purchasing second hand dress shoes

poissa · Oct 6, 2009

I'm looking for dress shoes to wear at weddings and to work. My options are the rubbish, kenneth cole, banana republic, et al in the price range or purchasing second hand shoes. What I'm looking to learn from you guys, is what kinds of shoes will allow me to replace the leather outsole, and gut the shoe.

I think its in my best interest to avoid the junk mentioned above, hand a second hand shoe to a cobbler and all him to do his magic, if I'm not mistaken. So the question is, what is the entry point in dollars, on average and what brands can I safely consider?

thanks

poissa · Oct 7, 2009

how come no responses?!

Jimbo26 · Oct 7, 2009

You're probably better off asking dress shoe questions in the Men's Clothing forum.

Marcus Brody · Oct 7, 2009

While your multiply punctuated second post seems to presume everyone should immediately answer your questions, I'll still oblige as I'm a nice guy. Here's a link to a very similar thread from a week or so ago that has a lot of good advice: http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=141711

hi-val · Oct 7, 2009

If your budget is $60-100, Ebay is the place to look. Since you want shoes to be refurbished, it's also helpful to know what companies have refurbishing policies. I think Allen Edmonds will run you about $40-120 for them to make the shoes like new again. Thus, if you find a pair you like on Ebay for a low price, you can have them recrafted and save about $100 over retail if you're willing to put in the time.

This might be helpful, too: http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline...Id=40000000001

poissa · Oct 7, 2009

Originally Posted by hi-val

If your budget is $60-100, Ebay is the place to look. Since you want shoes to be refurbished, it's also helpful to know what companies have refurbishing policies. I think Allen Edmonds will run you about $40-120 for them to make the shoes like new again. Thus, if you find a pair you like on Ebay for a low price, you can have them recrafted and save about $100 over retail if you're willing to put in the time.

This might be helpful, too: http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline...Id=40000000001

Thanks, I am willing to spend closer to $150 for the shoe which may allow me more options. Will I be able to score anything better than Allen Edmonds, most of the guys on here who are legit into shoes wouldn't touch one.

poissa · Oct 7, 2009

Originally Posted by Marcus Brody

While your multiply punctuated second post seems to presume everyone should immediately answer your questions, I'll still oblige as I'm a nice guy.

Here's a link to a very similar thread from a week or so ago that has a lot of good advice:
http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=141711

perfect start. Sorry for being impatient

Epaulet · Oct 7, 2009

Originally Posted by poissa

Thanks, I am willing to spend closer to $150 for the shoe which may allow me more options. Will I be able to score anything better than Allen Edmonds, most of the guys on here who are legit into shoes wouldn't touch one.

Don't pay the Allen Edmonds hate any mind. They're not nearly as well constructed as Aldens or many UK brands, but they're much better than any cheaper Asian-made options.

The main issue with AE is that the shoes are overpriced at retail. But if you can score a pair for $100-$200, then I think you'll have a very fair price for a good shoe.

Eagle · Oct 7, 2009

You can buy rather well made AE seconds, new, for as little as $129 to $200. That is possibly less than the total you would pay for a pair of used shoes, after having them recrafted...and you still have shoes in which the insoles have formed to another's feet! Buy the AE or Alden seconds...your feet will thank you.

wagthesam · Oct 8, 2009

E runs true to size right? If my feet measures 10.5D, I should get the 10.5D?

NoVaguy · Oct 8, 2009

Originally Posted by wagthesam

AE runs true to size right? If my feet measures 10.5D, I should get the 10.5D?

Most people say yes, but that's because AE has pretty much become the standard for sizing. Nearly everybody on this forum has tried it on, or tried on a shoe that is supposed to be comparable, so it serves as one easy way to gauge fitting issues.

So if you're thinking that you're size 10.5D based on a shoe that we think runs large or small, then that's not helpful.

Why don't you tell what size you wear in certain brands, and then go from there.

Corniche · Oct 8, 2009

2 " feet" shoes... terrible idea.

wagthesam · Oct 8, 2009

I wear 10.5 in vans, 10 in chucks, 10 in red wings gts with insoles.

purchasing second hand dress shoes

Senior Member

Senior Member

Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Affiliate Vendor

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Streetwear Featured products

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Similar threads

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: