Shoes make an even bigger statement about your personality than they are given credit for. The University of Kansas and Wellesley College performed research on how shoes and personality are intertwined. A study published in the Journal of Research in Personality showed that 63 college students could accurately tell 90 percent of people’s personality traits and economic backgrounds based on their shoes. Each subject was shown pictures of 280 shoes and was asked to guess each the personality, age group and the owner of the shoe’s economic class. We did our own research here at WJ, by talking to many random students during lunch, to see what people thought of a student’s personality based on these four pictures of shoes.
Shoe 1: Personality –Classy, Unique, Vintage
These black and white laced pumps helped to classify a person as being a “hipster.” People who wear vintage inspired shoes such as Oxfords are most likely to be put in this category because they do not fit the social normality of most shoes. They are artistic people who enjoy a wide array of music, style and art. When asked what the personality type of this person might be, most people said “classy,” “unique,” or “artsy.” People thought that this person would be involved in activities such as theatre, writing, or an art like photography or painting. Some even viewed the shoes as reminiscent of the 1920’s era. Other students took away that the person was probably more practical or conservative. The overall judgment was that this person is an artsy person that had a style of vintage and unique items of clothing.
Shoes 2: Personality – Studious, Quiet, Organized, Preppy
This type of shoe is very popular and commonly seen. People who wear this type of Sperry are viewed as preppy, studious, and organized. A majority of students stated that this shoe represents a person who is most likely to be structured and dedicated to the activities they have chosen to pursue. When asked what personality traits this shoe exemplifies, students mostly thought that this person was a very organized person. WJ students also mentioned that this people who wear these shoes would most likely have a fashion sense that revolves around the polo and khaki pants trend. When asked what type of activity this person would participate in, most people said a sports team or an academic clubs such as the math team or even an honor society.
Shoe 3: Personality -Quiet, Introverted, Trendy.
A low rise gray boot is a nice neutral that’s warm enough for the fall weather and closed toed for protection. This comfortable show is casual enough for every day use. This simple and practical gray boot illustrates a quiet and introverted yet trendy person, who can be targeted as also having a happy personality type. Most students agreed that the first impression after looking at the photo was that of a quieter person. Others stated that when they looked at the shoes they saw a trendy person who follows the latest styles. Some students saw in the detail on the side an image of a smiling face, contributing to the happy impression. When asked what type of music this person is likely to listen to, most people said the latest “pop song.”
Shoe 4: Rocker, Country, Outgoing
This belt buckle boot is on the opposite spectrum of shoe number 3, even though both are boots. For one thing, the boot is much heavier duty and high rise with a thick rubber sole, so it can be used more easily in the rain. The personality of this person was targeted by WJ students as being hardcore, outgoing, and different in comparison to the other shoes. The owner of this boot would tend not to follow the latest trends, but rather have a consistently unique style. When asked, most students said the person would seem tough and either listen to alternative or “dirty south country,” music. This person would not be into sports as opposed to shoe 2; instead people said this person would most likely be spotted hanging around at a concert.
