Once you’ve found a pair you love, the next step is assessing the condition. The trick, says Amy, is knowing what can - and can’t - be fixed. “Check the heel backs as these can often get scraped or look worn. A heel cap is easily replaced and a worn-looking sole doesn’t matter but a visibly worn footbed or damage to the parts that will be visible when you’re wearing them should be avoided. Always zoom in on the photos and don't be afraid to ask the seller for more images if you're unsure.”
That said, don’t be put off by shoes that aren’t in pristine condition. “Unless you buy new or hardly worn, they’ll probably have to be resoled - but this isn’t a big issue,” says stylist and vintage sourcer Chloe Grace Press. “I have a favourite cobbler who I swear by – they can save almost any shoe.”
Amy agrees: “Your local cobblers can do wonders,” she says. “The Seam also does specialist repairs and has been known to revive even the most damaged shoes. You can get a bargain if you buy slightly worn shoes - you just need to have the vision!”
