It's funny the way we react to things like this. I remember a TV programme a few years ago that discussed an experiment about something similar. It had volunteers putting on a used pullover that had been properly washed and was spotlessly clean. Those who were happy to wear it were then told when they had it on that it belonged to serial killer Fred West (though it didn't actually). I can't remember how many, but a sizeable proportion of people reacted with revulsion and tore it off.
In many things I think I'm pretty rational, but the idea of wearing used cycling shorts really does gross me out, even if I was sure they were properly cleaned and decontaminated. In fact, I wouldn't even wear a rented suit because I know some other bloke has had his tackle inside the trousers. (And don't get me started on used-underwear fetishism - that seriously creeps me out.)
But on the other hand (well, foot), I'm happy to wear second hand shoes. In fact, I have about half a dozen pairs of very nice vintage shoes (everyday ones, not cycling ones) that I got second hand, and I have no problem at all with those.
