Ick or Awesome: Second-Hand Shoes
There’s not much humor to be found in economic news these days. But I had to laugh recently when watching CNN’s Lola Ogunnaike cover the recessionista beat instead of her usual Hollywood red carpet reporting. As a long-time cheap, chic shopper, watching her “discover” the bargains at Tar-jay as if finding proof of alien life was hilarious. What, did she think people who couldn’t afford designer clothes resorted to wearing burlap sacks? Oye.
Lola’s trip to the Salvation Army was just as riotious. But it got me thinking. I don’t have a problem wearing second-hand clothes as long as they’re in good condition and free of spots and stains, but second-hand shoes . . . that’s where I draw the line. Ick, ick, ick. I’ve swaped footwear with my mom, sister and same-size shoe friends but trusting my precious peds to strangers’ foot funk? Le gag moi.
But if your feet and wallet are not squicked, here are some tips to buy a quality pair of previously-owned shoes and give them a germ-free second life (at least buy new in-soles, people!):
So, what do you think about wearing second-hand shoes: If the shoe fits, wear it -OR- I’d rather go barefoot?
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Tags: cheap and chic, salvation army, second-hand shoes, target, tarjay
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Definite ick for pumps, sandals, sneakers (DOUBLE ick for those!), and anything likely to have been worn over bare feet.
I’ve made an exception in the past for vintage cowboy boots. In most cases those were probably worn over socks by the original owner. Certainly I wear them over socks, so I have at least something between me and the leather.
Disinfecting them is an iffy process - did you REALLY kill off the bacteria? If you think so, consider the following terrifying fact: viable samples of the plague bacterium, Yersinia pestis, have been found in British plague pits dating from the 17th Century.
Comment by albinard — December 13, 2008 @ 3:25 pm
This is a good question. I guess it depends on the quality of the shoe. But you are right–if I ever gave it a try, and the very least I would be getting some new insoles!
Comment by brandino — December 16, 2008 @ 12:46 pm
Albinard — Thanks for your comment. The factoid about bacteria is interesting yet also terrifying! I’m not a germaphobe but this just might push me to carrying Lysol with me when I try on shoes
Comment by DCDiva — December 16, 2008 @ 4:26 pm
Thanks for posting Brandino! Albinard’s bacteria factoid has me a bit freaked (just kidding!) but I might be able to get over my ick-phobe if I happened to come across a pair of second-hand designer heels in my size;) No germs will come between me and Manolo!
Comment by DCDiva — December 16, 2008 @ 4:28 pm
[…] DC Diva is curious what you think about second-hand shoes. But have you ever considered how many people have tried on the new pair of shoes you just bought, especially when you buy from a discount store like Nordstrom Rack or Off Saks Fifth Avenue? […]
Pingback by How to Disinfect Vintage and Second Hand Shoes | Fantastic Toe — December 26, 2008 @ 3:48 pm