TikTok shoe theory explained: Here’s why you’ll get dumped for buying your partner shoes

TikTok girlies are panicking this festive season after hearing about the meaning behind the latest viral shoe theory.

It’s left people divided and sweating buckets before the Christmas period. TikTokers have insisted there is science behind the theory and even gone as far as sharing their own stories as evidence. Others have dismissed it as being completely unrelated to getting dumped. So before we get into the science, here’s an explanation of what the shoe theory from TikTok means.

What is the meaning of the shoe theory from TikTok?

One TikToker explained that if you give somebody in your life a pair of shoes, essentially one day they are going to walk out on you. There’s no real connection to where the theory came from however a website called China Market Advisor suggests the Chinese have promoted this idea for years and years.

So the whole idea comes from the Chinese word for shoes which is “鞋 xié” and it sounds similar to the word evil which is “邪 xié .” So giving someone shoes is like giving them a really bad and evil vibe. It’s sending them the message to end your relationship and walk out of there. Therefore some people have claimed shoes are an inappropriate gift for couples. It should be noted that this theory doesn’t apply to families. So don’t go panicking if you’ve purchased your mum a pair of FitFlops – she won’t leave you.

Another website called Mental Floss says the gesture could also have a positive meaning. It’s said: “Giving someone a new pair of shoes is unlucky, although strangely it is also said to prolong their life,” it says on its page about gift-giving superstitions. It is very bad luck to give shoes as a Christmas present, as it is thought to signify that the receiver will walk away from you. However, if you never give anyone a gift of shoes, it means that you will be doomed to go shoeless in the afterlife. Tough choice.”

So make of this what you will.

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