Tips on buying shoes on ebay in UK and Europe please

[hi123]

Would you advise for it?
Have you ever received a pair and they were not what you expected or not as advertised?

What should I look for and what should I avoid?

Thank you for your help!

 

[GBR]

You should avoid buying second hand shoes!

 

[hi123]

You should avoid buying second hand shoes!

Thank you!
Why?!!

I've seen many people on here recommending second hand!
Maybe it's only for experts who know what they are doing?!

XD

 

[Oshare]

While I'm not in the UK nor Europe, I do have some experience in buying used shoes from eBay and other auction sites.

But first:

• Buying new is generally better than buying used.
  
• If your intent is just to save a bit of money, it is probably better to just wait, save up a bit more, and buy new.
  
• Buying in person is best, so you can try on the shoes before committing.
• If you do go down the used shoes route, then remember that buying used on auction is a gamble and not for the faint of heart or for those who cannot afford to swallow a few lemons along the way.

Some tips if you do try to go down this route:

• Spend time doing research so you have a good idea of what you want -- brand, type of shoe and design, sole, color, etc. Don't just jump into it blind, and buy something because it seems like a bargain.
• Be patient. Buying used is like sifting through a mountain of dirt to find a gem that may be lying hidden in there.
  
• Know your size. And even if you know your size, do more research to gauge the fit of that particular last. There is quite a bit of variation out there.
• Avoid anything where the upper is cracked, gouged, cut, ripped, or badly scuffed.
  
• Pass on anything that looks like the original owner did not care for the shoes at all.
  
• Be prepared to put a bit more money into the shoe for repairs, and elbow grease to clean it up and polish thoroughly.
  
• I would now follow some vintage shoe hunters' advice and not buy anything with a replaced sole or a toppy put on top of an old leather sole. I bought a lemon a few months ago where the seller put a toppy on a completely worn out leather sole to hide the condition. I ended up replacing the entire outsole which made the purchase much more expensive.

 

[hi123]

While I'm not in the UK nor Europe, I do have some experience in buying used shoes from eBay and other auction sites.

But first:

• Buying new is generally better than buying used.
  
• If your intent is just to save a bit of money, it is probably better to just wait, save up a bit more, and buy new.
  
• Buying in person is best, so you can try on the shoes before committing.
• If you do go down the used shoes route, then remember that buying used on auction is a gamble and not for the faint of heart or for those who cannot afford to swallow a few lemons along the way.

Some tips if you do try to go down this route:

• Spend time doing research so you have a good idea of what you want -- brand, type of shoe and design, sole, color, etc. Don't just jump into it blind, and buy something because it seems like a bargain.
• Be patient. Buying used is like sifting through a mountain of dirt to find a gem that may be lying hidden in there.
  
• Know your size. And even if you know your size, do more research to gauge the fit of that particular last. There is quite a bit of variation out there.
• Avoid anything where the upper is cracked, gouged, cut, ripped, or badly scuffed.
  
• Pass on anything that looks like the original owner did not care for the shoes at all.
  
• Be prepared to put a bit more money into the shoe for repairs, and elbow grease to clean it up and polish thoroughly.
  
• I would now follow some vintage shoe hunters' advice and not buy anything with a replaced sole or a toppy put on top of an old leather sole. I bought a lemon a few months ago where the seller put a toppy on a completely worn out leather sole to hide the condition. I ended up replacing the entire outsole which made the purchase much more expensive.

Thank you!!

 

[Fredrik E. Nilsen]

I've bought a few pairs, and I've gotten what I paid for. With shipping and taxes there's not much to save, but you can get ok deals. Look for quality, brand names. With a little love and care you can get a nice pair that will last for a long time. Make sure you check the sizes thoroughly. US 10 is UK 9.5 etc.

 

[mr monty]

I've bought a few pairs, and I've gotten what I paid for. With shipping and taxes there's not much to save, but you can get ok deals. Look for quality, brand names. With a little love and care you can get a nice pair that will last for a long time. Make sure you check the sizes thoroughly. US 10 is UK 9.5 etc.

not always true, US10 is UK9 for many guys

 

[Fredrik E. Nilsen]

not always true, US10 is UK9 for many guys

Even more reason to check thoroughly.