How to Write the Perfect Shoes Listing on Depop

Why Your Shoes Listing Title Matters on Depop

On Depop, your listing title is the single most important factor determining whether buyers find your item. Gen Z dominated — 90% of users are under 26. These buyers search using specific keywords, and if your title doesn't match their search terms, your shoes listing will never appear in results — no matter how great your photos or description are.

The difference between a good and bad title can mean the difference between selling in 24 hours or sitting unsold for weeks. Let's break down exactly how to optimise every element of your shoes listing on Depop.

Crafting the Perfect Title for Shoes on Depop

Your title should include these elements in order of importance: brand name, item type, key details (size, colour, material), and condition. Here are examples:

• Bad: "Great shoes for sale, barely used, great condition!!"
• Good: "Nike Air Max 90 Shoes Size 10 White/Black - Excellent Condition"
• Best: "Nike Air Max 90 Shoes Men's Size 10 UK White Black OG 2024 Worn Once"

The best title packs in searchable keywords that match how Depop buyers actually search. Avoid wasted characters on words like "great," "amazing," or "must see" — nobody searches for those terms.

Writing a Description That Converts

Your description needs to answer every question a buyer might have before they ask it. On Depop, your shop aesthetic matters enormously — flat lays on branded backgrounds, consistent photo style, and a cohesive feed (like instagram) drive follows and sales. Structure your description like this:

Opening Hook

Start with what makes this specific item special. Is it a limited edition? Discontinued colourway? Rare size? Lead with the selling point, not generic filler text.

Essential Details

Include every relevant specification: brand, model, size, colour, material, measurements, and any identifying numbers (style codes, serial numbers). Sole wear is the #1 factor — buyers check outsole photos closely. Rate condition honestly: Deadstock (DS) = unworn with box, VNDS = worn 1-2x, Good = light sole wear, Fair = visible creasing and sole wear. Include insole photos to show wear.

Condition Statement

Be brutally honest about condition. Sole wear is the #1 factor — buyers check outsole photos closely. Rate condition honestly: Deadstock (DS) = unworn with box, VNDS = worn 1-2x, Good = light sole wear, Fair = visible creasing and sole wear. Include insole photos to show wear. Buyers on Depop appreciate transparency — disclosed flaws build trust, while hidden ones lead to returns and negative feedback.

Shipping Information

Ship in original shoe box wrapped in a poly mailer or brown paper — never put shipping labels directly on the shoe box. If no original box, use a similarly-sized shipping box with tissue paper. USPS Priority Medium Flat Rate ($16.10) fits most shoe boxes.

Pro Tip: Use ListingGenie's Depop listing generator at listinggenie.co/depop-listing to create optimised descriptions in seconds. It automatically includes platform-specific keywords and formatting that rank well in Depop's search algorithm.

Photo Requirements for Shoes on Depop

Photos sell products — your description confirms the purchase. For shoes specifically:

• Shoot the "hero pair" shot — both shoes angled at 45° on a clean white surface
• Must-have angles: lateral side, medial side, outsole, insole, heel, and toe box close-up
• Stuff shoes with tissue paper to hold their shape — collapsed shoes look worn and unappealing
• Include the box and any extras (extra laces, hang tags) in a separate photo — these add significant value

Depop allows multiple photos per listing — use every slot available. The first photo is your thumbnail and determines whether buyers click through, so make it your strongest, clearest shot.

Pricing Your Shoes Listing

Common shoes: $15-40, Name brand athletic (Nike Air Max, NB 550): $40-80, Vintage/rare sneakers: $80-300+, Designer (Louboutin, Gucci): $150-600+

Remember that Depop charges 10% seller fee on each sale. Factor this into your pricing to ensure you're still profitable after fees and shipping costs. A common mistake is pricing at your target take-home amount without accounting for the approximately 13% in fees that Depop deducts.

Example Pricing Calculation

Sale Price	Platform Fees	Shipping	Take Home
$30	~$4	$5	~$21
$60	~$8	$7	~$45
$100	~$13	$8	~$79

Common Listing Mistakes to Avoid

• Vague titles — "Nice shoes for sale" tells buyers and search algorithms nothing useful
• Stock photos — Always use your own photos of the actual item. Stock images destroy trust and may violate Depop's policies
• Ignoring item specifics — Depop uses structured data for search. Fill in every available field (brand, size, colour, material, condition) for maximum visibility
• Walls of text — Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and headers to make descriptions scannable
• Forgetting mobile — Most Depop browsing happens on phones. Keep descriptions concise and frontload the most important details

Optimising for Depop's Search Algorithm

Your shop aesthetic matters enormously — flat lays on branded backgrounds, consistent photo style, and a cohesive feed (like Instagram) drive follows and sales. Use all 4 photo slots and put the best styled shot first — modelled photos outperform flat lays by 60%. Hashtags in descriptions still work on Depop — use 5-10 relevant ones but avoid spammy tag stuffing.

The key insight is that Depop's search prioritises listings with complete information, competitive pricing, and seller reputation. A perfectly written listing on a new account will still rank lower than a decent listing from a top-rated seller — so build your reputation by starting with competitively priced items and delivering excellent service.

Related Guides

Continue learning with these related seller guides:

• How to Sell Shoes on Depop
• How to Price Shoes on Depop
• How to Write the Perfect Shoes Listing on eBay
• Best Things to Sell on Depop
• Best Tools for Selling on Depop
• Complete Guide to Selling on Depop