Complete Guide to Reselling Shoes Online

Is Reselling Shoes Actually Profitable?

Reselling shoes can be a lucrative side hustle or even a full-time business. Casual resellers might make $300-500 monthly by flipping a few pairs each week. Serious resellers, who source regularly from multiple channels, could earn $2,000-5,000 monthly, especially if they focus on high-demand releases and vintage finds. The key is understanding your market and effectively using the right platforms for each shoe type.

Sourcing: Where and How to Find Shoes

Thrift Stores and Clearance Racks

When scouring thrift stores, focus on finding brands like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance. Men’s sizes 9-12 sell the fastest, so prioritize those. Check clearance racks at outlet malls like Nike Factory, Adidas Outlet, and Nordstrom Rack for discounts of 60-70% off retail. These places are goldmines for resellers.

Estate Sales and Garage Sales

Look for vintage cowboy boots, retro Nikes, and deadstock shoes at estate sales and garage sales. These can often be picked up for as little as $5-10 and resold for much more, especially if they're rare or in good condition.

Online Restocks and Limited Releases

Use the Nike SNKRS app and Adidas releases to snag hyped shoes. These can be resold for 2-5 times their retail price. Stay informed about release dates and act quickly.

Platform Comparison: Where to Sell Your Shoes

eBay

• Fees: 13%
• Audience: Global marketplace with 135M+ buyers
• Best For: Rare finds over $100. With its massive reach, you can get top dollar for unique or high-demand sneakers.

Vinted

• Fees: Zero seller fees; Vinted charges buyers a 5% protection fee plus £0
• Audience: Gen Z and Millennials focused on sustainability
• Best For: Everyday items under $30. It’s ideal for quickly moving lower-priced, lightly used shoes.

Depop

• Fees: 10% seller fee
• Audience: Primarily Gen Z, 90% under 26
• Best For: Trendy, fashion-forward shoes. If your items appeal to a younger crowd, this is your go-to platform.

Grailed

• Fees: 9% commission plus PayPal processing fees
• Audience: 90% male users, focused on menswear
• Best For: Men's designer and streetwear sneakers. Perfect for selling to a fashion-focused, male-centric audience.

Pricing Strategy: Maximizing Profit

For common shoes, price between $15-40 depending on condition and brand. Name brand athletic shoes like Nike Air Max or New Balance 550 can fetch $40-80. Vintage or rare sneakers can command $80-300+, while designer shoes like Louboutin or Gucci can sell for $150-600+. Always consider the condition and include photos to justify higher prices.

Photography and Listing Optimization

Photography is critical. Start with the "hero pair" shot — both shoes angled at 45° on a clean white surface. Include must-have angles: lateral side, medial side, outsole, insole, heel, and toe box close-up. Use tissue paper to maintain shape and include any box or extras in the photos. Use ListingGenie to generate optimized listings with keywords that convert.

FAQ

• What are the best sizes to resell? Men's sizes 9-12 sell the most quickly.
• How do I grade the condition of shoes? Sole wear is critical. Use terms like Deadstock (DS), VNDS, Good, and Fair to describe condition.
• What shipping method should I use? Use USPS Priority Medium Flat Rate ($16.10) for most shoes, shipping in their original box if possible.
• How do I handle returns? Clearly state your return policy in your listing to avoid issues later.