Shoes: IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions with Answers

Shoes are more than just a basic necessity; they are also a reflection of personal style, comfort, and even cultural identity. As a result, the topic ‘Shoes IELTS Speaking Part 1’ is quite common, and you have to share about your footwear habits fluently and naturally can demonstrating IELTS vocabulary range, grammatical accuracy, and confidence. 

Let’s have a look at the shoes IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions with sample answers and relevant vocabulary. They will enable you to understand how to make your answers to similar IELTS Speaking Part 1 topics and questions with answers for a better speaking band score. 

Shoes IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions and Answers

In IELTS Speaking Part 1, questions about shoes allow you to talk about personal preferences, habits, and cultural norms. Whether it is about your favourite pair, shopping habits, or spending priorities, you have to frame your answers appropriately and also know how to expand your answers in IELTS Speaking Part 1. Remember, speaking confidently about shoes can make your answers more engaging and memorable for the examiner.

You can now see the actual IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions related to shoes, along with sample responses to help you prepare for similar topics.

1 Do you like shoes?

Yes, of course! I’m quite a girly girl, so I’ve always been into shoes since I was a little girl. My mother used to catch me trying on her high heels in her closet! Moreover, I’m a fashionista so I feel that shoes really tie the whole outfit together.

2 What kind of shoes do you usually wear?

Although I am into fashion, I usually wear comfortable sneakers because they’re versatile and suitable for almost any occasion. Whether I’m going to work, running errands, or travelling, sneakers help me stay active without feeling restricted. However, whenever I get an opportunity, I like to show off my collection of stilettos.

3 Do you like to wear shoes that are comfortable or good-looking?

Definitely good-looking, hopefully comfortable too! I care much more about the appearance and if they complement my outfit. However, I try to buy nicer brands, so that they should be more comfortable. Moreover, many comfortable shoes are often unattractive, like Crocs, for example.

4 Do you have a favourite pair of shoes?

Yes, I have a favourite pair of white sneakers that I’ve worn for years. They’re lightweight, easy to match with most outfits, and remind me of a trip I took with my friends. Whenever I wear them, I feel nostalgic and confident enough to strut my stuff.

5 What do you look for in a pair of shoes?

When I buy shoes, I mainly look for comfort, durability, and design. I prefer shoes made from breathable materials because they’re apt to keep my feet cool and dry. If they also have a sleek look, that’s an added bonus.

6 Where do you usually buy your shoes?

I usually buy my shoes from branded stores or online retailers that offer good exchange policies. Sometimes, if I find something trendy on a whim, I might purchase it without much thought. However, I try to prioritize quality and avoid impulse buying.

7 How often do you buy shoes?

Mm, I would say every couple of months. I’m trying to save up for a new car right now, so I don’t like to spend too much unnecessary money. Having said that, I usually buy a new pair at the start of every season.

8 How much money do you usually spend on shoes?

I generally spend a moderate amount and in most scenarios, it depends on my requirement. I believe that’s enough to get something durable yet stylish. Spending more doesn’t always guarantee better quality, in my opinion. However, on rare occasions, I like to splurge on dresses and shoes.

9 Would you ever spend a lot of money on a pair of shoes?

Not usually, but if I find a pair that’s high-quality and long-lasting, I wouldn’t mind spending extra. I think investing in good footwear is worthwhile because cheap shoes often wear out quickly and cause discomfort.

10 Have you ever bought shoes online?/Would you ever buy shoes online?

Of course, although I don’t prefer it. I have only bought shoes online from familiar stores, like Aldo and Zara, which I know fit me well. On the other hand, I don’t like to buy shoes from new stores when I’m not able to try them on first.

11 Do you know anyone who likes to buy many shoes?

Yes, my cousin is a total fashionista. She loves collecting heels, boots, and designer sneakers. She’s also a bit of a girly girl, so she enjoys matching her shoes with her outfits for every occasion.

12 Why do some people have too many shoes?

Well, there could be various reasons. I think one reason is that perhaps they see shoes on sale, so they buy them on a whim, even if they don’t need them. Moreover, some people are really into shoes, so they like to collect them. Lastly, maybe they keep their old shoes so their collection keeps growing.

13 Are people willing to buy expensive shoes?

Some people! I think people who are wealthy are more apt to buy expensive brands. On the other hand, there are some people who would rather have a few quality items rather than a bunch of cheap, quality pairs. So, I think this type of person often tends to buy more expensive shoes also.

14 Do you think the type of shoes someone wears reflects their character?

Yes, I think shoes reveal a person’s lifestyle or priorities. For example, someone wearing polished formal shoes may appear professional and organized, while people in sporty sneakers might seem energetic and easy-going.

15 Are there any shoes in your country that shouldn't be worn at work?

Yes, in formal workplaces, people are expected to avoid slippers, flip-flops, or casual sandals. Such footwear is considered too informal and might be seen as disrespectful in professional settings.

16 Do you think men and women have the same attitude towards shoes?

Not really. Generally, women tend to see shoes as fashion statements, while men view them as practical items. Of course, this is changing nowadays, as both genders care more about style and comfort.

Vocabulary for Shoes IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions and Answers

Given below is a list of common English words used in IELTS Speaking test related to the topic that you can use while framing your answers to the Shoes IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions.

Tips to Answer Shoes IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions

Here are some useful IELTS Speaking tips to impress the examiner by creating high-scoring shoes IELTS Speaking Part 1 answers.

• Incorporate topic-specific idioms and expressions: Idioms show natural language use and boost lexical resource scores. So, instead of just saying “I like my shoes,” include useful idioms for IELTS Speaking to score Band 8.0+, like ‘strut my stuff’, ‘on a whim’, or ‘fashionista’. For example: “I bought these boots on a whim because they looked perfect for winter”. 
• Link footwear choices to personality or lifestyle: Do not just describe shoes, explain what they reveal about you or someone else. For example: “I prefer sneakers because I’m quite active and enjoy spontaneous outdoor activities”. This shows analytical thinking and adds depth, which examiners reward.
• Use precise adjectives for material, style, and comfort: Instead of generic words like ‘nice’ or ‘good’, use terms like ‘durable’, ‘breathable’, ‘versatile’, ‘polished’, or ‘sleek’. Precise descriptors demonstrate lexical sophistication. For example: “I like shoes made from breathable materials because they’re apt to keep my feet cool during long walks.” 
• Include comparative or conditional statements: Adding comparisons or conditions makes your answer more complex and fluent. For example: “I wouldn’t usually spend a lot, but if the shoes are high-quality and long-lasting, I might consider it”. 
• Provide Mini Personal Stories or Experiences: Personal storytelling adds authenticity and engages the examiner, which helps achieve higher coherence and fluency scores. So, linking shoes to personal memories or experiences makes answers memorable. For example: “These white sneakers remind me of a trip to the mountains with friends, and wearing them makes me feel nostalgic”. 

 In conclusion, talking about shoes in IELTS Speaking Part 1 is a fun and relatable topic that allows you to display both descriptive and opinion-based language. Remember to balance fluency with clarity and speak naturally about your experiences, preferences, and fashion habits. With the right tone and vocabulary, you can easily walk your way to a Band 8 in the IELTS Speaking test!

Useful Links:

• Clothing and Fashion: IELTS Speaking Practice Test with Sample Answers
• Describe Clothes You Wear on Special Occasions: IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3 Sample Answers
• 42+ IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics with Sample Answers PDF (2025)
• How to Expand Your Answers in IELTS Speaking Part 1?
• Linking Words for IELTS Speaking Section