Picking a Pair of Well Loved Trainers

With most second hand things you want as little wear as possible. With worn shoes it is the other way round. The appeal of a pair of trainers that has been to the gym every week for months is exactly that it has, and a good seller will tell you all about it.

What a good listing tells you

Look for how long the pair has been worn, what for, and whether they were worn with or without socks. Clear photos of the soles and the insides matter more here than in almost any other category, because they show the wear honestly.

Trainers, boots or flats

Gym trainers and running shoes are the most asked for. Boots hold more, and ankle and knee high boots each have their own following. Ballet flats and pumps are lighter and are often worn daily. Decide what you like before you browse.

Ask for it worn your way

Many sellers will wear a pair to your request: a set number of gym sessions, a week of daily wear, or a particular event. Ask before you buy and agree the details in the message.

Size and posting

Check the size if it matters to you, and remember shoes take more room to post than smaller items. The postage shows at the checkout before you pay, so there is nothing to guess.

Socks to go with them

Plenty of buyers order socks from the same seller at the same time, worn in the same shoes. Ask whether the seller will send both together, which keeps the postage down and gives you a matching pair.

Browse worn shoes, trainers and boots from verified sellers, or see the used heels page if heels are more your thing.