Buying used shoes

[Gus]

I never thought I would buy used shoes. But, once I became a member of SF and bought some shoes that were only worn a few times for a fraction of their retail price, well, I'm now all for it. The key is to know what you are buying and knowing how a brand fits. I would never buy a shoe that was well worn. Just a shoe that didn't work out for whatever reason.

 

[Sanguis Mortuum]

Most of my shoes are used. My latest purchase was a pair of suede C&Js, apart from the wear on the sole they're in virtually perfect condition, and they cost me £20 including postage!

 

[nicad2000]

As the others have said - it's usually a pretty good bet if the shoes haven't been worn more than a few times. The previous owner has already taken the depreciation hit, so you can always re-sell what you pick up at little to no loss to yourself. At least in my experience.

 

[Faded501s]

Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy

I never thought I would buy used shoes. But, once I became a member of SF and bought some shoes that were only worn a few times for a fraction of their retail price, well, I'm now all for it. The key is to know what you are buying and knowing how a brand fits.

Yes, me too. I understand the psychological barrier with used shoes (and clothes) but once you get over it the savings are incredible. Clothes can be washed but shoes? As long as they haven't been abused a couple quick sprays of Simple Green (or whatever) kills any bacteria with no ill-effect. Of course, every now and then a pair doesn't quite fit right or I end up with too many of the same type/color but can usually turn them around on B&S without taking much of a hit. The rare occasion when you lose a few bucks is more than worth it with the $ saved.

In fact I just got these today from another member for $65 delivered...probably worn 10X and very clean/well taken care of. Couldn't be happier

​

 

[JayJay]

^^^Those look great, and like new except for the wear on the soles.

 

[luftvier]

Originally Posted by 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

This is exactly why I have bought pre owned shoes. I just picked up a pair of shell longwings for $12, and a pair of AE pebble grain longwings from the 60s for $12. Both look gorgeous. Especially the AEs - the patina is amazing on those shoes. And if they get worn out, there's always AE recrafting.

Originally Posted by phxlawstudent

+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.

There's always insoles and recrafting. After a while, the cork bed conforms to your own foot anyway.

Originally Posted by 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.

Exactly.

 

[phxlawstudent]

True, I can use insoles, but isn't the point of $300 shoes to walk on leather?

I do understand the cork bed will conform to your own foot, but the recrafting is $100. The shoe had better be extremely rare or never go for less than $300.

I've also seen very worn shoes' leather insoles. Those look like the imprint is there forever. I'm more concerned about that.

Lightly worn shoes I have very little problems with. It takes time for the cork and leather to form to a foot.

 

[meister]

The funny thing is that a lot of the vintage shoes I have bought which may be 50 or so years old have very little wear and usually no footprint. They seemed to have been worn to church on Sundays and put away again. Often they were put away and forgotten in some cupboard or loft.

 

[ryoneo]

I have the same mental issue. I just can't bring myself to wear a pre worn shoe.

 

[Harold falcon]

I'll do it if the price is right.

 

[mkarim]

Nice shoes!

 

[Don Carlos]

I won't buy used from a seller whose habits and care are totally unknown to me. That's why B&S is a safer wager than eBay. Around here, you can pretty much bet that any given seller has taken adequate to obsessive care of his shoes. On eBay, caveat emptor.

That said, I have managed to snag a great find on eBay once or twice (lightly worn, vintage AE wingtips and lightly worn, vintage shell Florsheims). I've also been burned more than once -- usually by uppers in poor or torn condition, but polished over and trick-photographed on the listing. On the balance, I find the risk level on eBay a bit too high for my taste.

 

[jkidd41011]

I've bought several pairs used. No issues. Most people buying AE's or higher quality are going to take care of them.

 

[Don Carlos]

Originally Posted by jkidd41011

Most people buying AE's or higher quality are going to take care of them.

You'd be surprised, especially with AEs. Higher-end shoes, from C&J to EG and beyond? Generally, yes. You don't really buy shoes at those prices unless you know what you're doing. But AEs -- despite being nicer shoes than most of their price-tier peers -- have always been more of a "shoe of the people," and as such, you'll find quite a few abusive, ignorant, or neglectful owners.

 

[Flash7791]

A buddy of mine gave me a pair of Ferragamo's that he wore for a year or two. I've worn them for the last year every day at work and get compliments on them all the time. They fit great and are very comfortable. I got them for free and am lookin online for another used pair if I could find them. So, I would definitely buy a used high end shoe if its in good condition. My only issue with buying a used shoe online, is its hard to see the true condition of the shoe. I'm looking for a used pair of Bruno Magli Edgar's rather than have them re-soled for 70 bucks.