Customers love spring shoes — and they’re actively looking for new options. That’s the takeaway from our latest survey with MESH01. We asked 155 active men and women between 18 and 60 about their warm-weather shopping habits, and almost 90 percent of them said they are actively looking for new brands at least some of the times they’re shopping — and 23 percent of them said they’re on the hunt for new labels every single time they shop. What’s more, the field was evenly split when it came to purchasing intention: Half of our respondents said they had a brand in mind when they set out to shop, but half didn’t. So how to get them interested in your latest and greatest? It all comes down to the in-store experience. The biggest driver of consumer willingness to try a new style was seeing the shoe on display in-store: 41 percent of respondents said it was their major motivator, even trumping a friend’s recommendation.  
The survey, conducted by MESH01, included 155 respondents, active men and women, ages 18 to 60.
Do You Have A favorite Footwear Brand?
When you go to a store to buy footwear, do you go with a specific brand in mind?

I usually choose between brands I know and brands I have tried in the past. The brands I have been happy with in the past are typically my “go tos.” Male, 45

I look at all the new products that are available. Female, 44

I go in with a specific idea of what I want in a shoe, such as use, occasion, style, color, etc. Female, 35

If I find a pair that catches my eye and they fit comfortably, I will buy them. Female, 32

I look for what fits, then brand. Male, 24

Depends on what type of footwear I’m looking for. Sandals or dresswear I change. Sneakers, I tend to stick to brands I know are good for me because I have wide feet and a high arch. Female, 29

I usually go in with a kind of shoe that I am going to buy for that particular reason. For hiking, I usually go with a bright-colored waterproof style with ankle support. If there is another shoe that catches my eye, I will inquire about it. Female, 28

I am always on the lookout for trendy new footwear, even if it is a different brand than I normally purchase. Female, 28

I never look for a specific brand — I look for what catches my eye. Female, 22

If I order online, I prefer brands I already know. When I go into a store for shoes, I’ll try on what they have in the store. Male, 23

I am open to new brands if the price-value ratio is favorable. Female, 52

Sometimes I’m looking for a specific type of shoe that I have seen in ads. Female, 32

How often do you look for new brands when you shop for footwear versus brands you are already loyal to?
What makes you try new footwear brands that you have never purchased before?

I have considered other brands when an associate or other knowledgeable person makes a recommendation that seems appropriate. Male, 37

If I see something that catches my eye on display, chances are I’ll try it on! If I like it, I’ll purchase. Female, 30

If my friends or social media sites recommend or mention a brand that they are very proud of, I am going to look into it. Female, 28

If an associate thinks it’s a good fit (mostly with running shoes). Male, 30

Seeing it on display is what makes me try it. I see it and I like it, so I buy it. Female, 22

I pay attention to advertising and displays, but the thing that is most influential is a recommendation from a friend or family member. Female, 28

If a sales associate pushes a particular brand and its pricing is reasonable, I will buy it to try out. Female, 36

If I hear from a friend about a specific brand, I will look into it, otherwise I’ll browse the store. Female, 42

Because all feet are different, seeing and trying a new brand myself is the best way to see if it is worth purchasing. Male, 27

I don’t look for particular brands, but I do like to experiment with new designs and styles. What I see on display is usually what convinces me to try it on, and the feel is what convinces me to buy. Female, 30

How many brands are represented in your closet?
Comments from the 15%  who answered “More than 10”

I have a shoe addiction! Just because I look for comfort doesn’t mean I don’t look for fun and “pretty.” Female, 47

Too many to count. Female, 28

I buy a lot of shoes and do a lot of activities to know good shoes when I see them. Male, 29

I like a wide selection of shoes. Female, 22

I love shoes. If they are comfortable, I buy them. Female, 48

I have a shoe addiction! Just because I look for comfort doesn’t mean I don’t look for fun and “pretty.” Female, 47

Too many to count. Female, 28

I buy a lot of shoes and do a lot of activities to know good shoes when I see them. Male, 29

I like a wide selection of shoes. Female, 22

Have you, or will you be buying footwear for the spring/summer season this year?
What attributes are most important to you in summer footwear?
When do you start buying for the spring/summer season?
When shopping in your favorite footwear store, have you ever purchased any additional items in that store?