Have you ever wondered how some people make extra money just by buying and selling shoes? It sounds like a secret skill, right? Well, it’s not! Reselling shoes can be a fantastic side hustle, but jumping in without a plan can feel like walking into a maze blindfolded. For beginners, the biggest hurdle is knowing which shoes actually sell well and which ones will just sit in your closet.
Choosing the wrong inventory wastes time and money. You want sneakers that people are actively searching for, not yesterday’s clearance items. If you pick poorly, you might end up with a pile of shoes that just won’t move, and that’s frustrating!
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly which types of shoes are hot commodities right now, how to spot a good deal, and the simple steps to start earning profit quickly. Get ready to turn your shoe knowledge into cash!
Top Shoes To Resell For Beginners Recommendations
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Flinders, Michael (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 107 Pages - 03/16/2015 (Publication Date) - Michael Flinders (Publisher)
- Two-Year Limited Waterproof Guarantee
- Enhanced Forefoot Grip: Six Integrated Spikes
- Lowered Air Zoom Unit for Stability and Responsiveness
- Updated Midsole Foam for Consistent Underfoot Feel
- Nike Flyweave Upper: Lightweight Strength, Water Resistance, and Ease of Cleaning
- Style#: FQ7875-100
- Nike Free technology in the forefoot offers flexibility, helping you move with ease.
- Brio cables are tunneled into the upper to secure the shoe’s upper to the outsole, a way to provide strength and support without adding bulky materials.
- Wet traction rubber pattern helps keep you upright when in wet conditions.
- Tough plastic clip around the heel helps give you stability.
- Two-Year Limited Waterproof Guarantee
- Enhanced Forefoot Grip: Six Integrated Spikes
- Lowered Air Zoom Unit for Stability and Responsiveness
- Updated Midsole Foam for Consistent Underfoot Feel
- Nike Flyweave Upper: Lightweight Strength, Water Resistance, and Ease of Cleaning
- Nike Pegasus 41 Men's Running Shoe
- Men to Women Sizing
- 8.5 Men = 10 Women
- Sports shoes
- Lightness
- Cushioning
- Soccer shoes for indoor play
- INDOOR SOCCER OUTSOLE: The grippy rubber outsole is specially designed for flat indoor surfaces
- SOFT BALL TOUCH: Leather upper for great feel and soft ball touch
- EASY ENTRY: U-throat collar for easy in and out
- Unisex product is men's sizing. Women should size down 1 to 1.5 sizes
The Ultimate Guide to Buying Shoes for Reselling Beginners
Starting to resell shoes can be exciting! You want to find great shoes that people will pay good money for. This guide will help new resellers know exactly what to look for when buying shoes to flip for profit. We will cover the important things that make a shoe valuable.
Key Features to Look For in Resale Shoes
Certain features make a shoe sell fast and for a good price. Focus on these things when you shop.
1. Brand Recognition and Hype
- Top Brands: Always look for popular brands like Nike, Adidas, Jordan, and Yeezy. These brands have built-in demand.
- Limited Editions: Shoes that were hard to get when they first came out sell for much more later. Look for collaborations or special releases.
- Colorways: Some colors sell better than others. Classic colors (like black, white, or specific famous color schemes) are usually safer bets.
2. Condition is King
The better the condition, the higher the price. New shoes (Deadstock or DS) sell for the highest prices. Gently used shoes (used only a few times) can still make good money if they are clean.
3. Current Market Trends
What are people wearing right now? Check online forums and resale apps. If a certain style is suddenly popular, jump on it quickly before everyone else does.
Important Materials That Matter
The materials used in a shoe affect how long it lasts and how desirable it is.
Durability and Comfort Materials
- Leather and Suede: High-quality leather and real suede often age well and look premium. These materials usually hold value better than cheap synthetics.
- Knit Uppers: Modern shoes use knitted materials (like Nike Flyknit or Adidas Primeknit). These are lightweight and popular, but check them carefully for snags or holes.
- Soles: Good rubber soles are essential. Check the tread (the bottom grip). If the sole is heavily worn down, the shoe’s value drops significantly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Shoe Quality (and Value)
When you inspect a shoe, you are looking for clues about its past life. These details either boost your profit or cause you to lose money.
Factors That Improve Value:
- Original Box: Always try to get the original shoe box. A matching box significantly increases the resale price, especially for collectors.
- Tags and Inserts: If the original price tag is still attached, or if the tissue paper inside is untouched, the shoe looks newer.
- Cleanliness: Shoes that are spotless and show no signs of dirt or scuffs are much easier to sell quickly.
Factors That Reduce Value:
- Sole Separation: If the sole starts peeling away from the upper part of the shoe, it needs repair, which lowers the price immediately.
- Odor: Smelly shoes are very hard to move. Never buy shoes that smell strongly of smoke or heavy sweat.
- Stretching or Creasing: Heavy wrinkles (creases) on the toe box show the shoe was worn a lot. This tells buyers it is not a premium item.
User Experience and Use Cases for Resale Shoes
Think about why someone buys the shoe. Different shoes appeal to different buyers.
Performance vs. Lifestyle
- Performance Shoes: These are running shoes or basketball shoes. People buy these to wear while exercising. They wear out fast, so you must buy them nearly new to resell them well.
- Lifestyle/Fashion Sneakers: These are shoes people wear every day to look good. They are often the best target for new resellers because people wear them lightly and want to keep them looking fresh.
Remember, beginners should stick to easily recognizable, popular models first. Start small, learn the market, and grow from there!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for New Shoe Resellers
Q: What is the best way to check if a shoe is real (authentic)?
A: Look closely at the stitching. Real shoes have perfect, even stitching. Check the labels inside—the font and spacing must be exact. When in doubt, use an online guide for that specific model or ask an experienced reseller.
Q: Should I clean shoes before reselling them?
A: Yes, always! Even if they look okay, a light cleaning of the soles and uppers makes a huge difference in perceived value. A clean shoe sells faster.
Q: What does “Deadstock” (DS) mean?
A: Deadstock means the shoes are brand new, unworn, and still in their original box with all tags attached. This is the highest value condition.
Q: How much profit should I aim for on my first few pairs?
A: Aim for at least a 50% profit margin if possible. If you spend \$50, try to sell it for \$75 or more. Start with lower-cost shoes until you understand the pricing better.
Q: Are older, vintage shoes good for beginners?
A: Vintage shoes can be tricky. While they can be valuable, they often have material breakdown (like yellowing or crumbling glue). It is safer for beginners to focus on shoes less than five years old.
Q: Which marketplaces are best for selling shoes?
A: Popular options include eBay, GOAT, StockX, and local platforms like Facebook Marketplace. eBay and GOAT are great starting points for wide reach.
Q: How important is the original box?
A: The box is very important, especially for high-end or limited-edition sneakers. A shoe without its box might sell for 10% to 30% less than one with it.
Q: What is “creasing” and why is it bad for resale?
A: Creasing is the wrinkling that forms over the toe area when someone walks in the shoe. It shows heavy wear and lowers the shoe’s visual appeal and price.
Q: Should I buy shoes that are slightly damaged if the price is really low?
A: For beginners, avoid buying shoes that need major repairs (like sole separation). Stick to shoes that only need cleaning until you learn basic restoration skills.
Q: How often should I check the prices of shoes I own?
A: Check the current selling prices every month, or whenever a major celebrity or athlete wears that model. Prices change quickly based on hype.