Giving your partner a pair of shoes? Think again

According to Chinese superstition, giving your partner a pair of shoes is said to be a bad omen, symbolising an invitation to "walk away" from the relationship. Photo: AFP

If you want a relationship to last, never give your other half a pair of shoes! According to an old Chinese superstition, recently revived on TikTok, this seemingly innocuous gift could be the harbinger of a break-up. This is what’s known as “the shoe theory”.

The quest to find a soulmate can be tough. But ensuring a lasting relationship can be even more complex, especially if “the shoe theory” – currently the talk of TikTok – is anything to go by. The #ShoeTheory hashtag has over 35 million views on the social platform, reflecting the growing interest in this superstition.