Used Boots Question

[gaarchery]

Hey all,

Just a quick question for everyone. What is everyone’s opinion of buying used boots? I’m a little leery of the idea but just curious what everyone thinks.
thanks!

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Seems like a good way to get AIDS. And not the good kind, the bad kind.

 

[Jacack]

I bought a set on here for a spare set and love them. I guess they were used as he stated but very very little

 

[beefsix]

I find it like a suit -a suit that fits like a million dollars is a million dollar suit no matter if you thrifted it or not. But boots can't be tailored like a suit. Usually they are already broken in by a foot that ain't yours. If the boots fit well when you get them - sure... but for boots like the ones you'd need for good support in the backcountry, why not spend the cash on your feet? I'd be trying to find some damn cadillacs - save elsewhere. Don't skimp on the feet.

 

[KChunter71]

Some of the high end boots I would for the right price. Look at the wear on the soles and leather uppers. You can tell how hard they’ve been worn. Change the insoles and go if minimally worn.

 

[BRTreedogs]

Just depends on there wear,
I ran a used set of Kenetrek for years,
They as I got older I got bone spurs on my heals and my feet flattened out some.
I went thru at least 10 pairs of boots that I sold used until I finally found something that worked.
They were all in great condition and the buyers got smoking deals.

 

[RazzleDazzle]

"Used" has a wide scale. Depends on which side of the scale they're on

 

[Fl Flatlander]

The problem is going to be not being able to fit them to your feet.

 

[String&stick]

It's a much cheaper way of finding a boot brand and model you like! Worst case scenario is you wind up with a used backup pair when you buy a new pair in the brand and model you like.

 

[badkneesbro]

Bought a pair of Zamberlans off a guy here for a $100. Normally a $300 pair. Theyre still going strong. One of the best deals Ive ever made.

 

[Dunndm]

Personally... no.
Buy socks, bed, shoes and underwear new.


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[isu22andy]

1 year old used ehhhh maybe a little leery .... 3 hikes used what the hells the worst that can happen . Been using bowling shoes 1400 people have used for years and my toes aren’t green .


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[mnhoundman]

I've bought a couple pairs of kenetreks on ebay, you can usually get them near new for half price. If you know the size you need I've never had a problem.

 

[Btaylor]

I would prolly ask them to sweetin the deal and throw in a couple rolls of toilet paper.

 

[Kenn]

I wonder the same thing. I can't try them on, can't return them, don't know the REAL reason they're for sale. I bought a couple pair at an REI garage sale a few years ago and they were great, but I could try them on and I made the assumption that they weren't going to be waterproof. I always wonder why people would buy used boots when it often appears that they're priced like new ones on a good sale. Also leery of the guy who says he bought them and just neglected to return them on time....

 

[Jahvette20]

I buy everything I can used. Heck, half of my underwear I bought second hand. I recommend REI used for boots if you can find what your looking for. They vary from like new to moderate use but all are cleaned and sanitized and can be returned. Great savings and you can figure out what works best in store then order online.

 

[Hondo]

I've bought and sold so many used boots over the years it has become my primary means of acquiring boots. The upside of buying used boots is being able to punch way above your budget, getting a better boot for the dollar while minimizing potential loss should the boots be a catch and release for your due to fit issues, etc. If you buy new boots from a retailer with a decent return policy you typically can try the boots on inside your home and should they not fit can return them and possible eat the return shipping cost and hopefully not a restocking fee. With a used boot you can try actually out the boot in the intended conditions and if it doesn't meet your requirements (and you didn't overpay) you should be able to sell them for minimal to no loss.

The downside of buying used boots, naturally, is buying someone else's problem but you can mitigate that risk by several means. 1. Stick with boots that have minimal to no visible wear, typically catch & release boots due to fit issues. 2. Don't buy old boots even in new condition. With age comes dry rot and delamination. You don't want to be side-hilling with a sole flopping around miles from the nearest duct tape. 3. Do your research on pricing and user reviews. 4. Buy from a reputable party and pay with PayPal goods & services.

 

[nphunter]

I’ve bought most of my high end boots used. I don’t see an issue taking advantage of someone buying the wrong boot. I have a pair of Crispi Nevada’s in the classifieds now, one of the few pairs I’ve purchased new. They felt great around the house, after one trip out I knew they weren’t for me. I purchased some New style Scarpa Grand Drus for $200 off of another forum after someone else decided they weren’t the right boot for them. The grand dru is a much better fit for me and cost me $200 less and had zero noticeable wear.

Most people aren’t selling there 5 year old worn out boots, most of the time it’s either because they bought the wrong size or the boots don’t fit well, this means the boots have been worn very little and are a lot of times like new.

If in doubt ask for more pictures.