Top Tips To Thrift Quality Footwear
There are quite a few people that avoid buying shoes and boots in a thrift store. I know
, I used to be one of them.I’m so very glad I got over that nonsense years ago. I’ve found loads of name brand and designer shoes and boots in thrift stores, often barely worn.
Don’t believe me? Check out one of my recent thrift hauls…
Yeah…I like boots. Boots are what sell best for me in my Etsy store so I don’t buy as many shoes for my inventory anymore.
Personally I love purchasing used footwear because the previous owner has already done all the hard work and broken in the shoes for me. #nomoreblisters
Top Tips To Thrift Quality Footwear
#1 Don’t Be Deterred By Surface Dirt
I clean all of the footwear I bring into my house with a damp rag and a mixture of vinegar and water, inside and out. The soles are often scrubbed clean.
I often buff up leather with some clear shoe polish and a bit of elbow grease.
Some marks on suede can be removed by gently using a pencil eraser.
Water or other stains to leather and suede cannot be rectified and are best avoided.
Dirty and worn insoles can be replaced with new ones that provide extra cushioning for the feet.
#2 Look At The Sole
If the sole is stitched onto the footbed chances are it is a higher quality shoe like these Tod’s I scored recently.
All that workmanship in the specialty sole translates to a higher quality shoe.
Sometimes the stitching will be on the top of the shoe or boot like on these Solo Mina booties.
Make sure the stitching isn’t frayed, normally that means it isn’t waxed and therefore not waterproof.
#3 Is The Sole Separating?
The sole is where you notice the most wear on shoes. If it has started separating from the upper or shows gaps leave it behind.
Although you can have shoes resoled it isn’t cheap and requires skill. I’ve taken shoes and boots in to be resoled and been horrified with the results. Ask around for the best shoe repair or check out reviews online before you sacrifice some of your best finds to an inept cobbler.
#4 Look At The Material Contents
These are usually stamped or stuck somewhere on the shoe and look like this…
Let’s look at these Isabel Marant booties I thrifted…
From the contents label we can see that they are made entirely out of leather. These booties are well constructed and meant to last.
When the label is stamped into the leather sole it is another sign of attention to quality.
Quality Rubber Soles
Rubber soles can be durable and comfortable. Doc Marten makes some great rubber soles. Again, be sure to check for gaps or separation from the upper.
If a rubber sole has been added onto the leather sole this will also help the shoes last longer. I often add these to my boots to avoid slipping and increase longevity. Any good shoe repair store can add rubber soles for you.
#5 Check The Insole
Does the insole go all the way to the tip of the toe? Is it worn out or damaged?
If the shoe is a lower quality they cut corners which means the insole might not go all the way down the shoe.
You can always add in your own insole which is often what I do for my personal boots.
#6 Is The Insole Padded?
Higher quality shoes often have better padding on the heel and toe bed.
#7 Is There Any Visible Glue?
A sign of sloppy workmanship is glue seeping out of the seams. These Tory Burch shoes I thrifted are pristine. I don’t think they’ve ever been worn.
#8 Is The Stitching Even?
Stitching should be even and straight with no loose threads.
#9 Is The Interior Of The Boot Or Shoe Flaking?
If you find the interior is flaking away it is probably coated in polyurethane. Polyurethane doesn’t breathe, it is plastic. When you sweat the polyurethane reacts to the sweat and deteriorates. Once it begins to decompose it doesn’t stop. Structurally the boots or shoes will still be viable but pieces of plastic will be shedding all the time. I try to avoid buying shoes or boots with this issue.
#10 Look At The Heel
Is it stable? Does it wobble? Is it properly centered over the heel of the foot?
Wobbly heels can be expensive to fix so I avoid them.
Is the heel cap broken?
If you really love the shoes fixing a broken heel cap isn’t expensive and can be done at your local shoe repair.
#11 Footwear Made Of Polyurethane Won’t Last As Long As Leather And Aren’t Environmentally Friendly
This would be anything labeled as “Vegan Leather” and often man-made materials. Polyurethane doesn’t breathe, won’t stretch and can crack and deteriorate over time. It takes over five hundred years for polyurethane to decompose. In contrast, leather will biodegrade in twenty-five to fifty years.
Personally I rarely buy shoes or boots made out of polyurethane for resale.
#12 Brand
Of course if you recognize the label as a luxury brand with quality workmanship this helps tremendously when shopping thrift. Be cautious however as you can come across counterfeits when thrifting. Always refer to the tips I’ve mentioned to ensure you are buying a high quality pair of shoes. I’ve come across quite a few fake Louboutins and Jimmy Choos while thrifting.
