quarter of 2021, with same-store sales down 0.8%. On a consolidated basis, our direct-to-consumer sales represented approximately 74% of total net sales for the third quarter of 2022. We remain focused on maximizing the vertical opportunity between the Famous Footwear and Brand Portfolio segments, with LifeStride and Dr. Scholl’s representing two of Famous Footwear’s top 15 best-selling footwear brands during the quarter.
Net sales increased $173.4 million, or 8.3%, to $2,271.7 million for the nine months ended October 29, 2022, compared to $2,098.3 million for the nine months ended October 30, 2021. Net sales for our Brand Portfolio segment increased $223.2 million, or 28.3% during the first nine months of 2022, compared to the first nine months of 2021, driven by strong sales growth from nearly all of our brands. Our Famous Footwear segment’s sales momentum continued. However, net sales for Famous Footwear decreased $43.6 million, or 3.2%, in the first nine months of 2022 compared to the exceptionally strong first nine months of 2021, with same stores sales decreasing 2.5%. On a consolidated basis, our direct-to-consumer sales represented approximately 71% of total net sales for the nine months ended October 29, 2022.
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased $4.5 million, or 1.3%, to $339.9 million for the third quarter of 2022, compared to $335.4 million for the third quarter of 2021, reflecting higher net sales. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased slightly to 42.6% for the third quarter of 2022, compared to 42.8% for the third quarter of 2021, reflecting a decrease in the gross profit margin of our Famous Footwear segment, an increase in the gross profit margin of our Brand Portfolio segment and a higher mix of retail compared to wholesale sales. The decline in the Famous Footwear segment’s gross profit margin was driven by more normalized pricing and an increase in promotional activity. The improvement in the gross profit margin of our Brand Portfolio segment reflects higher average wholesale prices, growth in higher margin sales from the direct-to-consumer channel and a favorable brand mix.
Gross profit increased $71.2 million, or 7.6%, to $1,003.7 million for the nine months ended October 29, 2022, compared to $932.5 million for the nine months ended October 30, 2021, reflecting higher net sales. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased slightly to 44.2% for the nine months ended October 29, 2022, compared to 44.4% for the nine months ended October 30, 2021.
We classify certain warehousing, distribution, sourcing and other inventory procurement costs in selling and administrative expenses. Accordingly, our gross profit and selling and administrative expense rates, as a percentage of net sales, may not be comparable to other companies.
Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses increased $29.1 million, or 11.4%, to $283.2 million for the third quarter of 2022, compared to $254.1 million for the third quarter of 2021. The increase was driven by higher salary and benefits expenses, higher expenses associated with our cash-based incentive compensation plans and higher retail facilities costs. As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses increased to 35.5% for the third quarter of 2022, from 32.4% for the third quarter of 2021, reflecting leveraging of expenses on higher net sales.
Selling and administrative expenses increased $55.3 million, or 7.3%, to $812.3 million for the nine months ended October 29, 2022, compared to $757.0 million for the nine months ended October 30, 2021. The increase primarily reflects higher salary and benefits expenses and higher marketing expenses. As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses decreased to 35.8% for the nine months ended October 29, 2022, from 36.1% for the nine months ended October 30, 2021, reflecting leveraging of expenses on higher net sales.
Restructuring and Other Special Charges, Net
We incurred restructuring and other special charges of $2.9 million ($2.7 million on an after-tax basis, or $0.07 per diluted share) during the third quarter and nine months ended October 29, 2022, related to a CFO transition at our corporate headquarters. We incurred restructuring and other special charges of $13.5 million ($11.9 million on an after-tax basis, or $0.31 per diluted share) during the nine months ended October 30, 2021, reflecting expenses associated with the strategic realignment of the Naturalizer retail store operations. Refer to Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of these charges.
Operating Earnings
Operating earnings decreased $27.5 million to $53.8 million for the third quarter of 2022, compared to $81.3 million for the third quarter of 2021, primarily reflecting higher selling and administrative expenses and restructuring and other special charges, as described above. As a percentage of net sales, operating earnings were 6.7% for the third quarter of 2022, compared to 10.4% for the third quarter of 2021.