How uncomfortable shoes affect most Americans’ lives

This story version has been formatted as an on-air script for broadcast outlets. See the original research story here.

AMERICANS MAY BE WALKING THOUSANDS OF MILES EVERY YEAR IN SHOES THEY ACTUALLY HATE.

A NEW SURVEY OF 2,000 AMERICANS FROM SKECHERS FINDS MORE THAN HALF HAVE PURCHASED SHOES THEY LATER REGRETTED BECAUSE THEY WERE TOO UNCOMFORTABLE.

THAT DISCOMFORT DOESN’T JUST HURT FEET, MANY SAY BAD SHOES HAVE RUINED VACATIONS, CONCERTS AND NIGHTS OUT.

THE RESEARCH ALSO FOUND PEOPLE DON’T START PRIORITIZING SUPPORTIVE SHOES UNTIL THEIR MID-THIRTIES, AND MOST WISH THEY HAD DONE IT SOONER.

THE STUDY, CONDUCTED BY TALKER RESEARCH, HIGHLIGHTS HOW COMFORT IS NOW BECOMING JUST AS IMPORTANT AS STYLE WHEN IT COMES TO FOOTWEAR.

SO WHAT ABOUT YOU? HAVE YOU EVER SACRIFICED COMFORT FOR STYLE AND REGRETTED IT LATER? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU.

Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans evenly split by generation who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by Skechers and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between May 4 and May 8, 2026. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.