Is it okay to buy used shoes?

[disneysteve]

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?

I think the key is to check them out in person. Some people buy shoes and only wear them once or twice and then get rid of them because they don't like them or they don't fit them well. Some even buy shoes and never wear them. We've seen clothes (not shoes but not usually looking) at thrift shops that still had the tags on them. So it's very possible that those "used" shoes may actually be brand new or close to it.

[Green43]

It would only take one raging infection to wipe out a lifetime of penny pinching. Use common sense and protect yourself.

[LeanneRob]

Just be cautious. If in a thrift shop maybe, because you can see and smell them. also spray with an antifungal

[Leo]

I only bought a used shoes once. Its actually a semi-collectible shoe. I can't find it anywhere brand new and its not in production anymore. I found one online and talk to the guy. He rarely used it. I bought it, cleaned it, and I also rarely use it.

[TheKayla]

I'll buy fashion shoes/sandals at places like Plato's closet, where they're hard material and not meant to be ergonomic in the first place. Plus, they're not fabric shoes so it's not unsanitary. For things like sneakers/fitness shoes, I just wear them to the bone and buy new every several years -- no point in buying second hand for those.