Sorry but: You need to check the armpits.
Don't worry that much about busted soles on shoes.
A shoemaker can always resole them. Messed up leather uppers (the top of the shoe) are a bigger hassle to get fixed.
Know your measurements.
Sizes aren't always listed, and what a size 6 or 10 translates to has changed a lot over the years, for various reasons, so measurements will be a lot more helpful.
Hold items up to the light.
A lot of vintage stores (and stores in general) are dark! So it can be hard to discern quality, condition, and...stains. Find a light (or the flashlight on your phone) to perform a dutiful inspection.
Flickr: chrishimself / Via stylist.co.uk
