What's the best way to go about disinfecting previously-owned shoes?

Surfrider · Sep 20, 2008

I have a problem. Several, actually:

I'm a grad student, and will be for some time to come. That is to say, my financial situation is abysmal.
What's more, ever since discovering SF a couple years ago, my taste has shifted towards "nicer" (read: more expensive) accouterments, thus squeezing my already anemic budget even tighter.
Worse still, you nefarious bastards with your "shoe Appreciation" thread have sparked in me a lust for fine footwear- footwear that is, quite simply, out of reach. Unless...
...unless I buy previously-owned articles. But as somebody with mild-to-moderate germaphobic tenancies, the notion of sticking my feet into somebody else's shoes is a little...icky.

If I needed to clean shoes made from fabric, I'd probably just grab a bottle of idophor from my box of brewing supplies, soak 'em, and call it a day. But obviously I can't soak a pair of Allen Edmods Sanfords in an aqueous sanitizing solution... Suggestions? -Surfrider PS: As a student of medicine, yes, I know the chance of me catching something that will make my feet rot off is slim to none, but still; the psychological "eww factor" is there.

garmentmerchant · Sep 20, 2008

Use that stuff they use at the bowling alley i dont know what it is called but im sure someone on here does

edmorel · Sep 20, 2008

Ease your way into wearing used shoes by starting with other used items, like ties or maybe underwear.

Jferg4350 · Sep 20, 2008

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69899885.tip.html

Surfrider · Sep 21, 2008

Originally Posted by Jferg4350

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69899885.tip.html
Yeah, I googled a bit before posting. Most of the suggestions revolved around large quantities of isopropyl or somesuch liquid that would screw up good leather.. I dunno, I guess I was looking for something a bit more...global than a dash of anti-fungal power. I guess I'll just suck it up settle for some bowling alley fungicide. I'm probably being a little ridiculous in the first place...

Originally Posted by edmorel

Ease your way into wearing used shoes by starting with other used items, like ties or maybe underwear.

andyw · Sep 21, 2008

Originally Posted by edmorel

Ease your way into wearing used shoes by starting with other used items, like ties or maybe underwear.

.....hats.

garmentmerchant · Sep 21, 2008

Here you go buddy

http://www.bowlingindex.com/store/me...ct_Code=SH-508

B1FF · Sep 21, 2008

Originally Posted by Surfrider

Yeah, I googled a bit before posting. Most of the suggestions revolved around large quantities of isopropyl or somesuch liquid that would screw up good leather.

I've used isopropyl to clean the inside used leather shoes*, and it didn't screw them up.

[*] I wouldn't normally. Thinking about it disgusts me. But you can't hold out for NOS forever.

TrulySnob · Sep 21, 2008

I have bought several ties but 2nd hand shoes among slips is the only thing I wouldnÂ´t buy.

Shoes even after the first use get the way of the foot and it can deform yours. About slips..no comment...

Egdon Heath · Sep 21, 2008

Originally Posted by TrulySnob

I have bought several ties but 2nd hand shoes among slips is the only thing I wouldnÂ´t buy. Shoes even after the first use get the way of the foot and it can deform yours. About slips..no comment...

Would you consider a used bag of syntax?

tonylumpkin · Sep 21, 2008

Lysol spray!

bbaquiran · Sep 21, 2008

The CDC's Biological Spill Response Guidelines may be helpful. Lysol is mentioned.

forsbergacct2000 · Sep 21, 2008

Say EEEEEWWWWWW and sell them to the next owner????

AlanC · Sep 21, 2008

You could dip them in molten lava or simply give a quick spray of Lysol and quit worrying about it. Everybody on here eats at restaurants, puts their hands on public handrails, etc. A pair of lightly used C&Js ain't gonna kill you, and are amongst the least of your health worries.

forsbergacct2000 · Sep 21, 2008

I agree that the molten lava would work!!

What's the best way to go about disinfecting previously-owned shoes?

Senior Member

Senior Member

Quality Seller!!

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Active Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Minister of Trad

Senior Member

Classic Menswear Featured products

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Featured Sponsor

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON: