The Ultimate Guide to Buying Vintage Shoes

Vintage shoes are a timeless fashion statement that never go out of style. Whether you’re a shoe collector, a fashion enthusiast, or someone looking for unique, high-quality footwear, vintage shoes offer a one-of-a-kind appeal that mass-produced modern shoes simply can’t match. However, buying vintage shoes requires a little more attention and care than picking up a brand-new pair. To help you navigate the world of vintage footwear, we’ve created the ultimate guide to buying vintage shoes, covering everything from where to find them, how to assess quality, and tips for making them last.

Why Buy Vintage Shoes?

Before diving into the specifics of buying vintage shoes, let’s quickly explore why you should consider adding them to your wardrobe:

1. Quality and Craftsmanship: Vintage shoes, particularly those made before the 1980s, were often crafted with superior materials and expert craftsmanship. Many older shoes were hand-made or made with high-quality leather, rubber, and other materials that are hard to find in today’s fast fashion world.
2. Uniqueness: Vintage shoes are often one-of-a-kind. If you want to stand out from the crowd and avoid wearing the same shoes as everyone else, vintage footwear is the way to go. You’ll find designs, patterns, and colors that aren’t available in modern stores.
3. Sustainability: Buying vintage shoes is an environmentally conscious choice. By purchasing second-hand, you’re contributing to the circular economy, reducing waste, and supporting sustainable fashion.
4. Investment: Many vintage shoes, particularly designer brands or limited editions, increase in value over time. If you buy a pair of rare vintage shoes and take care of them, they can become a valuable investment.

Where to Find Vintage Shoes

Finding the right vintage shoes can be a thrilling experience, but it requires knowing where to look. Here are the best places to hunt for that perfect pair of vintage shoes:

1. Thrift Stores and Charity Shops

• Local thrift stores are one of the most accessible places to find vintage shoes. Many second-hand stores receive donations of high-quality, often gently used shoes.
• Tip: Visit thrift shops regularly and at different times of the week. Thrift stores may restock at certain times, so you might find new vintage pieces with each visit.

2. Vintage Boutiques

• Specially curated vintage stores tend to have a more curated selection of shoes. These boutiques often carry higher-quality, more collectible pieces and may have shoes from specific decades.
• Tip: Research local vintage shops in your area or visit online platforms that feature curated selections, such as ThredUp, Depop, or Etsy.

3. Estate Sales and Auctions

• Estate sales can be a goldmine for finding rare or high-end vintage shoes. Auction sites like eBay and Catawiki often feature vintage footwear that you can bid on.
• Tip: Estate sales in upscale neighborhoods are particularly good places to score vintage luxury shoes at a fraction of their original price.

4. Flea Markets and Vintage Markets

• Flea markets are another fantastic place to hunt for vintage shoes. Vendors often have collections of shoes from different eras, giving you a broader selection to choose from.
• Tip: Bring cash and be prepared to negotiate. Flea market vendors often offer discounts, especially if you’re buying multiple items.

5. Online Platforms

• Platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Poshmark are some of the best places to find vintage shoes online. You can search by brand, era, and size, making it easier to track down specific shoes.
• Tip: Always check seller reviews and ask for additional photos or details before making a purchase to ensure the authenticity and condition of the shoes.

6. Designer Resale Stores

• For high-end vintage shoes, designer resale stores are a great option. Websites like The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective, and Fashionphile specialize in authenticated luxury second-hand goods, including shoes.
• Tip: These stores often have a rigorous authentication process, which can give you peace of mind when buying high-ticket vintage shoes.

How to Assess the Condition of Vintage Shoes

When buying vintage shoes, the condition is crucial. A well-preserved pair can last for years and even become a cherished heirloom. However, a pair in poor condition may not be worth the investment. Here’s what to look for:

1. Check the Soles and Heels

• The condition of the soles and heels can tell you a lot about how much wear the shoes have had. Look for signs of excessive wear, such as worn-down heels, thin soles, or cracks.
• Tip: If the soles are worn but the rest of the shoe is in good condition, consider having them resoled by a cobbler. This can breathe new life into vintage shoes.

2. Inspect the Leather and Materials

• Vintage shoes made of leather can last a long time if properly maintained, but they can also develop cracks or dryness over time. Check for signs of cracking, splitting, or dryness, especially around the seams and creases.
• Tip: If you’re buying leather vintage shoes, ask the seller if the shoes have been conditioned or cared for. A simple leather conditioner can often restore some life to older shoes.

3. Examine the Laces, Buckles, and Zippers

• Check if the laces are intact or if the buckles and zippers still function properly. Vintage shoes often have delicate hardware, so it’s important to make sure everything is still working well.
• Tip: If you find that zippers are stuck or buckles are missing, these issues can often be fixed by a professional cobbler or leatherworker.

4. Smell for Odors

• Vintage shoes that have been stored for a long time might develop a musty smell. While some odors can be eliminated, severe smells may be a sign that the shoes were not stored properly.
• Tip: Use shoe-specific deodorizing sprays or place a bag of baking soda inside the shoes overnight to eliminate odors.

5. Assess the Stitching

• Examine the stitching on the shoes, especially around the seams. If the stitching is coming undone or looks uneven, the shoes may have been poorly made or poorly maintained.
• Tip: Minor stitching repairs can often be done by a professional, but extensive damage might be a deal-breaker.

How to Care for Your Vintage Shoes

Once you’ve found the perfect pair of vintage shoes, it’s important to properly care for them to ensure they last. Here are a few tips:

1. Clean Them Regularly

• Keeping your vintage shoes clean is crucial for their longevity. Regularly wipe off dirt and dust using a soft cloth. For leather shoes, use a specialized leather cleaner.
• Tip: Always clean shoes after wearing them, especially if they’ve been exposed to dirt or moisture.

2. Condition Leather

• Vintage leather shoes may be dry or cracked due to age. Use a leather conditioner to moisturize the leather and keep it supple. Apply the conditioner in small amounts, rubbing it in gently.
• Tip: Condition your leather shoes every few months to maintain their flexibility and shine.

3. Store Properly

• When you’re not wearing your vintage shoes, store them properly to avoid warping or damage. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Tip: Use shoe trees or stuff your shoes with newspaper to help them maintain their shape. Avoid storing them in plastic bags, as this can cause the leather to dry out.

4. Resole When Needed

• If the soles of your vintage shoes are worn out but the rest of the shoe is in good condition, take them to a cobbler for resoling. This can extend the life of your shoes and restore their functionality.
• Tip: A cobbler can also repair heels, replace zippers, and fix stitching to help maintain the overall condition of your vintage footwear.

Conclusion

Buying vintage shoes is an exciting and rewarding experience, offering unique footwear that tells a story and has a history behind it. By understanding where to find them, how to assess their condition, and how to care for them, you can enjoy your vintage shoes for years to come. Whether you’re looking for a pair of 1940s stilettos, classic 1970s boots, or a rare pair of designer heels, vintage shoes are a fabulous addition to any wardrobe. Follow these tips, and you’ll be stepping out in style—sustainably and fashionably—every time you slip on your vintage footwear.