, metallic accents—you name it. Those days are long gone, so I'm parting with the remaining pair in my closet. But the simple white sneakers are staying put.