Do You Ever Purchase Used Shoes?
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
United States
January 7, 2009 8:22pm CST
The local Goodwill has a huge selection of used shoes. I browse this section every time I am in the store. There are some really good shoes to choose from. The problem is that I can never seem to find my size, and when I have the good fortune to do so, the shoes aren't comfortable.
When purchasing used shoes it is important to remember to check the sole and heel for wear and tear. Often times there are signs of wear on the heel of the shoe. This is caused by the way a person walks. If you are purchasing a pair of shoes and there is a slant on the sole and heel it is advisable to pass them by. Or, if the shoe is of good quality you can take them to be resoled at your local cobbler.
4 people like this
36 responses
@highflyingxangel (9225)
• United States
8 Jan 09
I don't mind buying used clothing because that can be thrown in the washing machine and washed. However, the one thing I have to draw the line at is buying and wearing used shoes. I just can't do it knowing that someone else had their foot in that shoe and stuff. That is just a pretty gross thought.
My mother has bought used shoes before and she doesn't mind do it. She can find shoes in great shape for a great price and it helps her because she does go through shoes often sometimes. However, I always buy new. I can't bring myself to buy used shoes.
1 person likes this
@highflyingxangel (9225)
• United States
9 Jan 09
Trying them on and wearing them around, all day, every day for a certain amount of time is different than trying them on and taking them off. Their feet sweat by being in the shoes when they wear them around. Trying them on means they're on and off in like 5 minutes.
1 person likes this
@Galena (9110)
•
9 Jan 09
a lot of people buy shoes, then don't use them. I have a couple of pairs of shoes I've almost never worn. this is probably down to my habit of buying any cheap second hand shoes that I like, without thinking too much about it.
you can tell if they are much worn, from the soles and from the printing inside the shoe being worn or not.
also, as more and more people shop online, shoes are one of those things where you can't just rely on the size being right. the shape and fit affect whether you will keep them.
a lot of second hand shoes are virtually unworn
@AnakSuNamun (2084)
• United States
8 Jan 09
I don't mind buying used furniture and stuff but I don't like the idea of wearing used clothes and/or shoes,who knows what kind of skin problems these people might've had? I know they wash and desinfect clothes,but do they do the same with shoes?
I've even seen underwear at a couple of places,that was just Ugh!..
@waysouth (25)
• United States
8 Jan 09
Uhm, I don't think that they wash and disinfect the clothes. As a general rule, anything you buy from the thrift shop should be washed first.
I do buy shoes and handbags, but I always put them in the washer with a capful of clorox. I have gotten two really nice purses lately. I bought three (they were $1.50 each) and washed them all in the washer. One of them didn't survive well, but the other two washed perfectly and look like new bags now.
1 person likes this
@AnakSuNamun (2084)
• United States
8 Jan 09
Good point,I never though of washing shoes-sneakers,yeah,but not the shoes that need to look pretty. As long as they keep their shape,it's not a bad idea.
1 person likes this
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
8 Jan 09
I haven't bought used shoes before, mostly because I have trouble finding my size - I have wide feet and so I need to try on shoes to make sure they fit. I also have trouble just finding things I like - if there are a lot of choices, I just can't tell what I will like when I get home. So it can take me awhile to make up my mind.
1 person likes this
@rabinos (13)
• United States
8 Jan 09
I have never thought of buying used shoes. It would almost be like buying used underwear. Very unappealing. There are too many negatives: people's shoes smell, they may have a foot fungus or other foot condition in them waiting for a new victim, they fit the foot of the last person who wore them and would more than likely not fit mine.
1 person likes this
• United States
8 Jan 09
i havent ever bought used shoes, itd be weird, id much rather buy new ones
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
17 Jan 09
Very good points, many people don't think to bring the shoes they have that may be still good to a cobbler. There was a newsreport here about cobblers and thrift stores being the only ones with increased business. I, too, have trouble finding shoes. Extra wide 9 is my size. There are more shoes than there used to be of that size, but they often aren't quite right, takes going through a lot of shoes to find ones that have a high instep for me. Take care and happy shoe hunting.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
3 Mar 09
Thank you very much for giving me best response. Reminds me, I need to take my boots to a cobbler. The nails are coming through. Thanks and take care
@abhinavrip (88)
• India
8 Jan 09
same with me!..buddy!.how can one buy used shoes!!
