Deals to Keep Your Toes Fantastic

Deals of the Day

ShopBop: 20% of all sale items with code 20MORE. Expires January 15, 2009.

Shoes.com: 20% off athletic shoes with code GETFIT. Some brand exclusions. They’re also have a big clearance sale at the moment.

I have to say, you almost can’t afford to not shop right now. Everything’s at fire sale prices, which is kind of scary if you’re the sort of economically minded person who worries about deflation. So as much as I love the deals, I’m crossing my fingers prices get to normal soon.

How to Buy Used Shoes

Estate Sales are a hobby of mine. I’m always finding something good
for very little money. Over the years, I’ve picked up vintage
Valentino, Chanel, and a fur coat (I’m totally okay with fur), and I
don’t think I paid over $100 total. So how can you find top designers
at garage sale prices? Patience and a thrill for the hunt.

1. Estate Sales: Usually the place to find first apartment furniture,
estate sales also yield wondrous shoe (and clothing) finds. Not every
estate sale features amazing shoes, but about once a year, I stumble
into the sale of someone wealthy who wore a size 8 shoe. Most estate
sale appraisers charge minimally for these designers, though a few
know what they have and will try to get $50 (or more) for a pair of great heels.
If you go on the second or third day of the sale, you can bargain down
to $10 a shoe (or $5 a dress).

2. Consignment Shops: I prefer consignment shops to used clothing
stores. Consignment stores take on the trouble of selling gently used
items and then split the profit between the seller and the store
owner. Shoes on consignment are usually better quality and more
selectively chosen. You’ll also spend a little more money since
consignment owners know what they have. Expect designer items to go
for about half of what they go for in stores. And be willing to watch
items. Most consignment shops start to reduce the price on items that
aren’t selling.

3. Refurbished Shoes: Occasionally I find used shoes being sold by
shoe repair shops and at Nordstrom Rack.

4. Used Clothing Stores: Not my favorite place for used shoes. I
usually find used clothing store shoes to be of poor quality and the
selection not well edited. That said, you can sometimes find a
bargain, but be prepared to spend a lot of time looking.

5. eBay: eBay sellers have gotten savvy lately, picking up sale items
and selling them at a profit, saving you little money. However, there
is a small contingent of sellers who bought a pair of shoes for a
party, wore them once, and are selling them cheap. Those are my
favorites. You can also find similar deals on Craigslist.

Buying used shoes takes more time and effort, but the savings are
many. As an added bonus, buying used is the greenest choice. Those
gently worn Kate Spade heels? Totally recycled.

Photo by Ralph and Jenny via flickr