[Tiger]

When it comes to good quality shoes I am a fan of buying factory seconds, customer returns, ex-display pairs etc. I’ve bought some heavily discounted shoes that look perfect to the amateur eye.

There’s a British website, Abbot Shoes, which claims to sell used shoes in good condition. They currently have a pair of gently worn C&J, which would be out of my price range new, for an affordable price.

However, I’ve never worn used shoes and I’m hesitant. For example, will they have already begun the process of folding themselves to another person’s foot?

Anyone with experience, good or bad, with the used shoe market?

There used to be a poster here who was a foot doctor; he always warned about the dangers of purchasing used shoes. For health and aesthetic reasons, I would never do it. Besides, there are so many great brands of shoes at various price points, there’s no need to buy used shoes. FYI: Crockett & Jones prices have dramatically increased over the past couple of years. My Chiltern chukka boots were purchased three years ago for under $400; they are now $650!

What’s your price range? No doubt we’ll be able to supply you with a list of really good shoe manufacturers in that range.

 

[Tiger]

Thank you Tiger that’s useful. I guess if the price has gone up and the quality stayed the same, the value proposition has declined.

I am in the market for a pair of dark brown Oxfords: plugging a gap in my wardrobe. I’ve been eyeing a pair of TLB Mallorca but at €390 it’s just a bit too much. I’d prefer to pay less than EUR 300 (I guess less than USD 350).

I currently own one pair of Carlos Santos and three Loakes. Preference for EU brands I can get without paying customs charges.

Carlos Santos and Loake are absolutely fine. So are Sanders and especially Berwick 1707. Sons of Henrey are superb, but the selection is limited right now. All are in your price range, and TLB Mallorca’s main range (not Artista) are pretty darn close as well. Check Herring Shoes, too - they sell their own branded line of shoes made by fine manufacturers, as well as other brands.

Forgot to add Skoaktiebolaget!