Hello Friends!
If you’re looking to improve your shoe collection with a beautiful variety of shoes, there’s no need to break the bank!
I’ll be elaborating with you guys and show you how to obtain sustainable, designer and everyday wear shoes at affordable prices! You’ll never go wrong when you turn to thrift stores for some new low cost pieces, I can assure you that.
I never thought I’d come to the day where I show my readers the great opportunities from second-hand shopping for foot wear. I haven’t been let down yet and I want to share with you guys the hows and whys!
You can find such unique shoes ranging from high heels, to gorgeous boots, and all the in between. Just by implementing second-hand stores into your line of sight, you can obtain some impeccable pieces, for a bargain.
Three useful tips to always be aware of:
#1 Give Your Shoes a Test Drive Before Purchasing
It’s such a bummer when you find amazing shoes and they break, tear or are just disheveled after you have already purchased them.
I’ve had some bad luck with these exceptional boots I’ve bought in the past (that I didn’t try on). To make a long, sad story short – I tried these said boots on, once I made it home and the sole’s of the boots fell completely off after taking a few steps. It was in fact a tragedy.
Although, it may be uncomfortable and awkward trying them on in store it’s worth the discomfort. Especially, incase they destruct or don’t fit after you’ve already spent your money on them.
#2 Always Inspect the Bottom Shelves
I’ve found my all-time favorite kitten heels by making sure I’m closely observing the slightly hidden bottom shelves. I do feel as if the retail workers do this on purpose but that’s just a speculation lol!
You can miss out on a marvelous pair of shoes if you aren’t taking more time to fully look at all the racks. It’s easy to just scan what’s at eye level but I can promise you it’s worth it to also focus on the shoes you can’t fully see without closer inspection.
#3 Always be Prepared
By this I mean, when you’re anticipating on going thrifting, make sure you are either wearing socks or have some handy. Not trying them on can be a travesty as I’ve elaborated on above!
Tying back into both tips, when you find a great pair you love that represent you and your style – you will want to make sure you can try them on before purchasing. You can’t make that happen if you aren’t prepared.
All in all just ensure you have some socks because you don’t want to make the mistake of buying your wrong size or poor quality shoes just because you couldn’t try them on.
Side Note:
You may have the begging thoughts in the back of your head, “Ew gross, somebody else has worn these.” or even, “What if they smell? Foot Warts?” That last little question was a total exaggeration but you see where I’m headed with this.
Many donation distributors clean just about everything before they put it on the shelves/racks. If you’re still skeptical, there are plenty of ways to clean second-hand shoes that meet any expectations.
I, too have had these thoughts in the past plenty of times due to me being a slight germaphobe. But, over the years of me purchasing thrifted shoes I have had a change of direction because I’ve found so many exceptional pieces for such a low cost. Which I will be sharing with you guys!
Now, I want to jump into my finds:
I mention my own thrifted purchases to show you guys not only how likely it is to find great pieces but how cost affordable they are and the conditions of each shoe.
The state of each of these heels are remarkable, without a doubt there will be some wear on them but what else is there to expect from donated items? Even after years of purchasing donated heels, I can proudly say none of them have broken or snapped!
The uniqueness of the kitten heels, the chunkiness of the larger heels, and not to mention how each of these pairs are eye candy! With that, you never truly know what you’ll find when shopping for new shoes; it’s endless.
You’re bound to find vintage, designer, distinctive and affordable pairs of shoes. What you won’t find is the retail prices. Instead, you’re able to purchase some great foot-wear for nothing.
I’ve always been a close-toe-shoe type of gal but when I started implementing second-hand shoes into my collection, I never stopped.
Each of these heels cost me between $6.99-10.99! With the conditions they were donated at and the beauty of them; I vote that’s a great bargain.
Breaking down the costs:
Also, more bonus shoes I’ve claimed as my own and have just adored. The twist is you guys get to view the raw prices of some brand new shoes!
The boots and heals that are shown above are relatively high price when it comes to retail. Especially the Charles David Red Bottom’s… my jaw dropped when I found them brand new, as well as the Dr. Marten boots.
As I’ve mentioned multiple times the cost of each are incredibly low. You’ll never be breaking your bank when shopping this way, on top of that you’re able to maintain a great budget.
You’ll be amazing by how many women and men donate their brand new shoes due to not being able to return, wrong size, or even them not being their style. I’ve encountered a colossal amount of ‘like new’ shoes for such a reasonable price.
In Conclusion:
You can maintain a budget when being a shoe fanatic, like myself. With that being said, always give your shoes a test drive, be prepared when you know you’ll be searching for shoes and remember to thoroughly inspect all racks!
When enabling second-hand into your shopping choices, you will be able to find some amazing heels, boots or sneakers for such a cost effective price. I hope you guys enjoyed this piece.
