It is now time to look into the analysis of the responses gathered from the survey conducted a few weeks ago. It’s crucial to note that the dataset comprises only 36 responses, and the participants share a relatively homogeneous background. Here’s a breakdown of key demographic information regarding the survey respondents:
- 83,3% of the respondents identify as women
- 94,4% fall within the 18-33 age bracket
- 77,7% are Norwegian
Since there isn’t a wide variety of backgrounds, it’s difficult to spot trends or make solid conclusions. Still, it’s interesting to think about what we can learn from the answers.
HOW MANY PAIRS OF SHOES DO YOU OWN?
As observed, 55,6% of respondents owns 6-11 pairs of shoes, with an additional 33,4% stating ownership of 11 or more pairs. Combining these numbers, 89% of participants possess 6 pairs of shoes or more. However, understanding the significance of this information requires considering it in combination with responses to the question about what individuals typically do with their worn-out shoes.
The varied outcomes may be due to different practices, such as donating or discarding shoes versus storing them in closets for special occasions. Some dispose of or donate their shoes, while others keep them, either for unexpected needs, as designated „painting shoes,“ or as an extra pair at their cabin. Examining these factors together provides a more nuanced understanding of participants‘ shoe ownership habits.
Another important factor to consider is the influence of sports on the number of shoes an individual owns. Various sports often demand specific footwear, and those who actively participate in multiple sports may own more shoes than others. For instance, in high-impact sports like running, the need for more frequent shoe replacements arises due to accelerated wear and tear.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU BUY NEW SHOES?
Almost half of the people (44,4%) get new shoes every six months, which means they buy about 2 pairs each year. On the other hand, 36,1% buy just one pair of shoes annually. When you add up all the responses, 83,3% of the people answered that they buy at least one pair of shoes every year, while 16,7% buy shoes every second year.
WHY DO YOU USUALLY BUY SHOES?
For this question, respondents had seven options to choose from, and they were allowed to select multiple answers. Additionally, there was an option to provide their own response. Below are the available choices and the corresponding number of selections made by the participants:
- Need to replace worn out shoes (35 out of 36)
- To reward myself (3 out of 36)
- Need to find something comfortable (8 out of 36)
- Because they were on sale (8 out of 36)
- Because of changing season (12 out of 36)
- For a special occasion (12 out of 36)
- To keep up with the latest trends (3 out of 36)
The most frequently selected response was ‚Need to replace worn-out shoes,‘ chosen by 35 participants.
WHAT DO YOU USUALLY DO WITH YOUR WORN OUT SHOES?
This question allowed open-ended responses, and here are the most common answers:
- Discard them in the garbage (25 out of 36)
- Donate if they are still in good condition or give them to others (9 out of 36)
- Keep them in the closet, possibly disposing of them later (11 out of 36)
A few respondents mentioned keeping shoes for special occasions, festivals, or activities like painting, where getting them dirty doesn’t matter. One person noted they would take the shoes to a cabin for use there.
Many individuals emphasized that their decision depended on the shoes‘ condition. If too worn out, they would be discarded; otherwise, they might be donated, given away, or kept for future use.
WHAT IS/ARE DECISIVE FACTOR/S WHEN SHOE SHOPPING?
In response to this question, participants were presented with five options and had the flexibility to choose multiple answers. They also had the option to provide their own response. The breakdown of choices is as follows:
- Price (31 out of 36)
- Quality (31 out of 36)
- Trendiness (15 out of 36)
- Brand (7 out of 36)
- Comfort (32 out of 36)
It’s evident that the top three priorities for the respondents are price, quality, and comfort.
HAVE YOU EVER BOUGHT SECOND HAND SHOES?
77,8% of respondents have not bought second hand shoes before, while 22,2% have bought second hand shoes.
HAVE YOU EVER USED A SHOE REPAIR SERVICE (COBBLERS)?
72,2% percent of respondents have never used a shoe repair service, while 27,8% have used such services. At first glance, it may appear that there’s a potential correlation between those who have purchased second-hand shoes and those who have used a shoe repair service, as the percentages are quite similar. However, upon closer examination of the responses, it becomes apparent that only two respondents have both bought second-hand shoes and used a shoe repair service.
IF YOU HAVE USED A SHOE REPAIR SERVICE: WHAT WAS REPAIRED AND HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE?
This question allowed open-ended responses, and here are the answers:
- Fixed the sole (4 replies)
- Made a pattern in the sole of winter shoes (1 reply)
- Got a pair of dancing shoe fixed (1 reply)
- Fixed the leather (1 reply)
- Fixed a zipper (1 reply)
- Unknown (1 reply)
IF YOU HAVE NEVER USED A SHOE REPAIR SERVICE: WHY NOT?
This question allowed open-ended responses, and here are the answers:
- Don’t think they can fix the problem/too worn out shoes (13 replies)
- Think it’s expensive/easier and cheaper to buy new shoes (8 replies)
- Don’t know about it (3 replies)
- Have not got myself to do it (1 reply)
- Waiting time was too long (1 reply)
- The shoes are not my style anymore (1 reply)
- I repair them myself (1 reply)
It seems that one reason individuals may not take use of shoe repair services is a lack of awareness regarding what a shoe repairer can fix and the overall service offered. To benefit from such services, one needs a certain level of understanding about the specific issues with their shoes and whether those are within the scope of a shoe repairer’s expertise.
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KEY FINDINGS
- The number of shoes a person owns may not reveal much about their consumption habits. It’s crucial to consider what individuals do with their worn out shoes – whether they dispose of them or keep them stored in their closet.
- A significant majority, 83.3% of respondents, indicated that they purchase at least one pair of shoes every year.
- The most common reason for buying shoes is to replace worn out shoes.
- The top three priorities for the respondents when shoe shopping are price, quality, and comfort.
- There might be a lack of knowledge about what a shoe repairer can fix and the overall service in general
