Style & Self Care, Thrift Stores

Would you thrift fitness gear? Here’s what’s worth it (and what’s not)

July 6, 2025
Overhead view of a yoga mat neatly arranged with various fitness accessories like bottles, scissors, potted plant, snowboard, and skateboard.

Thrifting fitness wear and exercise equipment can save you serious cash—but not everything is worth bringing home. Here’s what to look for (and avoid) when scouring secondhand stores, garage sales, or online resale sites for your next workout upgrade.

Thrifted shoes: Proceed with caution

  • Best to avoid running shoes with obvious wear—midsoles and treads degrade over time and lose support.
  • Do consider shoes for walking, casual workouts, or studio classes if they’re lightly used and show no signs of sole breakdown.
  • Look for brands like Brooks, Hoka, and New Balance with firm heel counters and clean interiors.

Tip: Always disinfect insoles or swap in fresh inserts.

Yoga mats & accessories

  • Mats: Only thrift if they’re still grippy and clean. Some wear is fine, but deep creases or flaking foam? Skip it.
  • Blocks, straps, bolsters: Great to thrift! These don’t wear out easily and can be sanitized.
  • Resistance bands: Be careful—these degrade with age and sun exposure. Gently stretch and inspect for cracks before buying.

Tip: Clean foam or cork blocks with a vinegar + water solution or natural spray cleaner.

Workout apparel

  • This is where thrifting really shines. Look for:
    • High-waisted leggings with intact seams
    • Moisture-wicking fabrics (like Nike Dri-FIT or Lululemon’s Luxtreme)
    • Sports bras with solid elastic and removable padding
    • Layering items like zip-ups, vests, and windbreakers

Avoid:

  • Anything with pilling in friction zones
  • Stretched-out waistbands or fraying straps

Cleaning & care tips

  • Use sports detergent like HEX or Rockin’ Green to remove odors and sweat bacteria. Personally I still go for Tide Sport, but YMMV.
  • Soak yoga gear or shoes in a baking soda + vinegar bath before machine washing
  • For gear with mesh or straps, use a laundry bag to prevent snags

Where to find thrifted fitness gear in Chicago

Final thoughts

Fitness doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right eye and a little patience, you can find high-performance gear at a fraction of the price—and give it a second life in the process.