If you’re a parent, you know how expensive it can be to have a child. Clothing is a surprisingly big expense – your kids are always growing, and often outgrow clothes within just a few months!
So, what’s the best way to save money? Buying second hand clothes is common, but fewer parents choose to buy second hand shoes. Let’s take a look at this subject in further detail – and discuss whether or not it’s okay for your child to wear second hand kids shoes.
Wearing Second Hand Shoes Is Just Fine For Kids!
That’s right! If you want to save some money on shoes, you should buy second hand. In fact, because kids often can only wear a pair of shoes for a short period of time before they outgrow them, you can find lots of great deals on second hand kids shoes, if you do a little browsing. Most of these shoes will have a lot of life left in them, and be on sale for only a fraction of the cost of a new pair of shoes.
By buying second hand shoes, you can get great, high-quality shoes from name brands for only a fraction of the cost – and you won’t feel bad when your kid inevitably outgrows them in the next year. So head to eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or your local used kid’s clothing store to start shopping now.
Shopping For Second Hand Shoes – Our Rules And Top Tips
Naturally, not all second hand shoes will be equal. While some shoes will be in great shape, others may be gross, too worn out, or damaged. There are a few rules and tips that we recommend when you’re shopping for second hand shoes, as follows:
Shoes should always fit perfectly!
Used or new – shoes should always be the right size and fit perfectly (see this chart + guide)!
Make sure the shoes aren’t worn out
This is important. Though the shoe may be relatively new, kids wear their shoes hard, so it could be worn out. A worn out shoe won’t give your child much support, and could end up causing foot pain and discomfort. Give the shoe a quick, cursory inspection. How does the sole look? Does it look mostly new, or worn down? How does the inside of the shoe look? Are there scuffs or wear marks on the insole, or the sides of the shoe? Push on the insole. Does it feel soft and cushy? Or does it feel like it’s become compacted?
If the shoe looks mostly new, it’ll probably be a great choice for your kid. But if you see excessive wear, you may want to find a different pair – your child won’t get much life out of an already worn-out pair of shoes. Use our best judgment – you can tell when a pair of shoes is worn out!
Disinfect the shoes before your kids wear them
We recommend a good spray-down with a disinfecting, antimicrobial spray like Febreze. If you’re very concerned about cleanliness, you could also opt to hand-wash the shoes, or run them through the washing machine.
Consider replacing the insole
The insole is the foam-and-rubber piece that supports your child’s foot on the inside of the shoe, and can often be replaced, if it’s worn. Replacing the insole will help keep your child’s foot more comfortable, and make the shoe feel brand-new!