While your favorite shoes may be from high-end brands, it is not impossible to buy the shoe styles you love secondhand.
Purchasing shoes from your local thrift shop or online secondhand platforms is accessible and straightforward. Shoes are a great thing to buy secondhand because they tend to be easy to clean and affordable. Buying shoes from these places is also great for stylish people buying on a budget.
We’ve seen the shoes that are taking the spot for the shoe of the summer, but trending shoes come at all different price points.
Thrifting these trending shoe styles will get you the look you want at a price you can get behind!
Shoe style categories
Feeling ready to show off your summer style? Well, there is a set of details for summer shoe styles that make them fit for the heat.
Closed-toe and open-toe are the general categories for shoes. Although open-toe shoes are what we usually associate with summertime, the trends do not let that get in the way.
While open toe shoes are more common for the summer due to their breathability and comfort, closed toe shoes are better suited for formal wear or summer events and look just as good. From clogs and loafers to sandals and heels, all of them find a way to fit into this year’s summer style and vibe.
Open-Toe Shoes
Heeled Flip Flops
Flip flops are making an absolute comeback this summer. Perfect for the beach or the boardwalk, flip flops have always been and always will be a versatile shoe.
2025 is the year of kitten heel flip flops and I am here for it. Sharing the casual nature of flip flop sandals and the elegance of a kitten heel shoe, these are perfect for lots of summer occasions.
While the kitten heel flip flop trend will not be good for a sandy beach, they definitely fit the bill for being a cute shoe to sport on a hot summer day.
When buying these shoes secondhand, there are some things to keep in mind. Check the inside of the shoe for tarnishing that needs to be cleaned before use. Twist the heel lightly to make sure it is not dry rotted so that the heel does not break on the first wear.
Fisherman Sandals
Fisherman sandals are the essence of summer! These shoes with a classic hard-wearing vibe are perfect for summer days spent walking.
With a gripping sole and open design, fisherman sandals can handle the intense wear and tear of everyday errands. On the other hand, these sandals can look extremely sophisticated depending on the color and the outfit they are paired with.
If you are looking to thrift these sandals, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, check the materials for any wear in important places, like the ankle strap or buckle. Also, make sure the soles of the sandals on the bottom of the shoe are not worn down to prevent slipping while you are wearing them outside.
These sandals would go really well with a simple combination of shorts and a nice shirt. They can also be elevated to match a sleek pair of pants with a dress shirt. As a perfect pair of breathable and comfortable shoes, fisherman sandals are an absolute staple this summer.
Chunky Platform Heels
An iconic pair of shoes that not only gives height but also style, chunky platform heels elevate any outfit.
Heels are intimidating upon first glance because of the height, but these thick heels make walking a breeze while still giving the effect. While a beach day is not the best option for these shoes, a formal summer night event would definitely give the heels their time to shine.
Putting these heels with a jumpsuit or blouse would make for a refined look. Fancy outings are more than the only time you can wear these shoes however. Matching these shoes with a sundress and lacy socks will definitely give a playful feel.
As mentioned earlier, twisting the heels if they are thinner at the base will make sure the heels have no chance of breaking before you wear them.
Closed-Toe Shoes
Clogs
Suede clogs have been on trend for a while, but have hit their peak this summer. Pairing well with more casual than formal looks, these shoes do not fit only one theme.
I usually see clogs worn around the house, but more people have started to wear them out with casual outfits. A pair of flared jeans and a light breezy shirt truly tie in the laid-back vibes of clogs. However, you should not count dresses out when you think about what to match with a stylish pair of clogs.
If you are in the market for thrifted clogs, be sure to clean the material and check the bottom for grip. Using grease-fighting dish soap and a rag can clean most stains from the suede material of these shoes if you purchase them secondhand.
Clogs are mainly attractive for the comfort and ease of wear. Since they are easy to slide on and off, they make for a perfect pick for a quick outing. Whether you are lounging around the house or walking around a summer market, clogs are perfect for casual summer wear.
Loafers
Leather loafers are a simple showstopper that will make any summer outfit shine bright. With that, they tend to be easier to find at the thrift.
When caring for secondhand loafers, you have to check if they are real leather or how worn the synthetic material is. These can influence how they will hold up over time.
Getting saddle soap for real leather loafers is good to keep up with them. Check the condition of the material and the bottom gripping to ensure you get the most out of your thrifted loafers.
Wearing loafers with clean, formal outfits is the easiest way to style them. They go well with suits and dress pants, but they can fit in well with a dark pair of straight jeans. You could also try out fun socks with loafers for a fun look!
Overall, loafers are a solid option for summer formal wear.
Woven Ballet Flats
While ballet flats are the epitome of classic, flats made from oven material give an utterly stunning design to this summer’s trends.
These flats pair well with clean cut linen pants and a plain blouse. They can also be used as an alternative to heels if the height and feel of heels do not fit your style.
Woven ballet flats look just as chic as their heeled counterparts, but prove to be easier to walk in and wear for long stretches of time.
Looking and checking for broken woven sections is important in making sure that your flats are not broken upon purchase. Also, clean the inside of the shoe with dish soap and water to make them ready to wear without socks.
Woven ballet flats are the height of comfort and class when it comes to formal or casual outfits for summer.
Trends on a sustainable budget
Buying trending shoe styles secondhand is perfect for you if you are willing to put in a little extra work to make your shoes ready to wear after coming from your local thrift store.
Picking up your styles secondhand is a good way to keep up with the trends while saving money and being conscious of what you are buying.
These styles are what you should look out for on your next thrift trip!
