Intentionality Is the Only Metric That Matters
Shoes. Vincent van Gogh, 1888. Courtesy the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
Before we ask “how many,” the truly refined life first asks “why.”
Let’s get this out of the way: Yes, I own 50 pairs of shoes. And yes, I still consider myself a minimalist.
I can already imagine the reactions. There are certainly some adherents to minimalism who would argue that there is no possible way to own that many shoes while sticking to the core principles of the lifestyle. On the other side, non-minimalists are likely just as confused, thinking, “I thought the whole point was to streamline and get rid of stuff?”
To both groups, I would say this: my approach to minimalism is rooted in intentionality, not in arbitrary numbers.
An Investment in Enduring Quality
The shoes remaining in my closet have been carefully and thoughtfully curated. Each pair was purchased with the intention of keeping it for the long haul, and each one genuinely brings me joy. I invest in high-quality shoes—not for a brand name, but for the tangible benefits of superior materials and craftsmanship. They are comfortable, long-lasting, and relatively timeless. I have shoes that are, at this point, quite old, yet they endure because of the intention that went into their purchase.
The Strategic Role of Style
This practice is a direct expression of my “minimalist luxury” philosophy. The value is not only in the quality of the item itself but in its strategic role within my life. I’ve built a capsule wardrobe with a limited color palette, and I often employ uniform dressing (e.g., multiple pairs of black slacks, several black turtlenecks) because I’ve found it’s what works for me, particularly in a corporate environment. It removes daily friction.
Within this streamlined system, my shoes are where I play. They, along with my accessories, are what add the personality, the color, and the distinction to each outfit. Instead of investing in a wide variety of shirts and pants in different colors and styles, I’ve channeled that need for diversity into my shoe collection. It allows me to be creative and essentially construct entirely different looks from a consistent and simple base.
Intentionality Is The Only Rule
The lesson here is that intentionality trumps everything. The central tenet of minimalism isn’t about hitting a magic number of possessions. Unless an item is obviously and highly duplicative, there is no sacred number you should be striving for. It is far more about the why.
The process involves asking a series of key questions before making a purchase and again during any decluttering. Why am I buying this? Is it something that will last, so I don’t have to keep replacing it? Does it bring me genuine joy? Am I acquiring this for the value it provides to me, or am I buying it to validate myself in the eyes of others?
Once you have sincerely asked and answered these questions, whatever you have left is what you have left. The number is irrelevant. You get to enjoy those things with the confidence that you’ve done your due diligence, curating a life filled only with things that bring you tangible value.
I am a minimalist who doesn't look at numbers. My practice is about moving beyond stereotypical thinking and focusing on the reasoning behind what we own. It’s about asking the important questions before making a decision, and then feeling good about where you land on the other side.
If you’ve ever wondered how to apply intentionality beyond your closet and into every corner of your life, you’ll find a roadmap in Worthwhile & Worth Having. It’s about redefining luxury on your own terms and curating a life that reflects what truly matters.