Bonus Tip: Bad Smells
I avoid any kind of bad smells from footwear by using nylon mesh bags filled with dried lavender buds and placing them in each shoe/boot. You can also use cat litter or activated charcoal.
How To Store Thrifted Boots And Shoes
Using rolled up newspaper stuffed inside boots and shoes helps maintain their shape and absorb any moisture.
It is always a good idea to spray leather and suede with leather protector to help preserve the shoes.
These tips can also be useful when purchasing shoes or boots retail.
Quality is quality, secondhand or new.
Do you have any tips you’d like to share about quality footwear you’ve purchased secondhand?
Linking up with Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday, Fancy Friday, and Spy Girl
Taste of France says
These are great tips that I will use. Thank you!
I had the cutest pair of Enzo Angiolini shoes that I had resoled about five times, until the uppers finally fell apart. They lasted an eternity, despite having major mileage on them. A good cobbler is a treasure.
I absolutely love the boots you’re wearing in the first and last photos.
suzanne carillo says
Those boots are 1960’s go-go boots in a tapestry fabric.
Enzo Angiolini makes a great shoe. My favourite countries for quality shoe manufacturers are Italy, Spain and Brazil.
beate says
you find the best shoes! fabulous!
here in poor and rural east germany the quality shoes never find the way into 2.hand stores – because they are rare birds and the first owners cherish them. most people wear ugly utility shoes or cheap sneakers – and by the time this shoes arriving (if ever) in the 2.hand shops they are very very worn…..
so great tips – i can sign every single one as a person who learned something about shoes in my first profession as a leather worker – but here is no use for them – sadly….
xxxx
suzanne carillo says
It is great news for the environment that Germans are keeping their shoes and wearing them until they wear out.
I’ve found so many shoes and boots in thrift stores that have never been worn. It speaks volumes to the excessive consumption of the west and our unrelentless quest for novelty.
Ann says
Yes, the best shoes I own were thrifted and never/barely worn. Some are my favorites too!
Shybiker says
Good tips that hadn’t occurred to me. I’d buy footware in a thrift-shop but, despite looking for years, I’ve never found a single pair in my size or even close. 🙁
suzanne carillo says
Are you a size 11 in women’s Ally? They are rare birds.
Patti Gibbons says
You know your stuff, woman! I learned some new tips here, and omg I want those Tory Burch heels (but I can’t wear heels any more, damn). You take such good care of your clothes and shoes, and it shows!
Kiss the pug, xo
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
suzanne carillo says
Consider the pug kissed ; P
Guenevere McMahon says
I, too, buy boots more than shoes for resale with the exception of clogs if they are in like new condition. I avoid any shoe (like Birkenstock) that have a footprint in the bed from the previous owner. It just gives me the yucks.
I also almost always buy cowboy boots—some wear isn’t bad in this category, especially as cowboy boots are notoriously hard to break in and one doesn’t want to look like a city slicker in Santa Fe, tooling about the plaza, so that slight distress authenticates them.
suzanne carillo says
I haven’t found any clogs here…yet.
I agree, cowboy boots always seem to sell. Cowboy boots, Frye boots and Doc Martens are my best sellers without a doubt.
I concur that cowboy boots or even Frye boots showing some signs of age still sell really well.
Ann says
I can’t believe the amount of boots you found thrifting, and it’s really beyond belief that people get rid of such perfect pairs. But lucky for you, obviously. Your tips will come in handy, as I’m always looking out for footwear in charity shops. Obviously, I’ve been looking for signs of wear, but I’ve never given much thought to the signs of quality you are mentioning. xxx
suzanne carillo says
Often when I go to BC to visit friends and family I have to purchase a second suitcase so I can take back all of the boots I thrift. I scored so many luxury brands this past trip it was insane.
jess jannenga says
oooh, nice collection!! I LOVE those dusty rose TB heels, so pretty! I have a few pair of vintage boots, I bought one pair from a vintage store in Asheville. I have no fear abour worn shoes, they just need to be in good shape , well made and fit! These are great tips too! I have a fair amount of suede boots I need to spray protectant on. Happy Holidays! I love your pug pillows!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
suzanne carillo says
I agree about buying items that are in good shape. I’m very picky.
Sherry Dryja says
My greatest tip for buying secondhand shoes is to know Suzanne Carillo and shop her Etsy stash! Ha ha! You have the best boot karma of anyone I know.
