Footwear consumption behaviour in Portugal

Fashionable young woman in striped dress trying new shoes while sitting on designed chair. Young woman changing shoes.
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LIPOR study reveals the footwear consumption behaviour of Portuguese consumers

As part of BioShoes4All, LIPOR has carried out an in-depth study of the footwear consumption behaviour of Portuguese consumers in order to better understand the life cycle of products and help promote sustainable practices in the sector. The study ‘Consumer Behaviour – Footwear’ provides a comprehensive overview of the Portuguese decisions regarding the purchase, use and disposal of footwear.

The questionnaire was made available via a web link to users registered in the service provider’s database, with the sample being randomly selected following pre-defined criteria. A total of 393 responses were received from respondents aged 18 and over living in continental Portugal (53% female).
Some important conclusions can be drawn from this study. Portuguese consumers buy an average of two pairs of shoes per year. The average price per pair is between 41 and 60 euros and is proportionally influenced by the consumers’ income bracket. Comfort is a key factor in the purchase decision, followed by a preference for national products. On the contrary, sustainability and eco-design are the least influential factors.

Consumers also expressed concerns about hygiene and the fit and deformation of footwear when considering this type of used item, but were open to repair as a way of extending the life of their shoes. This conclusion underlines the need for awareness-raising campaigns and improvements in footwear collection and recycling infrastructures.

Although sustainability was found to be one of the less influential factors in the purchase decision, this study has allowed the characterisation of national consumers on some key points related to the topic, providing a general overview of the challenges and opportunities for a circular economy, especially in the footwear sector.
Main results about shoe usage:

  • Consumers typically have between 6 and 10 pairs of shoes being worn in their wardrobe.
  • Most shoes are worn between 1 and 3 years.
  • Women tend to own more pairs of shoes (more than 11 pairs) than men (1 to 5 pairs).
  • 19% of women wear their shoes for more than 6 years, compared to only 8% of men.
    Main results about repair and durability:
  • The sole is the most worn part of the shoe, followed by the insole and the inner lining.
  • Most consumers repair their shoes to extend their useful life.
  • Consumers over 50 are more likely to repair shoes than young people.
  • Women are more likely to repair shoes (57%) than men (40%).
    Main results about shoe disposal:
  • On average, consumers discard one pair of shoes per year.
  • Disposal occurs mainly when the shoes are worn out or unable.
  • Footwear in poor condition is often disposed of in ordinary rubbish bins.
  • Footwear in good condition is donated to family, friends or social institutions.
  • Younger consumers (18 to 34 years old) tend to sell shoes in good condition on online platforms, while older consumers (over 45 years old) choose to dispose of them in ordinary rubbish bins.

Next steps: LIPOR to develop a management model for footwear and post-consumer footwear waste
Despite the durability and importance of footwear, the study showed that the complexity of the materials makes it difficult to disassemble and recycle footwear. However, the high potential for reuse stands out as an opportunity to promote a more circular and sustainable economy.


Therefore, based on the results obtained, LIPOR is developing a management model for footwear and post-consumer footwear waste, as part of the BioShoes4All project. The project is funded by the Environment Fund under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) and aims to promote a sustainable bioeconomy in the footwear sector.

The study is expected to provide a solid and consolidated basis for more informed decision-making and the development of innovative solutions, promoting practices that contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy in the footwear sector.