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Step 1
Know your size. Measure your foot and your children's feet at a shoe shore. Determine if anyone wears a wide or narrow shoe. When you buy shoes second hand there may not be a measuring device available. Also when shopping online for secondhand shoes you won't get the opportunity to try the shoes on before you buy them so it is important to know your size.
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Step 2
Determine what type of secondhand shoes you are looking for. You may shop for designer shoes somewhere different than you shop for children's shoes or athletic shoes.
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Step 3
Go shopping at a thrift store. Organizations such as the Salvation Army and the American Cancer Society often operate thrift stores in locations across the country. Check your local yellow pages for a list of thrift stores in your area.
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Step 4
Look in a consignment store. Children's shoes may be especially easy to find in a consignment store. Most children outgrow shoes quickly before they are worn out. Secondhand shoes in consignment stores will usually be in good shape. Store owners may have to approve items accepted for sale. This prevents worn and torn shoes from being sold.
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Step 5
Get to garage sales early. Look in your local newspaper for a list of garage sales in your areas. Set out early to get the best deals. Most people have shoes around they no longer wear which may still be in good shape. Garage sale prices are usually low and you may be able to negotiate an excellent deal on a pair of secondhand shoes.
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Step 6
Check out bidding sites on the Internet. If you are looking for a special pair of shoes that are a collector's item, a bidding site may be the best place to look. Expensive designer shoes may also be available secondhand at much cheaper prices.
