Spring Shoe Refresh: A Mini KonMari Revisit

I completed my KonMari tidy festival during the winter of 2024–2025, following the method’s signature approach of decluttering by category: clothing, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and sentimental items. It was a transformative process that helped me clear physical clutter and get clearer about what truly supports my ideal lifestyle. Shoes were part of the clothing category, of course, but as the seasons changed, I felt called to revisit them.

Spring felt like the perfect time for a little refresh.

Since my tidy festival, I’ve gotten better at letting go. I’ve been practicing being more mindful, not just of what I bring into my home, but also of what I keep. So with a fresh mindset (and slightly muddy spring sneakers), I decided to refine my shoe collection even further.

Following the KonMari principle of gathering all items in a category into one place, I pulled out every single pair of shoes I owned. Now, I’ve never been what you’d call a “shoe person,” so my total was already pretty minimal: just 21 pairs. Still, seeing them all together again helped me reconnect with what I actually had, and what I no longer needed.

One standout example? A pair of winter boots I held onto during my tidy festival. At the time, they were a bit snug, but I kept them “just in case.” Winter was coming, and I worried I wouldn’t find a replacement in time. Spoiler alert: I never wore them. Instead, my sturdy hiking boots and some warm socks were all I needed!

That kind of realization is exactly why a seasonal revisit can be so powerful.

In the end, I let go of 6 pairs of shoes—nearly a 30% reduction. Some were uncomfortable or didn’t quite fit my current lifestyle anymore. Others were purely sentimental (looking at you, 3.5” wedding heels). I realized they’d be better off with someone who’ll actually wear and enjoy them, instead of collecting dust in my closet.

The beauty of the KonMari Method is that it’s not just a one-and-done event. While the initial festival sets a strong foundation, the real magic happens in the small, mindful check-ins we do afterward. You don’t have to redo your whole home to benefit from a little seasonal clarity. Even revisiting a single subcategory, like shoes, can spark big shifts.

So if you're feeling the itch to spring clean, consider starting small. Open your closet. Pull out your shoes. Ask yourself what truly supports your current season of life, not just the weather, but your energy, routines, and goals. You might be surprised by how much easier it is to let go now.

And who knows? You might even find that letting go of old soles makes space for new steps.