yes I quickly did a forum search for a similar topic and maybe should have done that before posting a new thread. Thank you gentlemen. Learning so much about this area of fashion that I never really care about not long ago. =)
I believe that second hand shoes, like used clothing can be a good deal. However, it takes knowledge, experience and some luck. My shoe collection is filled with second hand shoes, edward green, vass and Gaziano and Girling with a few others thrown in. Be patient, be particular and be willing to take some chances. Don't expect something for nothing very often. Better to pay more for a better shoe in better condition of you can. My suggestion is to start slow with quality older shoes made in America before 1980. These can oftentimes be had for cheap. This way your collection and knowledge will grow and mistakes will not be too costly.
As I no longer buy them I will give you (and everyone else) one hidden gem that I found to be diamonds for pennies.
Grenson Masterpiece for Paul Stuart's Choice.
Good luck.
Many folks are very happy with recycled shoes and I try to contribute to the process by regularly donating pairs of my spur of the moment purchasing decisions that have not been worn over extended periods of time to the Goodwill Store and various Thrift stores. However the pair featured in the OP are, as observed by SG 67, truly trashed. The vamps are not only deeply creased, but the leather on the one shoe is clearly cracked/torn. That seems a deal breaker to me!
The only shoes that I ever have re-crafted are shell cordovan models. They are the only ones that, after all of the fees, I can still turn a decent profit.
Gently worn shoes in the original box are one thing and can be bought at a considerable discount from new. Old shoes are just that. I would only recraft a pair of my own shoes. They do "learn" to conform to your feet a bit over time.
I am going to give a few lightly worn pair a try. There’s a pair of Church’s and a pair of Ferragamo’s I can pick up sub $30. If they don’t work out, I will give them to my local staff.
As someone who can wear down the sturdiest pair of leather-soled soles in a month (I walk a lot and do not consider gym shoes acceptable streetwear), I buy all of my shoes second-hand. I highly recommend it!
I will go with recycled (high end) shoes if the insoles look in great shape, which shows very little wear. I take them to my cobbler to be reconditioned and they look fabulous. Its like if I have great Aldens or Peals and got them resoled, they're great still.
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