For what it’s worth, vegan shoe producers (not all, but some) are starting to work with biodegradable materials to make their “vegan leathers.” I’ve seen things like “mushroom leather” and “cork leather” in some places, but I need to do more research to learn what it takes to turn mushrooms into leather. Processing on the front end of shoe manufacturing is another thing to consider when buying new shoes, be they leather or vegan. Which is another great reason to buy secondhand–no new processing.
– Sherry
suzanne carillo says
Ha ha! I love that tip Sherry!
I’ve also been reading about mushroom and cork leather.
Tanning and dying leather is terrible for the environment. Entire regions of China, Italy and India have poisoned rivers due to leather tanning.
I do agree that trying to buy secondhand first and reducing our consumption is the best option.
No Fear of Fashion says
What a splendid tips. Unfortunately we don’t have many great footwear second-hand. You scored so well with Tod’s and Isabel Marant. Love the boots you are wearing. And they have a plus: they look comfortable. And I love the golden boots, always a favourite with me.
Greetje
suzanne carillo says
I’m crazy about the metallic boots too.
The number of luxury boots I come across is staggering. One of these days I want to stumble upon some Chanel or Gucci boots. It could happen!
I also have Gucci heels, Ferragamos, Dries von Noten boots (sold), Miu Mius and many more.
I picked up a Dior suit and some Dolce Gabbana jeans the other day. I don’t think the jeans have been worn.
You need to come here to thrift!
Melanie says
You are truly favoured by the thrifting gods when it comes to boots, well, and most other things too, but I know that you do work hard as well. Amazing collection!!! And your advice is excellent.
It’s expensive here to get new caps put on my heels, often costing more than the thrifted shoe itself, so I need to think carefully about it.
It would be great if we had more skilled shoe repair people or even some DIY kits. I could glue rubber soles on but the cobbler won’t sell me the parts. Probably if I checked online. Then there’s the adhesives, quite deadly.
No matter what, I do try to make my footwear last and last. Again, great tips with new facts I didn’t know.
Shelley@ForestCityFashionista says
Even though I’ve been shopping secondhand long enough to pay attention to the things you’ve listed here, it’s always good to be reminded about what to look for. I rarely find shoes for me as I’m a size 10, and in the thrift stores the larger sizes tend to be the cheap, low quality brands. You’ve had great luck finding nice boots for your shop.
Nancy says
Mmm, pre loved boots and shoes are still a step to far for me. But I know that when I find a gorgeous pair, I will be easily won over. Thanks for the tips!
Veronica Cooke says
Excellent tips, Suzanne. I’m with you on getting someone else to wear my shoes in for me! As you say, no blisters…
What a fab collection of boots and I loved those Tory Burch shoes – fabulous!
jodie filogomo says
I totally just pinned this. It’s such fabulous information. I’ve gotten many shoes at the thrift store. My Stuart Weitzman’s for $7 at Goodwill are one great pair.
But I don’t inspect them like I should. I’m going to commit this to memory.
Thanks Suzanne,
XOOX
Jodie
Señora Allnut says
Great tips, thanks for taking the time to share them!
Opportunities to buy second hand shoes are sparce here in Spain, as most charity shops have only children shoes in good condition. I’ve found some shoes in their boxes at charity markets, particularly dressy shoes which look like they were worn to attend a wedding and nevermore.
I’ll keep an eye on these, for sure, even if nowadays I only can wear sneakers (fussy feet).
besos
Vix says
Don’t tell everyone how brilliant the footwear is in charity shops or there’ll be nothing left for us!
I agree with all your points.
There are a lot of fakes out there so go by look and quality not by the name written inside.
The cobbler is your friend. If you go to an independent shop (as opposed to a national chain) the prices are really good – reheeling costs me £3.95! Jon bought a pair of leather biker boots for £2 the other day and paid £20 to have the entire sole replaced – £22 for a pair of boots that retail at £150. You’d be crazy to buy new! xxx
Theres Campbell says
Really good tips, Suzanne. And, yet, another reason why I need to get up in your neck of the woods one of these days. I never find great shoes and boots in the thrifts where I live. Whenever I see posts featuring your fab boots I’m green with envy!
Theresa
Jean Mazur says
l an so happy to have found your blog! When I shop at resale and charity stores I look at boots and shoes first. You can’t have enough! If I find I don’t like one I donate it back to a charity. One of my best finds is a pair of Justin blue suede boots in almost pristine shape many, many moons ago and they still fit!
Thanks for your savvy advice,
Jean