News

Shoes closer to a girl's heart than her first kiss

December 16, 2009 Edition 1

IT'S what many a downtrodden chap has long suspected - shoes are closer to a girl's heart than he can ever be.

In fact she is more likely to harbour memories of her favourite pumps, mules and stilettos than she is of boyfriends she has booted out, research shows.

Some 92% of women remember the first shoes they bought with their own money - whether they were Carrie Bradshaw-inspired Manolo Blahniks or Jimmy Choos, or simply a chain store bargain.

But when it comes to recalling the name of the first person they kissed, just 63 percent manage it.

And while 96 percent regret throwing out a pair of shoes, just 15 percent feel sorry for dumping a boyfriend.

Experts say the reasons behind women's fondness for shoes is down to their buying habits.

Many purchase a new pair of heels for a special occasion, such as a wedding, birthday or party.

And, much to their partner's annoyance, they hang on to old shoes, building up a sizeable collection by middle age - even if many go unworn most of the time.

Researchers at tszuji.co.uk, which sells storage for shoes, asked more than 1 000 women to compare their shoe and relationship memories.

Director Glendon Lloyd said: "These results show that women are even more attached to their footwear than previously thought.

"People always think of women storing old love letters in a shoebox, but in many cases, the shoes themselves are even more precious.

"Women treat shoes like best friends," he said.

"And it seems their footwear memories last longer than those of their past lovers." - Daily Mail