Is it okay to buy used shoes?

[cher]

I find that shoes are really expensive, and I've noticed that I can but them on ebay or craigslist for much less than buying them new. My friend says this is a bad idea because they may be fake or worn in a different way than my feet, so it could be harmful to my feet and body. Is this true?

[marvholly]

3 things I have NEVER bought used:

shoes
bras
panties

the last 2 are just personal preference. When it comes to shoes there are a couple of issues:

did the previous owner have some kind of foot disease (fungus, athletes foot....)?
everyone wears/stretches shoes differently. If you are NOT a total match you are letting yourself in for things like bunions, calluses, blisters..........

[kork13]

Agreed. Buying used shoes opens you up to a wide variety of problems. Unless the shoe has next to no cushioning (think high heels of boat shoes), a shoe always conforms to the way your foot falls when you walk, run, and stand. Using someone else's shoes will work for the short term, but you will suffer with more tired feet, blisters, and a variety of other issues. I won't talk about the foot diseases & such... Just.... Ewwwww....

For inexpensive shoes, just find a discount shoe store like Payless Shoes. They have previous year shoes for at least half the price. Costco & Sam's Club also often sell inexpensive shoes. Invest in your own foot health. A $30 pair of shoes every 6-12 months is totally worth it.

[disneysteve]

I wouldn't buy used shoes on ebay but I think it's okay to buy them if you can inspect them in person first. Especially for women's shoes, much more than for men's shoes, ladies may buy a pair of shoes to match one outfit and only wear them a couple of times before getting rid of them. Guys are different. We own one pair of black shoes and one pair of brown shoes and wear them until they fall apart. I'd look at your local consignment shops. Probably not the thrift shops where stuff is lower end to begin with and more worn.

[lightguy]

Of course it's OK to buy and wear used shoes provided the shoes are in good enough condition. I don't see the problem especially if you don't have much cash lying around.

[krantcents]

Used shoes are tricky because hygiene and foot imprint (inside the shoe). A decent pair of shoes are expensive, but they last forever. Perhaps you should consider buying classic styles that defy fashion and maintain them. I had a pair of shoes that lasted over 30 years. Still stylish (wingtips) without looking dated. It just takes some maintenance.

[midlifefinance]

Yes, I think that it's just okay, as long as it don't stink!

[coolbeans330]

I have but only Danskos which are upward of $100-$120 a pair brand new. I got two discontinued pairs for just under $30 each in very good condition just this past fall.

[97guns]

as much of a cheapskate that i am i dont wear used clothes but i buy as cheap as i can, right now im sporting $7 cargo pants that i have enough of to last my lifetime

[disneysteve]

as much of a cheapskate that i am i dont wear used clothes but i buy as cheap as i can

I think the problem is that when you buy really cheap clothing, you tend to get what you pay for. By buying used clothes, you can get much better quality without paying the higher price. So instead of the $20 new jeans you can buy the $50 used jeans but only pay $5 for them.

[97guns]

im just not into putting my feet or nuts where someone elses once were

[disneysteve]

im just not into putting my feet or nuts where someone elses once were

That's why I wear socks and underwear.

[bjl584]

I wouldn't buy used shoes. Shoes stretch and shape to a person's feet over time. Putting on someone else's shoes can cause your feet and back to hurt. Plus, it's just nasty. With all the sales and coupons that Kohl's constantly has, I have no reason to buy used shoes.

[97guns]

That's why I wear socks and underwear.

im too cheap

[bigdaddybus]

I take my daughter all the time to our local clothing consignment shop. She likes buying name brand stuff cheap with the money she earns babysitting.

I did think it was kinds gross when her and my wife both bought used Toms Brand shoes for $20 a pr. My wife said we can go to the mall where they are $49.99 if you want, but these look brand new. Who am I to argue with that?