How Can Virtual Try-Ons for Footwear Boost Sales and Cut Returns?

The journey from innovation to implementation is rarely straightforward. Fashion companies want to ensure that the technology they adopt is mature enough to positively impact their business—especially by increasing sales, reducing return rates, and avoiding the pitfall of becoming yet another underutilized feature on their website. Typically, large brands start by testing technologies like shoe virtual try-ons (VTO) through proof-of-concepts (POCs) to evaluate their utility in sales and marketing. Smaller companies often dive headfirst into emerging tech.

At WEARFITS, we have extensive experience implementing both augmented reality (AR) virtual try-ons for footwear and virtual fitting rooms for fashion. Through our work, we’ve observed that VTO solutions can increase sales by up to 500%, reduce return rates, and significantly enhance the user experience. We’ve witnessed these innovations gain market appreciation, as we’ve been part of this transformation, implementing these solutions with major clients for years.

The Popularity of AR on Mobile Devices

AR try-ons for footwear wouldn’t exist without the advances brought by games like Pokémon Go and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, as well as AR filters on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. These technologies popularized AR, prompting brands to consider its integration into their mobile apps and e-commerce platforms. The continued evolution of mobile technology has also played a crucial role, enabling shoe try-ons to work more efficiently and making 3D shoe models appear increasingly realistic.

Why Does VTO Influence Sales, Returns, and Customer Satisfaction?

When shopping online or via an app, customers often lack confidence about how a shoe will look on their feet or whether it will fit. Many users also want to ensure that the shoes they buy complement their wardrobe. This uncertainty often leads customers to either forgo a purchase or return items after buying. Virtual try-ons allow users to visualize shoes on their feet, assess how they match their wardrobe, and make a more informed decision. This not only boosts customer confidence but also enhances their overall e-commerce experience. As users spend more time engaging with the platform, the likelihood of completing a purchase increases.

How to Increase Sales Through Virtual Try-On for Footwear

The fashion industry is becoming increasingly competitive, pushing brands to seek innovative ways to drive sales. By enabling consumers to visualize shoes on their feet, AR try-ons for footwear positively impact conversion rates, return rates, and customer engagement. However, to realize these benefits, e-commerce companies must ensure proper implementation.

First, consumers need to know that they can virtually try on shoes. The VTO button should be prominently displayed on the product page, accompanied by a clear call-to-action that directs users to the solution. Without this visibility, customers may remain unaware of the feature, potentially affecting conversion rates. Additionally, it’s important to guide consumers on how to use the feature. A simple outline of a shoe is often sufficient to help users understand how the tool works.

Brands can further increase the adoption of virtual try-ons by promoting this functionality on social media. Informing customers about the feature can drive traffic to the e-commerce site or app, as users may visit just to see how it works.

Another effective strategy is to publish blogs and articles about the VTO feature, both on the company’s website and in external media. The more exposure the feature gets, the more likely users are to try it out, spend time exploring products, and ultimately make purchases.

Maximizing the Impact

These strategies help e-commerce and mobile app managers promote virtual try-on functionality both on their platforms and beyond. The more the feature is highlighted, the higher the chances it will be used. This, in turn, optimizes sales, reduces return rates, and enhances customer satisfaction.

Read more: