Buying second-hand shoes: good or bad idea?
You've probably already experienced that moment when a pair of shoes, trainers, ankle boots, sandals or ballet flats catches your eye but your purse isn't full enough to buy them.
The second-hand market is therefore an interesting alternative, particularly if you want to make substantial savings on models that are more or less top-of-the-range. It's important to remember, however, that a man's or woman's shoe lives at the same pace as its first owner, and that certain details can prove prohibitive...
Shoes adapt to their first owner
On models that are new but sold from one person to another, in most cases the discount is almost zero, and in no way justifies not buying them in a shoe shop. Where it can become interesting is if the shoes have already been worn, but under certain conditions. Each person's gait is unique, and your shoes will adapt permanently after some time in use. The shoe adapts to its owner's foot: the insole takes the shape of the foot, the outside wears in a particular way depending on the gait, as does the heel.
Creases, commonly known as "comfort creases", are also marked on shoes according to the different points that characterise your walk. Even though these different points may be invisible, they are very real on shoes that have already been worn several times by their owner, whether they are branded shoes or cheap trainers. These changes can create a real lack of comfort for the new owner of the pair, or even cause pain in the feet, legs or back as they are forced, even unconsciously, to adapt their gait to the shape of shoes moulded on other feet.
Buying second-hand shoes for children : No !
Buying shoes for children is even less advisable. Children generally haven't yet 'corrected' their gait and wear out their shoes. Think of it as a contagious disease: if a pair worn out by one child is passed on to another, the latter will in turn adopt a bad gait.
When should I buy second-hand shoes?
However, you can still snap up the opportunity if the shoes have been worn very little, show no real wear to the outsole or heel, and the insole is still in visibly new condition (although it is strongly recommended that you change it). If these few criteria are met, then treat yourself! If, however, you are really uncomfortable or feel that you need to adapt your gait, then don't wear them any more. This criterion is all the more important for walking shoes or trainers. Sandals and ankle boots, on the other hand, are less affected.
When it comes to shopping, use Obvy, the simple and secure solution, ideal for all your shopping and fashion purchases between private individuals. Whether it's by hand or by delivery, Obvy secures all your transactions between private individuals and guarantees you a 100% secure service. We even offer anti-scam video proof for delivery transactions, so that the seller films the shoes and the packing process, and the buyer films the unpacking. No risk of nasty surprises!