The Boots Theory of Unfairness
When we think about financial fairness, it’s easy to assume that spending less means saving more. But the Boots Theory, flips this idea on its head. It shows how people with limited money often end up paying more over time simply because they can’t afford better-quality items upfront.
The term comes from English fantasy writer Sir Terry Pratchett’s novel Men at Arms, in which the character Sam Vimes, the captain of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, illustrates the concept with the example of boots.
Imagine you’re in a small town in India. A person with a steady income buys a pair of sturdy shoes for ₹2,000 that lasts for years. Meanwhile, someone with less money buys a pair for ₹500, but it wears out in a few months. Over a year or two, the poorer person ends up spending more replacing shoes repeatedly. This isn’t just about shoes — it applies to many everyday essentials.
Take electronics, for example, from my personal experience - a good-quality phone might cost more initially but lasts longer and needs fewer repairs. On the other hand, cheaper alternatives may break down faster, leading to frequent replacements or costly fixes. Buying a ₹1,200 bulk rice bag saves ₹10–₹15/kg compared to buying weekly in ₹100 amounts. But not everyone can afford to buy in bulk—even if it’s cheaper long-term.
Let’s talk about credit cards. If you have a high income or a good credit score, banks roll out the red carpet. You get higher credit limits, which means you can buy big-ticket items without worrying about running out of credit. And the perks? Cashback offers, reward points, lounge access, exclusive discounts—the list goes on. For example, cards like HDFC Millennia or Axis Bank Cashback Credit Card offer up to 7% cashback on online spends, and special deals on everything from Swiggy to Uber. These benefits are mostly accessible to those who can spend more and maintain a good credit history.
It doesn’t stop there. Wealthier people often get lower interest rates on loans, easier access to credit, and even tax advantages. They can invest in assets, defer taxes, or borrow against their investments at favorable rates—privileges that are out of reach for most middle-class or lower-income families. Even something as simple as paying bills becomes cheaper: postpaid plans, annual subscriptions, and bulk purchases all come with discounts, but you need enough money upfront to take advantage.
So, next time you see a cashback offer or a “members only” deal, remember: the Boots Theory isn’t just about shoes. It’s about a system where having more money opens more doors—and keeps them open, with perks and savings that just aren’t available to everyone else.