Revealed: What your sneakers say about YOU… so are you a ballet pumps particular person or a excessive heels lover?

First impressions are vital, and as it turns out, wearing the right pair of shoes could be pivotal to making the right one.

Be it a job interview or first date, a new study by the German footwear retailer, Deichmann, has revealed that the type of shoes a person is wearing can make or break other people’s first judgements.

According to the study, a remarkable 93 per cent of people agree that appropriate footwear is vital in important situations. 

Behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings concurred with the study, explaining that footwear can prove a ‘revealing psychological signal’. 

Not only can shoes dictate the judgements people make regarding other people’s personalities; they can also reveal details about wealth, cleanliness and even daily habits, the psychologist explained.

Additionally, footwear can have a surprising impact on romantic success, with Jo pointing out that wearing the wrong kind of shoes can ‘give the ick factor’.

‘We unconsciously or consciously make snap judgments about personality, wealth, habits, and even romantic potential based on what someone wears on their feet,’ she said.

‘Sometimes, for women, an otherwise well-dressed man can give the ick factor just by the choice of his footwear.

‘We can’t help but look at someone’s footwear, to judge whether they are ‘our kind of person’ and of course that varies from individual to individual,’ she explained.

For example, while flat sandals ‘exude a free spirit’, classic pumps ‘scream sophistication’.

According to Jo, wearing block heels can signal that someone is ‘bold’ and ‘fun’ while high heels communicate that a person can ‘conquer the world’. 

The new research, conducted on 2,000 adults, revealed that it takes less than a minute to make a judgement about a person.

A whopping 38 per cent said they would judge a person based on how clean their shoes were, while 28 per cent said they look at whether someone was wearing the appropriate shoes for the situation.

Elsewhere, 18 per cent of those polled said they would critique a person based on how well their shoes matched their outfit. 

And there are certain stereotypes when it comes to footwear. The research revealed that 45 per of people believe those who opt for trainers give off the impression of being laidback.

Meanwhile, 39 per cent believe that wearing smart shoes is an indicator of someone being more successful. 

Simon Wilson, director at Deichmann, said: ‘Everything about your shoe choice can reveal something about your personality.

‘From the brand, the design, the colour and the condition.

‘We strive to offer as much choice as possible to cater for every shoe lover – with statement heels for bold and confident types to slide-on sandals for laid-back personalities.’

According to Jo, the following footwear reveals these characteristics in a person. 

She said that flat sandals are ‘the footwear equivalent of a deep breath and a shrug that says “life is too short for blisters”.’ 

‘You’re effortlessly cool and a free spirit, who can fit in – in comfort – into any environment – from the beach to a shopping day,’ she added.

And classic pumps are a ‘trademark show of confidence’ and reveal a ‘sophisticated’ individual, adding that ‘tolerant and laid back is the loafer classic pump style’. 

‘You will have pairs suitable for the most casual as well as the most elegant of occasions,’ she said.  

For people who wear block heels  – ‘you’re bold, confident and fun to be around. Whether you’re channelling disco diva energy or “90s grunge, platforms block heels say, ‘I walk tall, I talk big, and yes, I will dance on this table”.’

She said of people who wear high heels: ‘You don’t just walk; you command the ground. 

‘Your confidence is as high as those heels and you’re a powerhouse of energy. High heels say, “I could conquer the world, but first, let me conquer this cocktail”.

Those who opt for a more casual ballet pump are ‘charming, classic and a little whimsical’, according to Jo.

‘Both those pumps and your personality. You’re graceful, romantic and give the best hugs,’ she added. 

And slingback wearers are ‘chic and mysterious’ and ‘love a bit of glamour’.

She said: ‘You are memorable to people and a bit of a head-turner in your effortless elegance.’

Meanwhile, biker boots are a ‘real statement’ show and ‘suggest you have an interesting life’. 

‘You don’t take any nonsense from people but make a really loyal friend,’ the psychologist said.

And a summer wedge is a good indicator that someone is a ‘social butterfly, part flirty and part playful.’

She continued: ‘Extra kudos if they are this season’s on-trend raffia and you have pairs to match every outfit and situation.’

Finally, for wearers of retro trainers Jo said: ‘You love anything nostalgic – from music to movies – and are independent in your outlook. 

‘You’re definitely a leader rather than a follower, but sincere in all that you do.’