- The viral "shoe theory" posits that gifting your partner shoes means they will "walk out on you."
- Two TikTokers said the trend was rooted in Chinese superstition.
- It joins other popular relationship tests on TikTok, like the "orange peel theory."
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A viral "shoe theory" is making the rounds on TikTok this holiday season — a superstition that posits gifting shoes to a significant other could mean a breakup is imminent.
In a video with 2.1 million views, Angela Chan said she first heard the lore from her mom as a young kid. "If you gift someone a pair of shoes, they will eventually walk out on you," she said — adding that the Chinese word for "shoes" sounds similar to the word for "evil" or "bad luck."
@angela.chaan here is what i’ve been taught about The Shoes Theory growing up #theshoetheory #holidayshopping #chinesetheory #chinese #chinesetradition #chinesebelief #angelachaan #culturalappreciation #funny
♬ original sound - angela chan
The TikToker Hillary Wichlin concurred. Growing up, her Chinese mother blamed all of Wichlin's breakups on the fact that she'd apparently given all her boyfriends shoes. She even did it on purpose a few times to test the theory out.
The "shoe theory" appears to have first surfaced last holiday season, and the hashtag is currently associated with 32.2 million TikTok views. Much of the content is set to Lana Del Rey's mournful breakup tune "Mariners Apartment Complex."
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@hillaryhelennn I am not superstitious but this is a theory I’ve always taken to heart 😅 mostly because my mom made such a big deal out of it I think I willed it into existence and I now refuse to buy Sam shoes 😂😂😂 #theshoetheory #myths #factorfiction #chinesemyth #asianmomsbelike
♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys - Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
Some TikTokers are regretfully showing off the shoes they've already purchased, while others are swearing by the veracity of the trend, speaking from personal experience. Some who've attempted the trend were disappointed that it didn't work out.
The shoe theory isn't the only relationship test that's taken TikTok by storm. A separate "orange peel theory" posits that if you ask your partner to peel an orange for you, their answer determines the strength of your relationship — symbolizing the importance of day-to-day acts of kindness.
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