Thrifting Shoes - Funky or Funky?
When at the thrift store, one might see two Depop sellers fighting over the rare designer top by the women's racks, or someone calmly perusing the leather coats to elevate their fall fashion. But what about the shoe section? This often deserted zone of the thrift store raises the question “is thrifting shoes funky or funky?”
The idea of purchasing an item of clothing that has been so close to someone else's feet can be…off-putting. It's easy to wash a pair of pants or a t-shirt that has that thrift store smell stuck on it. Post-wash and dry, the olfactory evidence of its past life or previous owner no longer remains. Part of the aversion to buying secondhand shoes is the belief that they cannot be cleaned as easily as most other articles of clothing.
Credit: Mean Girls
How can a pair of secondhand heels be cleansed of their previous owners toe dirt? Does looking for a pair of affordable sneakers mean inheriting the last wearers athlete's foot? Should the shoes' history, scuffed soles, and shadows of dirty exes be ignored? Definitely not. Like taking on a new relationship with just about anything (or anyone), considering the cleanliness and relationship history of a shoe is of utmost importance when buying secondhand.
Taking part in the slow fashion movement includes trying to give new life to already existing pieces. Buying secondhand increases the lifecycle of a pair of shoes, and restoring them is a practice of resourcefulness and sustainability. For sneaker lovers, the good news is that most sneakers can be thrown in the washer and will come out feeling brand new! Shoes that can’t be tossed in the washer might need a little more TLC from their new owners. To clean a pair of heels, loafers, flats, or whatever it may be, use a rag, a mild bath soap, and a small amount of water to clean the outside and/or inside of the shoe. Switch out the insole if possible. If there are concerns about athlete’s foot or another kind of fungus, the shoes can be sprayed with disinfectant or a DIY antifungal spray made from one part baking soda and three parts water.
Credit: The Simpsons FOX
This piece is not meant to pressure anyone into reviving a dying pair of shoes. Although restoring shoes you love is a great way to practice sustainability and hone your rusty craftsman skills, it is essential to consider how much effort needs to be put into cleaning them. There will be shoes on the rack that are past the point of no return; it’s okay to go for the ones in the best condition and leave behind the stinky ones. They’re shoes, not a cute kitten with fleas – you can safely abandon your nurturing instincts.
Buying secondhand shoes is quite the hobby for some who enjoy trying to track down a vintage pair of designer heels or a dupe for a design that is outside of their budget. It’s also an affordable alternative to buying new at a time when the average pair of sneakers costs over $50. A pair of sneakers that may otherwise have ended up in a landfill is now helping someone to start a healthy running habit. A pair of heels that were too hard to walk in for one person may add to the confidence of a nervous 23rd-year-old at their first work conference.
The overall consensus? With a little conscious effort, thrifting shoes can be funky! Not funky. What’s funky is shaming a practice that supports slow fashion, conscious consumerism, and affordability - even if it does involve feet. Sustainable baddies choose to make these practices safer for everyone!
What are your thoughts on thrifting shoes?