What would you do with not-so-new shoes? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

What would you do with not-so-new shoes?

Irene

(website)

I have about ten pairs of spring shoes, mostly loafers-type. Different colors, different heel heights, but all of them started to show some signs of tear and wear. They're not old or even tired, they just visibly NOT NEW. Like, I'm pretty good abut going around in those shoes, but not good to go to my girlfriends home parties.
I have budget for 2 new pairs, but I understand that next season I'll have 12 pairs of not-so-new shoes. My hubby tell me - Throw away everything, get 2 new pairs this year, kill them, and throw them away at the end of the season! Next year get the new ones, live in always new shoes.
I think - maybe he's right? Maybe that's a way to go? But I'm afraid to loose variety, 10 pairs of shoes give me much more different looks than 2! What would you do? Ten or two?

Shopping

15 replies

Latest reply was from Elly

Irene

Veteran

If you are getting two new pairs anyway, why not 12 shoes? Unless you don't have any space left for them, they won't do you any harm. Try to exploit the new ones more, as they will look better than the old ones, but in case you need other options for your outfits, they'll always be there for you! Personally, I tend to buy a couple of pairs of shoes each season, but I never forget about the older ones. My problem is, because I have so many, my shoes almost never get visibly old (I don't use any pair often enough for that to happen) so I keep storing more and more pairs of shoes, which would be great if I had a lot of space for them, but I don't lol

Saretta

(website)

Don't throw them away! As soon as you do, you will be looking for them and crying because they are not there anymore! Better safe than sorry!

Kristine

Veteran

Can you overhaul any of them? Maybe a good cleaning, some leather dye, new laces or a new sole? I'd probably keep the ones you wear most often or those with the most potential. Toss anything beyond saving or anything uncomfortable.

rae

(website)

Veteran

For the ones that are just dirty, try a magic eraser! Someone suggested those for bags, and they work beautifully! For worse wear, y'all know how enamoured I am with leather dye - without pulling up the invoice, I think I paid about $9 shipped for mine. Both are much cheaper than getting new shoes, and great ways to save a beloved pair that shows its age.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Do you still love those shoes and feel fab wearing them? If not I would let them go. I am doing this with my shoes: I have noticed I almost did not wear them this season because I did not fell good in them - so why bother to upkeep them?
If on the other hand it is their state that bothers you but you still love them you may try to extend their life. I have one pair of red peep-toe low wedges which are 3 years old and I just resoled them last year. I love them and get compliments for them so I will keep them for a couple of more seasons.

Queen Mum

Veteran

I would buy the 2 new pair, but keep the other 10 as well. Then at the end of the season, choose 2 or 3 to get rid of...you'll probably find that there are a couple that didn't really get worn. Do this every season... add a couple, purge a couple.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

If you have the space I would keep any shoes that are still in wearable condition, as long as you do wear them a few times each year. I have a job that requires a uniform and sneakers, so my 'play' footwear is rarely worn out before I truly just tire of the style.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I'd keep maybe 4 pairs of the old ones (the ones that have the most wear in them) and then get two new ones

Irene

(website)

Saretta, you're right. Every time I donate or dispose something, next day I need it.

rae and Kristine, thanks girls! Can you suggest some particular dye for leather?

Sveta, I am bad person, because I feel myself fabulous always.

lyn*, that's excellent advice!

Queen Mum and Mo, thanks!

rosee

Veteran

I've used Fiebings dye in the past to dye shoes and it worked really well (cognac ballet flats to chocolate and fuschia heels dyed black resulted in pewter). Fiebings is available in more traditional colors (black, brown, navy, tan, bordeaux, etc).

Rae can tell you more about Tarrago dye which comes in over 60 colors, that's the one she used in her post. I'm now interested in Tarrago b/c of the color selection.

http://www.shoeshineexpress.co......asp#chart

I'd say keep your shoes, unless they are beyond repair or you really don't like them. I usually buy about 2 shoes per year (last year and this year it's gonna be higher), and I keep my shoes for several seasons. If a good shoe fits and looks stylish, there is no reason you can't take it to shoe repair or redye it to make it more current. I only own about 30 pairs total (including hiking boots, rain boots, athletic shoes and flip flops) and have a 1 in /1 out policy for any extras. If I really don't wear them, I give them away.

Here's a link you might be interested in if donating:

http://www.soles4souls.org/

Girl X

(website)

Veteran

Post pics! Each pair will have different needs and different possibilities for rejuvenation.

Carole

Veteran

I don't think I could make it with just 2 new pairs to wear with everything and every ensemble! Why not just get rid of any that aren't fab or comfortable anymore. You could always store them in the backup closet like Angie suggest's-then if you never notice them missing and need them they will be available but if not after 6 months let them go!

Anonymous

I like Carole's idea of storing at least some of them in another place until you see if you need them. We just had a big drive for soles4souls and it helped me part with many pairs not loved as much as they once were.

rae

(website)

Veteran

The Tarrago dye is awesome, colorfast, and a breeze to use. If you can work a sponge, you can use the Tarrago dye. I also like this brand because the dye kit comes with the brush, sponge, and preparer fluid included - no extra treatments to buy.

Elly

Veteran

I am going to go out on a limb and agree with your hubby. I would buy two fabulous pair of shoes that are comfy and that you just WANT to wear. You will wear the heck out of them. Then, I would keep a couple of the old shoes, either you previous favorites or workhorses to make sure your shoe bases are covered. Anything else should go. There is no point in letting perfectly good shoes sit and stew unworn and slowly dating. I bet if you truly love your new shoes you will find that most of your old shoes will have been worn seldom or at all by the end of the summer and if you keep track it will give you a better idea for future years!

If you are at that point, go through your closet and try on your spring summer wardrobe with your current shoes and new shoes and decide what options you want to have and which shoes you are ok with not keeping around.