For his F/W 2026 Ready-to-Wear show, designer Henry Zankov partnered with The RealReal, with models walking the runway in secondhand shoes sourced from the luxury online marketplace. For those who shop runway energy in real life, they’ll be back on sales soon, according to TRR.
Zankov, known for his bold knitwear and innovative take on streetwear style, brought the drama to his recent collection with a fusion of decadent designs and color palettes that have us reaching for all the prints. Our praise goes beyond the intricate collection because we want to focus on how he used secondhand shoes for the show.
The NYC-based designer’s decision to work with The RealReal is exactly the kind of detail that makes secondhand feel less like an alternative and more like an insider move. When a designer pulls from resale, it’s not just about sustainability; it’s about character. Vintage and pre-owned accessories carry a specific kind of visual confidence: unusual proportions, unexpected materials, silhouettes you don’t see replicated perfectly in current-season production. They’re the punctuation that makes a look feel lived-in, not styled-to-death.
The takeaway? You don’t have to shop the entire runway to get the runway feeling. Start at the edges, especially shoes. They’re often the most transformative piece in an outfit, and they’re one of the best categories to shop secondhand because craftsmanship, comfort, and originality tend to show up fast.
The featured shoes will be back on The RealReal soon. Until then, here are ways to search like a pro:
Start broad, the narrow:
- “Mary Jane heels” + add material: “mesh” / “lace” / “satin”
- Add color: “lilac” / “emerald” / “plum” / “burgundy” / “teal” / “silver”
- Add mood words: “embellished” / “embroidered” / “satin”
Use filters that actually save time:
- Condition: Excellent / Very Good (for shoes, this matters)
- Heel height: kitten/low-mid if you want wearable runway energy
- Size: your exact size plus 1/2 size up (older/vintage shoes can run small)
- Material: leather/suede (durable), mesh/lace (statement but inspect carefully)
What to check before you add to cart:
- Toe scuffs + heel tips (replaceable, but factor cost)
- Stretching at the strap holes / elastic wear
- Sole separation or cracking (especially on older pairs)
Pro move: save the search + turn on alerts. Runway-sourced items tend to reappear in drops and disappear fast.
Affiliate note: Wearing may earn a commission from links in this story at no extra cost to you.
