The Year in Thrifts: Shoe Edition

The year I walked a mile in other peoples' shoes.

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To say that it's been a successful year on the shoe front would be an understatement; I've run out of storage space. Shoes have easily been my top thrift category in 2025 - the one I've had the hardest time walking away from (pun intended). I've always had a bit of a footwear problem. I get it from my mama.

Let me start by addressing the elephant in the thrift store: no, pre-loved shoes are not gross. People love to act like secondhand footwear is a public health crisis, but with a little common sense (and a pair of socks) you'll be fine. There are so many hidden gems out there just waiting for a second chance at love. Inspect them before you try on, and once they've officially entered your home, give them a proper wash. They're basically like new boyfriends if you think about it - vet them, protect yourself, and clean them up before introducing them to your friends.

What to look for:

Hate to say it, but Value Village really is the best for secondhand footwear. You'll have to dig through mountains of orthopedic nightmares and busted stilettos, but the payoff is real - and usually under $10. That makes the hunt twice as fun.

Condition: I don't always follow this rule, but I try (keyword, try) to walk away from anything with peeling leather. It's almost impossible to repair or ignore, and honestly, no amount of shoe polish can fix heartbreak.

Leather: If it's real, grab it. Vintage leather shoes are built like tanks and age like fine wine.

Versatility: Look for pairs you'd actually consider buying new - that's the secret to ensuring they'll get worn and you'll get your $10 worth. Additionally, stick to shapes you'd actually wear - styles you know flatter your foot and real-life wardrobe. Don't grab a kitten heel just because Hailey Bieber wore it once to Erewhon. You deserve better.

Comfort: Dead last for me. Style > Comfort foreva. Pain builds character, amirite?

Now, let's admire the evidence.

Head Over Heels

Clockwise from top left:

		Scavenged at:	Footnotes:
1	Vagabond Vivian Pumps	Value Village in Toronto (Steeles and Dufferin)	I'm obsessed with the look, but the leather is hard and gave me blisters. Will be breaking in for months to come.
2	Obsessed White Leather Slingbacks	Value Village in Toronto (Keele and Old Weston)	Super comfortable and classic, but wasn't in the best condition. I ignored rule number 1 for these.
3	Kolor (brand) Block Heel Sock Sandal	Ragtag Shinsaibashi in Osaka, Japan	10/10 style and comfort. Always get complimented when I wear these out.
4	Varsavia Viamara Orange Strappy Mules	Value Village in Toronto (Keele and Old Weston)	Super cutesy but the straps are large and my toes are dangerously close to cliffhanger territory.
5	Jessica Simpson Jileta High Heel	Value Village in Toronto (Queen West)	Will report back - destined for my Engagement Party.

Some ways I've styled my thrifted heels:

I'm a heels addict, so this was the category I attacked first. They carried me through the entire summer - sometimes literally, sometimes barely.

In My Flat Era

Clockwise from top left:

		Scavenged at:	Footnotes:
1	Nude flats (no brand)	Value Village in Toronto (Yonge and Dundas)	There's no left or right foot - true egalitarian footwear.
2	Burgundy flats (no brand)	Value Village in Toronto (Yonge and Dundas)	A diva must've died for these to end up at the thrift. I love the shape and uniqueness.
3	Marc Fisher Burgundy Oxfords	Wildlife Thrift Store in Toronto	Cool and practical but when I took them home, I noticed one of the buckle straps is missing :(.
4	Toga Pulla Embellised Flats	Value Village in Toronto (Steeles and Dufferin)	LOVE the look, hate the feel. The leather is rough and digs into the skin. Like I said before - style over comfort, and I'm committed to the bit.
5	rag & bone Shiloh Loafer	Value Village in Toronto (Queen West)	These are perfect work shoes. Now all I need is a job.

Some more styling pics:

Boot-spectations

Left to Right:

	What	Where	Notes
1	GRL Off-White Pleather boots	2nd Street Shinsaibashi in Osaka, Japan	3 Canadian dollars - nuff said.
2	Mango Black and White Ankle Boots	(oopsie i forgot)	Sex in a boot.

Dress: thrifted Herve Leger bandage dress

I think I've done enough convincing. Go off, my child, and find yourself a pair of thrifted vintage shoes. I believe in you. Now please enjoy my Ode to the Thrifted Shoe.

Ode to the Thrifted Shoe:

Oh, thrifted shoe - survivor, dreamer, hopeless romantic,

how rare to find you are, my search near frantic.

Yet for $9.99 here you find yourself,

discarded upon an old empty Value Village shelf.

You've danced at weddings, blistered feet, and trudged through the rain,

I am here as your saviour, to put you out of your strain.

Broken in by a stranger,

you come home with me, no longer in danger.

Oh, thrifted shoe - how lucky I am to have found you.

I try you on, I style you, and admire you.

Proof that beauty can start used, You're now ready to be abused

From old revivers, to sole survivors,

My ode to the thrifted shoe.

In conclusion, thanks for coming to my Tat Talk.