A little while ago, I gave you my Rules For Op-Shopping, today, I move into the specifics of SHOES….
I know that a lot of folks would be completely repulsed by the thought of buying shoes from an op shop. I am VERY, VERY squirmish about the thought of second hand shoes. But, there are some amazing bargains to be had out there and some people for various reasons give away perfectly good high quality shoes.
So, I am going to give you some tips on how to buy shoes from an Op-Shop {or any second hand kind of place}
DON’T
1. DON’T buy shoes that were cheap to start with…. No K-mart brand shoes or similar. Junky shoes are always junky shoes.
2. DON’T buy shoes that smell. Plain and simple. Do not think that clove oil or scrubbing or any other cleaning system will get rid of the smell. It is just not worth it.
3. DON’T buy shoes if they are not EXACTLY the right size. I have bought shoes that nearly fit, I ended up putting them back in my ‘Back to the OpShop Bag’ and sending them back from whence they came.
4. DON’T buy shoes that are already quite worn. What is the point – really…?
5. DON’T buy really really old shoes. Vintage is very cool but bacteria is not. Be really careful. Really careful.
DO
1. DO buy fabulous quality shoes with a good name.
2. DO buy shoes that have nearly new tread and almost spectacularly perfect inners
3. DO buy shoes that have the original price tag on them! A really good sign.
4. DO buy shoes that may not match with EVERYTHING in your wardrobe, take the chance to branch out of your usual colours/styles.
5. DO expect to pay up to $50 for really good quality second hand shoes. Anything under $50 for designer shoes, is a bargain.
Here are my latest Op-Shop shoes… Red Supersoft Leather Loafers. I actually tried these on in Myer recently. I considered them and they were on my list of ‘maybe’ shoes for the season…
I am not sure if I have converted anyone over to buying second hand shoes, but really, there are some very cool finds out there if you have the time and the ‘rules’ to look!
Happy Thrifting!
I have a second hand shoe kit! Clean inside with antibacterial hand gel and baby wipes, then spray with anti-tinea spray. I bought vintage Bally heels for $10. Spent $15 on replacement heels. They’re perfect!
Kimbalikes recently posted..Write Stuff : High Tea
I love that you have a kit for cleaning the second hand shoes! Great idea!
B recently posted..Food: Curry, Eggs & Rice
Beautiful loafers! Even better when they are a bargain.
I really need to start op-shopping… one day, when I actually leave the house without both kids by my side!
Melinda recently posted..Geek Chic: iPhone Cases
It is a bit of a mind game with kids. I try to go when I am on my own or with a pram. Sometimes it can be great, other times it is just depressing. But – that is part of the fun!
B recently posted..Food: Curry, Eggs & Rice
I went through a stage a few years ago when I bought heaps of shoes on eBay. I was really into Midas and Mollini shoes and so, knew my size and rarely had stuff ups. To this day I have a pair of long boots (though they don’t actually zip up because of my fat calf issue – the ones on me, not in my paddock… oh, and I don’t have a paddock!) from Mollini that I bought on eBay for $10. Very faithful!
Deb
Deb recently posted..Reaching satiation point
Oh Deb…. I love a great shoe bargain story. Warms something in my heart.
Thanks for stopping by!
B recently posted..Food: Curry, Eggs & Rice
You know all about my $4 op shop shoe find. I still LOVE these shoes. My size, never worn, vintage looking and very original. Now I just need more places to show them off!
You can wear those shoes anywhere baby! They are very cute!
B recently posted..Food: Curry, Eggs & Rice
Never bought shoes from an op shop before, but yes, you are giving me good reasons to consider doing so. If I ever get inside an op shop that is.
Caitlin recently posted..Spy Party
True. You may have a few years before you can venture into one. You need to really be able to concentrate and focus, it is also the perfect place for children to touch many many disgusting things! I try to leave the kids with my mum – or take my mum with me!
B recently posted..Food: Curry, Eggs & Rice