Thrift Haul: DvF, Ferragamo, Weitzman shoes and more
This thrift haul is all shoes! They are not from one trip but most are from the last month. Some are from thrift stores and some are from estate sales. Most were under $10.
I wasn't always a fan of thrift store shoes. I thought it was kind of gross. The shoe section of a thrift store isn't exactly pleasant. Shoes can be smelly especially when there are hundreds of pairs together.
After a while, I dove in but only bought shoes that I could put an insole in or wear socks with then I thought to myself. "You can clean them, ya know?" Now it's one of the first stops I make when thrifting. Shoe funk and all! I've found some real gems over the years.
Sneakers because they lose their effectiveness as a running shoe, trainer, etc. or so I've heard. I am not the least bit athletic. I can't say for sure. Unless they look brand new they're probably not worth it.
Fur or fleece lined boots like Uggs because I can't see the inside and critters could hide in the nap. Probably no critters but not taking a chance and professionally cleaning would be too expensive. I almost broke a couple of weekends ago on a pair of vintage fleece lined Bass that looked super cozy and comfortable. They didn't have much wear on them. They were also suede which is a special cleaning too. No deal.
*do not attempt on suede. You will need a special cleaner for suede shoes.
If you happen to luck up on a really expensive shoe, invest in a good shoe shine, buff, and heel cap replacement at your local shoe repair.
Do you wear thrift store shoes? What cleaning tips do you have?
ballet flats (Mossimo, Old Navy, Gap) from a thrift store
vintage Impo pumps bought at an estate sale and currently for sale on Etsy
Marc Fisher tall brown boots bought at an estate sale and for sale on eBay
Shoes I Never Buy Thrifted
Not every shoe is thrift worthy. The two major shoes to leave behind are:Sneakers because they lose their effectiveness as a running shoe, trainer, etc. or so I've heard. I am not the least bit athletic. I can't say for sure. Unless they look brand new they're probably not worth it.
Fur or fleece lined boots like Uggs because I can't see the inside and critters could hide in the nap. Probably no critters but not taking a chance and professionally cleaning would be too expensive. I almost broke a couple of weekends ago on a pair of vintage fleece lined Bass that looked super cozy and comfortable. They didn't have much wear on them. They were also suede which is a special cleaning too. No deal.
vintage Bass oxfords bought at an estate sale and for sale on eBay
How To Clean Thrift Store Shoes
Now that I've discovered "cleaning", I don't hesitate to purchase thrift store shoes excluding sneakers and fur/fleece. My shoe bath is a 4 step process:
1. Use nail polish remover to remove the marker price sometimes written on sole of shoe.
2. For non-leather shoes*, wipe down shoe with a damp cloth (inside and out) in a mixture of vodka water or vinegar water. Please don't use your good vodka to clean shoes. Pick up the cheapest brand you can find or use vinegar water. I use a 50/50 mix. For leather shoes, I rub in some saddle soap and then rinse with the vodka water.
suede Ferragamo pumps bought at an estate sale and sold on Etsy
*do not attempt on suede. You will need a special cleaner for suede shoes.
3. Spray lightly with disinfectant spray.
4. Let shoes dry near a window or outside to soak of ultraviolet rays that kill bacteria.
Stuart Weitzman pumps listed on eBay
vintage Ferragamo loafers and gold Diane von Furstenberg sandals from a thrift store
Do you wear thrift store shoes? What cleaning tips do you have?
Comments
I always use those sanitizing wipes (the kind without bleach) and then a foot bacteria killing spray from Walgreens. The kind you use for athlete's foot? It's perfect for thrift store shoes!
-ash
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