An example of some of the shoes purchased by women.

When 33-year-old account executive Rosemarie looks at the passenger seat of her car, most times, it is empty. However, the flooring in front of the seat is another matter entirely, as it is normally filled with shoes.

Her shoes, that is.

"I might be a bit extreme, but most women have at least an extra pair of shoes in their car. Or more. Even it is a comfortable pair of shoes to drive in," she said.

Still, whether it is a 'walk-in' closet or not, it signifies just how much money women, especially, spend on footwear. And many men, in these fashionable times, are not far behind in stepping out in style and variety. And since shoes are not cheap, they can wear a hole into the budget.

It gets worse if they are not cared for.

"Never you buy shoes to wear one time and never you buy cheap shoes,'' advises upper Red Hills Road shoe repairman Neville, "although is so me get my money still."

"When people buy a outfit with a special colour, woman especially, them feel them have to get a shoes to go with it. By the time you look, them have four, five outfit with shoes that can go only with that outfit. And the outfit is so noticeable, they can't wear it again just so," Neville said.

"Black shoes go with everything," he said. "One or two good black shoes in different style and you gone clear."

Shoe care

He also noted that many people do not take care of their shoes, as the material needs to be kept supple or it will crack. And in the first place, he advises that people buy shoes with good quality uppers.

"Leather is leather. Cyaan done, if you polish it and care it. The man-made thing from China cheaper, but, for one, it don't fit as good and rub your foot. And plus it will never last. Buy it now and you know that in less than a year chances are you have to go back," he said.

With several of her shoes heels having scuff marks, Rosemarie can attest to the quality issue, saying "the genuine leather will always last. But you know how it goes when you go abroad and see shoes cheap and nuff".

Still, she has her special, strong shoes that she has had for a while. "Quality like that does not come cheap, but it is worth it," she said.