Buying second-hand shoes? Not everyone is convinced yet. On the one hand, we understand why: someone else's old, worn-out shoes are not a fresh idea and, moreover, not good for your feet - this applies even more to children, by the way. But between new and worn out, there are millions of pairs. Literally! In this article, we share tips on what to look out for when buying second-hand shoes. With these tips, you can find good shoes that have not yet been worn or hardly worn. Durable, cheap and great for your feet!
Reduce your footprint and go for second-hand shoes!
It's a bit of a taboo subject still: someone else's shoes. Many people think it is not cool or are afraid that worn shoes are not good for your feet. And we at thegreenlist.nl at all. We ourselves should not think of walking on someone else's worn shoes. But between worn and new, there are still millions of pairs. Literally! Research shows that the average Dutch woman has 23 pairs of shoes in her closet, that she never wears an average of eight pairs and that, despite this nice collection, she buys an average of four more pairs of shoes every year. Men also suffer from this, but are slightly more frugal when it comes to shoes. They own fewer shoes and wear them relatively more often, but they too have an average of two pairs of unworn ones in the closet.
In fact, you don't need any research at all to come to this conclusion, because if you look at the second-hand shoe offerings in apps and in shops, you will see it right away. The supply is huge and much of it has not been worn or hardly worn at all. And that's not dirty, we know from experience.
Tips for finding good second-hand shoes
So many second-hand shoes, what to look out for? You will also come across a lot of bad ones with worn soles and bare noses. With these tips, you can find the gems: as good as new - or even brand new - and still at a bargain price!
View second-hand shoes from all angles
Is the toecap still cool, is the outsole still like new and how do the shoes look on the inside? If you come across a nice second-hand pair in a shop or at a flea market, you can look at them in detail and try them on. Online, it is different. Then it is important to check the photos carefully. Feel free to ask for additional photos so you can better assess the second-hand shoes. Honest sellers don't think this is weird or too much to ask. It is important that you can clearly see the bottom and inside. These should look like new. In doubt about that? Then don't!
Second-hand children's shoes bad?
Experts advise against worn shoes in children in the first 10 years. The arch of the foot is formed in those first 10 years and the position of the foot and leg are also still changing during this growth phase. It is therefore important that the foot and leg develop properly. This makes it all the more important to find pairs for kids that are still completely or almost completely new. And you will find them plenty at Vinted! There are a lot of children who haven't worn shoes, for instance because they had a growth spurt or don't share their parents' taste anyway.
Check the label and #durftevragen
Planning to buy shoes from a popular (sports) brand? Always check the brand. If in doubt, never do either! There is a living black market in some shoe brands, especially online. Fakes are sold for real and then you're stuck with that. In most thrift shops they will not check second-hand shoes for authenticity, although large thrift stores increasingly have professional sorters with a nose for quality. But from a better (online) boutique, you can absolutely expect this to have been done for you. Looking for thrift store shopping tips? We have those here for you!
How does that shoe actually fall?
When you look for ‘new’ second-hand shoes online, what you buy is always a gamble. You can try to resell a bad buy, but that is quite a hassle. It is much more convenient if you find out beforehand how a particular brand or model fits. You can ask other people about their experiences or check online reviews. That way, you increase your chances of buying the right size in one go.
Trust your gut feeling
A good shoe still has a price even second-hand. Shoes do not fit through the letterbox, so add shipping costs to the price. A mis-buy because the pictures don't look like it or because it's a fake brand turns out to be heartbreaking. The tip: buy online only from sellers who have good reviews or stars, who have made clear advertisements and who communicate quickly and kindly. An edge is given to a seller who has kept the box or proof of purchase.
Chic tip: Do you have a shoe fiend and love to wear unusual designer shoes? Pumps by Louboutin, trainers by Balenciaga or sandals by Dolce & Gabbana? In that case, check out our list of online addresses for finding designer clothes and shoes.
Oelala! Second-hand branded shoes for a bargain at the flea market
If you are looking for a shoe bargain, go to the flea market! You can often find fantastic second-hand branded shoes in perfect condition there. You can try them on and have a good look at them, another advantage. And because sellers don't want to go home at the end of the day with their unsold shoes, prices are often keen. For less than ten euros, you can often find great second-hand shoes that are on Marketplace, Vinted or in a second-hand boutique would certainly cost fivefold or perhaps 10fold.
Second-hand women's booties and second-hand kids' loafers. The yellow pair and the pair with polka dots are still like new. I found these pearls on the Kleverpark festival in Haarlem.
Be kind to your second-hand shoes
Of course, the most durable shoes are the pairs that last a long time. So even if you find a (second-hand) pair, take good care of them. Store them neatly in a cupboard and clean them regularly. Often, a little water and green soap works wonders and white trainers can be restored to their pristine whiteness with toothpaste or baking soda. Trainers can also be regularly put in the washing machine on a short cold cycle, and they will be like new again! For minor repairs, go to the cobbler as soon as possible before things get worse.
Refurbished shoes
Do second-hand shoes still feel like a hurdle? Then go for refurbished shoes! At WEAR they sell preloved trainers that have been checked, cleaned and fitted with new insoles. And at 95 per cent they buy up complaint pairs from shoe shops. They repair these and sell them to you as good as new, only you pay a lot less!
Buying second-hand shoes
Have you scored any cool pairs on the second-hand circuit? How did you find them? Share your golden tip! Send us an email so we can include your second-hand shoe tip or share your second-hand finds on Instagram and tag @thegreenlist.nl. We like that a lot!
More sustainable tips from thegreenlist.nl
- Double sustainable: look for second-hand shoes from sustainable brands. Here you will find a long long list of sustainable clothing brands, including shoe brands.
- Can't find it second-hand anyway? Then check out our tips on how to find sustainable shoes here.
- The best second-hand furniture at a bargain price? You can find them on Marktplaats and we have tips!
Sources: cosmopolitan.nl, nelson.nl, hcnews.nl, nu.nl. Photo credits: main image: Angela de Vlaming, other: thegreenlist.nl.
