Gender Differences in Footwear Visual Perception

Abstract

: This study explores the differences in visual perception of footwear based on gender by conducting semantic differential evaluations and classification tasks. Cluster and factor analyses were performed to analyze the similarities and factors in footwear styles, respectively. The cluster analysis results indicated that leather shoes and sneakers were the major styles clearly distinguished by the participants. Fancy leather shoes, described as “fancy and exaggerated” by men, and as “elegant and refined” by women, was the consensus style. Women emphasized on fashion and were more likely to perceive footwear integral to their outfit, whereas men valued the functionality of footwear and treated it as a tool. The factor analysis on footwear styles extracted four male factors: evaluation, attention, feature, and protection; and four female factors for: evaluation, charm, volume, and coverage. Women were more sensitive to the volume and weight of footwear, and were also more likely to sense its coverage.