"For both men and women, shoes have long been an essential fashion item.
In fact, many women in popular culture are often considered to be
"shoe-crazy"; and while this stereotypical presentation may enrage some
women, a recent survey does offer some hard evidence to back it up. According to the poll conducted by ACNielsen, both male and
female consumers around the world have voted ‘designer shoes’ as the
most important designer accessory in their wardrobes." Furthermore, the runner up was  sunglasses, then wallets, handbags (including ‘man’ bags,) and belts. 

Here’s the research which backs up what women have already known for centuries.