An estimated 70 percent of U.S. consumers living in western states and 44 percent of those who live in the south will shop local stores when buying new footwear this spring. The finding is part of the Spring 20022 Footwear Buying Trends survey from the Footwear Distributors and Retailers Association and the Fashion Footwear Association of New York. The poll was conducted April 9-10 by Emerson College Polling.

Overall, 41 percent of polled shoe shoppers, up from 39 percent in 2021, said they planned to make purchases at local stores, including DSW and Famous Footwear. Another 39 percent will shop big box retailers such as Walmart and Target, with 13 percent planning to visit department stores.

Among other key FDRA/FFANY survey findings:

• Better prices (32%) and ensuring proper fit and comfort (32%) are the two aspects liked most by in-store footwear shoppers, although the percentage citing “ensuring proper fit” fell from 53 percent in 2021.
• An estimated 48 percent of U.S. shoe shoppers intends to spend less on shoes this spring for themselves or family versus Spring 2021. The total includes 56 percent of women who intend to spend less and men who are divided between spending less (38%) this season and spending more (38%).
• Athletic or casual shoes (58%) are the most likely purchase this spring, followed by fashion shoes (35% vs. 5% in 2021) and work footwear (4%). An estimated 88 percent of Hispanic consumers intend to buy athletic shoes this season compared to 67 percent of Asians and 51 percent of White shoppers.
• The three age groups “very likely” to purchase new shoes this spring are 18-to-29-year old’s (83%), followed by those who are 30 to 39 and 50 to 59 years old (each at 78%).
• Some 47 percent of shoe shoppers want exclusive discounts as a benefit from registering for a rewards program. Others want to know when new sales are taking place (32%) and updates on the latest shoe releases (8%).
• 68 percent of those surveyed noticed that shoe prices have risen a bit with men more aware of those price hikes.