I have been wearing used shoes for past couple of years. Wow, what a selection I have. I feel like Evits BUT I am now starting to wonder if this good thing has a really bad side to it. Recently, I have been diagnoised with spinal stenosis and was scheduled for back surgery but opted for therapy first. In addition I have achilles tendonosis. Both of these conditions are causing this healthy body to slowing turn into a bent over old lady. Mentally, this is not good either. I am thinking that much of these issues are directly related to used shoes that I have squeezed into, etc. Spend a few extra bucks (And I am on the Dave Ramsey plan) and purchase some of your OWN, i.e. Merrell, personally I “support them”.

It is NOT worth chancing and compromising your health!

Several Things to keep in mind. 1st, do not buy a pair that has the Footprint of the Owner on the Insoles. A good sign the shoes are not rotated for wear. 2nd, use a mild solution of Clorax, and Soapy water to disenfect the shoes, even if there is no odor. And 3rd and most inportant, no matter how good the deal, be sure to buy your size. A cheap pair of Salvatore Ferragamos will do your more harm if they are one size to small, than the good you will get from the savings.

I do hope you will not mind, but I would Invite you to shop our store, we Wash, Sanitize, and Polish all shoes prior to listing(providing the materials allow), and with over 18,000 pair sold, and 99.9% Positive Feedback.
In todays economy, there is nothing wrong with saving Money on your Purchases by buying used, but like one person mentioned earlier, Pray for God’s Wisdom when you make your selections. Don’t be afraid to ask for deminsions to compare with the shoes you curently have.

Thanks again, May God Bless You All,

Bobby

The primary purpose of shoes is to protect your feet and prevent injury. But in order to do so, they must fit well. Poorly fitted shoes–shoes that are too narrow, too short or too large–can cause discomfort, injury and even permanent deformity. The most important quality to look for in shoes–from a practical standpoint–is durable construction that will protect your feet and keep them comfortable. In selecting shoes, keep this basic principle of good fit in mind: Your shoes should conform to the shape of your feet; your feet should never be forced to conform to the shape of a pair of shoes.

Some foot changes can occur that are abnormal or pathological. These tend to occur in association with prolonged use of ill-fitting shoes. These problems do not occur naturally and many can be prevented or their progress halted by modifying the shoes that are worn. These problems include:
Bunions (the formation of a large bump on the big toe, which starts to point toward the little toes).
Hammering of the toes (curling of the toes).
Clawing of the toes (more severe curling of the toes).
Bunionettes (the formation of a large bump on the smallest toe, which starts to point toward the large toe).
Calluses or corns, which occur on the toes or foot due to high pressure over bony areas.
Morton’s neuromas (“pinched nerve” between the toes).
Arthritis of the joints.

Prevention is always best. To minimize your chances of developing a bunion, never force your foot into a shoe that doesn’t fit. Choose shoes that conform to the shape of your feet. Go for shoes with wide insteps, broad toes and soft soles. Avoid shoes that are short, tight or sharply pointed, and those with heels higher than 2 1/4 inches.
To keep your feet callus free, choose your shoes wisely. Try to shop for shoes in the afternoon — that’s when your feet are their largest. Why? Because they get a little swollen from you walking on them all day! And be sure to try on both shoes and walk around a little bit before buying them. Even if they look really cool, don’t get them if they don’t feel right. Often, a different size or width can make a big difference.

And even if you love a certain pair of shoes in your closet, don’t wear them all the time. Mix it up by wearing a variety of shoes. That way, your feet will get a break and won’t always be rubbed in the same places.
Hope this helps. Blessings, Tara

I have done both. I do have children who have wore hand me down from their siblings. It’s obvious that some of the children’s feet are alike and some are not.

I think again it’s a matter of fit. It’s very hard to say that a NEW pair of shoes that doesn’t allow your child’s foot to bend in the right place is better than a used pair that does.

Let’s face it we are all moms trying to do what is best for our children and families. If we really want to take shoe buying to another level…

Let’s pray for the wisdom of Solomon and ask God to help us make the right decisions based on what is best for our families. New or Used!!!

As for all the rest, we buy shoes new, wear them and toss them. I agree with most of the other comments, shoes mold to individual feet and can cause problems if shared. The only shoes I *might* consider purchasing used (or passing down) would be rarely worn church shoes.

Our kids developing feet, knees, legs and backs need proper support. So really I think that shoes are an area where I feel o.k. splurging a bit. Now, used clothing I’m all for, and rarely buy anything other than undergarments and socks new.

By the way, have any of you shopped at Shoebuy.com? That’s where I can purchase my kid’s new Stride Rites for about $30 a pair shipped (and they have a free returns policy as well).