Buying used shoes

[alladin]

Hi,

I wanted to ask how panel forum members feel about buying used shoes? I've always bought new shoes, however sometimes see very nice shoes being offered for sale, however, they have been worn lightly. Would this be a big no no as the shoe has already moulded to the original owners foot? I'd appreciate your comments, many thanks.

 

[detroitrockcity]

Yes, while buying used is not recommended by most, I have had much success doing so. I have bought 3 pairs of AE's on eBay, all fit and look well. Not to mention, they were each under $80. Just know your size and always ask questions if in doubt.

I don't see a huge problem buying shoes that were only worn a few times by a previous owner.

 

[hobscrk777]

If they'd been worn lightly, I'd be open to them if the price was right. If they were obviously heavily worn, however, I'd probably rule it out categorically. I just wouldn't feel comfortable buying a pair that someone has potentially abused, stored without shoe trees, etc.

 

[Styk33]

Most of the well used shoes are poorly maintained (shoe trees rarely used and polished once a year). I buy used shoes to wear in situations when the shoe can be damages and it will not matter much. At $30-80 if I get three or four wears out of the shoe I am happy.

If you find something that is lightly used like others stated, you can find a good deal. Sometimes folks buy the wrong last because they did not know there was a difference between shoes that are labeled the same size. They wear the shoes a half dozen times and decide to sell them.

 

[marc237]

More than 25% of my shoe/boot collection was purchased pre-owned. Look for little wear and you ought be fine.

 

[MiniW]

if you have the patience, and are confident you can re-sell the shoes for about the same amount you bought them at, it's worth a try. Usually the more wear a pair of shoes has, it less likely it'll fit you well. The amount of wear is more important than the age of the shoes in my experience.

 

[luftvier]

And even if you get used AEs that are beat up, if you get them for cheap enpugh and send them in for recrafting, you're still ahead of the game/

I have no issues buying pre-owned shoes. Most of my better shoes are.

 

[AntonioB]

Originally Posted by luftvier

And even if you get used AEs that are beat up, if you get them for cheap enpugh and send them in for recrafting, you're still ahead of the game/

I have no issues buying pre-owned shoes. Most of my better shoes are.

I have done this many times before also. I bought preowned shoes and had them recrafted and it turned out very well.

 

[Chim12]

Looks like consensus is, and I too agree, that if there's little wear and you're getting a good deal it's a good way to go. I've purchased Santoni's from e-bay and Magli's here, I love them both

 

[MyOtherLife]

On the upside, it's usually a safer bet to buy expensive models.
Playing the odds, an owner of expensive shoes probably owns so many shoes that each pair gets little wear, and the owner has simply grown bored of them. Shoes like this are the best finds.
Little wear and extremely clean.

The most important downside to used shoes,
is that the person owned less, wore them more, or possibly may have had a foot fungus.
Athelete's Foot can stay dormant in the shoes. So can mould.
Both can and will re-activate with a new wearer's foot moisture.
When browsing ads online, look for a photo that shows the insides of the shoes.
You can always tell if the person wore them without socks, in which case I avoid those.
Any seller that won't show you the insides, or conceals it with shoe trees may be hiding something.

I've been burned a few times before I learned to pay very close attention.

 

[Huntsman]

Mental issue. Cannot do. Wish I could though, considering some of the stunning vintage shoes members here have bought and reconditioned (especially old shell cordovan).

~ H

 

[bapelolol]

Originally Posted by Man Of Lint

On the upside, it's usually a safer bet to buy expensive models.
Playing the odds, an owner of expensive shoes probably owns so many shoes that each pair gets little wear, and the owner has simply grown bored of them. Shoes like this are the best finds.
Little wear and extremely clean.

The most important downside to used shoes,
is that the person owned less, wore them more, or possibly may have had a foot fungus.
Athelete's Foot can stay dormant in the shoes. So can mould.
Both can and will re-activate with a new wearer's foot moisture.
When browsing ads online, look for a photo that shows the insides of the shoes.
You can always tell if the person wore them without socks, in which case I avoid those.
Any seller that won't show you the insides, or conceals it with shoe trees may be hiding something.

I've been burned a few times before I learned to pay very close attention.

What do you recommend for cleaning the insides of used shoes?

 

[phxlawstudent]

Originally Posted by hobscrk777

If they'd been worn lightly, I'd be open to them if the price was right. If they were obviously heavily worn, however, I'd probably rule it out categorically. I just wouldn't feel comfortable buying a pair that someone has potentially abused, stored without shoe trees, etc.

+1. No matter how good the price, its not worth it. Pay a little more for a fresh foot-bed. Pay even more for peace of mind. I'm no doctor, but the idea of using someone else's imprint to walk on bothers me.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by Huntsman

Mental issue. Cannot do. ~ H

Same here. I admire lots of used shoes that I see posted on SF and elsewhere, but I can't do it myself. The only pair of shoes I've bought from B&S were NWT, and that's the only way I'd ever purchase them.

 

[emptym]

I like used shoes because their cheapness lets me experiment with a particular color, style, or shape, and because good leather generally gets better with age.