1 person likes this
@happythoughts (4109)
• United States
17 Jan 09
I have never bought used shoes. I have a hard time finding shoes that feel right and I like them. I have looked at the shoes before but I have never bought any. I guess I need to look into it more.
1 person likes this
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
8 Jan 09
i have done this, especially with running shoes and summer shoes. i can only wear my shoes for about a year because of my wear pattern/the way i walk and i like to have a large variety of shoes so i do go and look but i seldom buy shoes unless it is something different.
1 person likes this
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
8 Jan 09
I have never purchased used shoes. I have gottne a pair at a rummage sale but they were still brand new and in the box they came in. They are one of the most comfortable pairs that I have ever gotten! I love them. I would be very leary of buying used shoes....I would be afraid of getting athelets foot or other types of foot disease that can be transmitted by wearing other peoples shoes. I once borrowed a pair of my sisters sandles and she had impetigo...and I also got as I had an open sore on my heel from a misquito.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
9 Jan 09
I've never bought a used shoe I don't think, but I am a fan of Wal* Mart brand shoes. I have gotten one trendy shoe that while was on sale, was kind of a rush for me to buy.. I wanted to fit in, I still have the shoes, they are still in kind of good condition, but I guess as it goes I need to buy some new ones.
1 person likes this
@Bebs08 (10681)
• United States
9 Jan 09
Oh yes, I am buying used shoes and you are right!! good will has good shoes. I bought several good pairs of shoes in good will. They are very comfortable, very cheap but very durable. No body can believe that I bought it in Goodwill. It looks new. it is just the timing when you shop in goodwill. There are times that their stocks are really in good shape. Thanks for the tips in buying shoes. I really love to collect good shoes. Goodwill is the best place. I can buy $3-5 dollars shoes in good quality in there.
1 person likes this
@silverjam (969)
• United States
8 Jan 09
Thanks for the tips....yes am buying used shoes in the Thrift Store and Salvation Army. There are still very nice shoes and are still of good qualities and very good price in there. In fact, it's always one of my hobbies; window shopping there as I really want to see some used items that are cheaper. But not only used items are in there, there are still new things (old stocks from Dept stores) being sold there and there were still tag prices on them.
1 person likes this
@KatieDidit (989)
• United States
8 Jan 09
Good advice. I often buy shoes at the thrift stores. I don't have any trouble finding ones my size so it's easy to find ones that are just slightly worn (look new except for the scuffs on the sole) and sometimes I even find brand new never worn ones there.
As a matter of fact the last pair I got was pumps that had never been worn and I paid $3.00. I didn't need them but they were really cute and a steal of a deal. It's been six months and I haven't worn them but I will yet!
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
8 Jan 09
Last week I tried on a pair of Danskin Nurses shoes. They almost fit. The price was $4.99! Wow, I couldn't believe it. They were practically brand new.
@checapricorn (16061)
• United States
8 Jan 09
[i]I have tried buying used shoes and so far, didn't encounter any problem about it! There are shoes which are really new and maybe just worn a few times by the original owner!
[/i]
1 person likes this
@TessWhite (3146)
• United States
8 Jan 09
Many people seem to have no problem wearing used shoes. But I'm not one of them. Used clothing is one thing - it can at least be washed. But used shoes are not washed so any dirt or germs from previous owner's feet are still in there. Top that off with the fact that shoes tend to conform to a person's feet when they are brand new. So why would they fit a 2nd owner? But even without all that I still couldn't wear used shoes since I have problems with my feet anyway and have to be very careful what shoes I buy. Its the only part of my wardrobe that I spend any extra money on.
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
8 Jan 09
We don't have anywhere her that we could purchase good quality used shoes. I do find diffculty as I have broken several toes over the years. How I benefit though is that my eldest sister and I wear the same size so she will buy for me in a sale or if she did an impulse buy and didn't like the shoe then I am the recipient. so that works out well for me as I am not fussy really. Blessings
1 person likes this
@zandy985186 (434)
• China
8 Jan 09
I pay attention to the shoes more than the clothes and the ornament.So I have not tried to buy the used Shoes.In fact, the shoes are not really easy to choose. Comfortableness, height,the material, size, style and price is all very important.I wear the clothes that the younger sister wore once in a while.
1 person likes this
@abhinavrip (88)
• India
8 Jan 09
ewww!...even the very thought of wearing used shoes sucks!!i would never purchase use d shoes!God knows who would have used the shoes which we would buy in case we actually end up buying!!
1 person likes this
