Prices that Will Make Your Toes Tap: Our Top Tips for Thrifting Shoes

When was the last time you wiggled into a new pair of shoes? Did the price tag bring on the new shoe blues? What if you could slip into a new-to-you sneaker without dropping all your dough?

Most people don’t think about buying shoes from a thrift store, but now’s the time to consider it. At Ohio Valley Goodwill, our shoes cost a fraction of the prices you’d find in a traditional retail store. You can’t afford not to try on a pair! Here are a few tips to get you started:

Bring Socks to Try Them On

You’ll want to make sure any shoes you consider purchasing fit well and feel comfortable. Carry a pair of socks with you so you can try them on. Don’t be ashamed of taking a few steps around the store in the shoes you’re considering. After all, you want to make sure they’re comfortable enough to be put to use.

Check the soles

The key to finding quality shoes is by turning them over and taking a close look at the soles. Are they even? Shoes that are worn on the bottom can still work, but they may not last as long as ones with newer soles.

Also, check for tears in the seams or rubber that’s cracking. If you’re considering a pair of pumps, make sure the heels are solid. To make sure they’re not loose, you’ll want to walk around in them.

Shop Often for First Finds

It’s not uncommon to find new or barely worn shoes at Goodwill stores. The more often you stop by your local Goodwill thrift store, the better your odds of spotting the best finds before they’re gone! We receive donations daily of shoes for men, women, and children in a wide variety of sizes and styles.

Get a Clean Start

Even if those new-to-you shoes look clean, you’ll want to make sure they’re ready for you to wear them. Consider spraying the insides of your newly thrifted shoes with a disinfectant spray and wiping down the outsides.

Remember, when you choose to shop at Goodwill, you’re making a smart choice for your wallet, the planet, and your community. Not only will you find incredible deals, but you’ll be supporting local job seekers who rely on Ohio Valley Goodwill’s vocational programs and services to find employment. So, find the Ohio Valley Goodwill thrift store closest to you, throw a pair of socks in your pocket, and go shopping!

Start searching for your new favorite pair of shoes at Goodwill “” you may even find a shoe rack to keep all your footwear organized!