When old men die, their shoes get dumped into a box. The box collects dust with all their other parted possessions until the day comes someone finds the shoes and gives them to the local thrift store. That’s where I come in. It seems like every time I go thrifting I come back with a pair of old shoes. The stylish men that came before me all conveniently wore size nine shoes, lucky me. Other shoes are just discarded because whoever once had them deemed them “too far gone.” Their trash is my treasure. This is my list of top eight pairs of thrifted shoes, plus some I’ve bought.

1. Nunn Bush black tassel loafer

These were my first pair of loafers, and I still love them dearly and wear them at least once a week, usually two or three times. They are the shoe that launched my collection. With a comfortable insole and versatile design, the retail price of $4o is amazing for a brand new pair. I can always rely on these shoes to be able to be put on with any outfit and look great.

2. Unbranded brown penny loafer

I found these shoes at the His Helping Hands thrift store downtown. They were the first pair of shoe’s I’ve ever thrifted. Although they aren’t very comfortable, and they’re not in the best condition, they look great.

3. Bostonian Luxe black Oxford

These came from Goodwill in Erie. I first thought they were tap shoes because of how distinctly noisy the click of their heal is. Like the pair before, they aren’t that comfortable but that isn’t what matters. What matters is they fit and they look great. This is my go to smart shoe when I want to change it up from loafers.

4. Converse One Star in grey

The converse you see have been through a lot. I recovered them from the Salvation Army store on Peach Street, cleaned them, glued the soles back together, and re-laced them. A few short weeks after they were laced up, I got them totally covered in mud. For many months they sat in my basement, regarded as “too far gone.” However, I recently relentlessly cleaned them and now they’re back to a wearable state.

5. Nike AF 1 in white/metallic silver

The second and last pair of non-thrifted shoes on this list, these are my white shoes. Although I’ll probable get another pair of white shoes, these remain very cool to me. They stand out from a plain white Force’s due to their unique textures. The sole is a transparent brown color, and the Nike logo has a metallic shine. It gives the basic white shoe a little extra visual appeal. Solid sneaker.

6. French Shriner boat style kilt loafer

These are by far the most adorned shoe I own. I found them in the dungeons of the Union City Salvation Army store and they are in astonishingly great condition. They offer a lot to look at and a great statement shoe, but because of this, they’re more difficult to style. I don’t know how much a new pair of these costs, but I got mine for a whopping $4.99.

7. Johnston&Murphy carlock tassel loafer

This most recent homecoming dance, my girlfriend and I went for a very light color scheme. This was tough for me, as I only had dark shoes. Not wanting to spend a fortune for one dance, I went to my old friend, the His Helping Hands thrift store. As soon as I walked to the shoe section I saw them, they were perfect for the outfit I had planned. That was a good day. These loafers are longer, which I don’t usually like as my legs are shorter and it makes me look like a clown to wear long shoes, but these are my exception. They’re in a color unique to my collection and they’re in excellent condition.

8. Nunn Bush black braid loafer

The other pair of Nunn Bush shoes on this list is very similar to this, probably because it’s the same brand, but this pair is much older. The black leather has some wrinkles, and the shoes have a click because of the leather sole. The braid provides something subtle yet interesting for those who notice. Overall, I think these are more formal than the other black loafers, but they’re nothing too special. They came from the Salvation Army in Union City.

9. Masters square toe loafer

These shoes are odd, they came from His Helping Hands and they’re just odd. I wore them to one event and can’t see myself wearing them again soon but I’m glad I thrifted them. They’re in really good condition and are interesting if you’re keen with your formal outfit. They’re the last shoe on the list because of their odd design and lack of versatility.

10. No shoes

Ah, the feeling of taking your uncomfortable yet stylish dress shoes at the end of a long day of school. It’s important to let your feet free sometimes, let them breath. I hope you enjoyed this little list of the shoes that bring me joy. I’m eager to see if it might have inspired you to wear the shoes you love, too, no matter if people jeer at you for dressing like an old man. Don’t worry, I’ll always think you’re cool.