Blessing of Shehechiyanu on New Shoes

Shalom,

Indeed, we do not recite Shehechiyanu on shoes that are not considered important. However, if the shoes are significant and bring joy to the heart, one should recite Shehechiyanu.

Sources: In the Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim (Siman 226, Seif 6), it is written that regarding items that are not very important, such as a robe or shoes, one does not bless over them. Yet, if a person is poor and is happy with them, he should bless. However, the Rema there states that there are those who say that even a poor person does not bless over a robe or shoes and similar items, and this is how we practice. See also the Mishnah Berurah there. Nevertheless, it is explicitly stated that the reason we do not bless on shoes is because they are not considered important. However, in our reality today, where there are significant shoes that bring joy to the heart, it seems one should bless them with Shehechiyanu.

Furthermore, the Rema writes that the custom is to say to one who wears new clothing, 'Tavle u'titchadesh.' Some have written that this should not be said for shoes or garments made from animal leather, as this would necessitate killing another animal first to renew another garment, and it is written, 'His mercy is upon all His works.' However, the Kaf HaChaim (there, S"K 48) cites the Pri Megadim (Mishbetzes Zahav, end of Siman 22) who says that if he bought a garment made from fox leather, for example, he blesses Shehechiyanu, and the custom brought by the Rema applies only to the saying of 'Tavle u'titchadesh.' This is further supported by the Shed HaChaim (Asifat Dinim, Ma'arechet Berachot, Siman 2, Ot 20), and this is contrary to what is written in the book Mor U'Ketziah (in the section on blessings and thanks, Siman 24). According to this, it turns out that one should bless Shehechiyanu on significant shoes that bring him joy, even though they are made of leather.

It is also written in the book Ashrei Ha'Ish, part Orach Chaim, Part 1 (Chapter 39, Seif 27) in the name of Rabbi Yisrael Eliashiv, zt”l, that one blesses "Shehechiyanu" on expensive new shoes that are not purchased except on rare occasions. However, it should be noted that in the book Hatzot Shalom, Part 1 (Chapter 23, Seif 15, and in Halachic matters, Ot 23), it states that one does not bless on leather shoes even if they are significant, and although in strict law it is not necessarily so, nevertheless the custom is not to bless.

Best regards,

Hillel Meirs