Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes

I used to avoid free used shoes. Don’t get me wrong, I could not turn down free new shoes from any sort of sponsor (although I have turned down free sunglasses). It’s just that used shoes seemed pretty…well…like they would have something catching.

Now that I’ve gone down the trail of walking in someone else’s shoes, I am comfortable with the process of making used shoes wearable. Generally though, the shoes I find are clean and can be worn after a good cleaning.

The keys to being comfortable in your free used shoes:

Expensive or high quality hiking work boots

1. Let them sit for a while – for piece of mind. This lets me ease into “ownership” and decide if I really need these things.

2. Pressure wash the mud and gunk off the outside. This will allow you to access the wear and also the value of the item. Get comfortable with the fact that you did not throw out these shoes and you can get rid of them at any time. One little hole or wrong colour can dictate whether of not they get “returned”. I will try to make sure the one’s that don’t match my taste for utility will go to someone who might appreciate them.

3. Take out insoles and clean or replace as necessary. If shoes are made of something durable…pressure wash again? Soak and scrub in bucket with disinfectant? You be the judge of what makes you comfortable. I generally don’t take dressy or delicate shoes unless they are almost new.

4. The outer toothbrush scrub is a good way to return your shoes to a new like finish.

Running Shoes need more emphasis on the insoles.

1. Replace insoles! Or make sure that they are in good clean condition. Knees and ankles will thank you (nevermind the people around you in the gym).

2. Harsher cleaning methods can be used if you aren’t afraid of possibly wrecking dump shoes. Generally good shoes can take it.

3. Be easy on the suede. Again, brushes are good to get the colour back and get dirt out.

Skateboard and “lifestyle” shoes.

Find out of fashion styles and wait a couple years. Some kids don’t skate so their skate shoe stay new.