Quality shoes can be quite costly, but you don’t have to buy them new. The Art of Manliness suggests opting for second-hand shoes and refurbishing them to achieve high quality at a fraction of the price.
They offer a comprehensive guide on building a budget-friendly wardrobe, with a video tutorial above—but the second tip is definitely our top pick:
A reputable brand like Allen Edmonds can be revived from a severely worn condition to something nearly as good as new, if you find a skilled craftsman. Some brands even offer their own re-crafting services, and most don’t require an original receipt or proof of purchase, as long as it’s clearly one of their products.
Keep an eye out for well-built shoes that have been heavily worn. While major repairs can be pricey, they’re still more affordable compared to buying new shoes. For the cost of a cheap pair, you could end up with something much more durable and higher quality.
They assert that you can restore a $500 pair of shoes to almost brand-new condition for just $100 or $120—while not inexpensive, it’s still an excellent deal for the quality you receive. Visit the link for additional tips or watch the video above.
