The Sneaker Resale Guide for Beginners & Pros

Since we’re constantly asked for tips, tricks, and recommendations on reselling sneakers, we’ve created this Resell Guide to hopefully answer all your questions. If you feel something is missing, feel free to email us and we’ll add your question. We’ve structured it in a question-and-answer format to make it easier and faster for you to read. The Sneaker Resell Guide is intended solely as our personal recommendation and opinion—in other words, you don’t have to follow any of these tips; we just want to provide you with information on how you can make money reselling sneakers. If any terms seem unfamiliar to you, you can look them up in our Sneaker Glossary Read up on what exactly these terms mean.

Do I need start-up capital for sneaker reselling?

You’ll always need some starting capital. It also depends on how big you want to scale your reselling operation. For a smooth start, I’d recommend about €1,000, which you should invest solely in sneakers. That said, it’s always hard to say exactly how much capital you should start with, since some shoes cost €250—like the Yeezy 750—while others, such as Nike Dunks, go for €100. All in all, I’d personally start with €1,000.

How do I get my hands on limited-edition sneakers?

Now that you’ve set some money aside, you naturally want to get started right away. This is where most people probably make their first mistake: a lack of patience. As with almost any financial investment, you need patience and perseverance. Don’t just buy any old sneakers without doing your research first; instead, wait for releases or restocks and then strike at the right time. To help you see when each sneaker is set to release next, I recommend checking out our App I highly recommend checking out [this site]. There you’ll find a sneaker release calendar with all the information about the stores and the raffles. The key here is to sign up for as many raffles as possible to increase your chances of getting a limited-edition sneaker. Most retail stores no longer do online releases but have switched to raffles, since their servers usually can’t handle the massive rush.

Which sneakers are increasing in value?

Of course, which sneakers will appreciate in value varies from case to case. However, you can often predict in advance that collaborations with Travis Scott or Off-White will increase in value. If you’re unsure, take a look at past sneakers that are similar in colorway or model. Many people also follow trends; for example, an “UNC” blue Air Jordan 1 Mid is very likely to increase in value, whereas an all-black Air Jordan 1 Mid is more likely to decrease in value. In our HEAT MVMNT App You’ll also find guidance on production runs and demand there, which you can use as a rough guide.

How long should I hold onto sneakers before selling them?

My personal recommendation is never to sell shoes right after they’re released. I’d always hold onto them for a while. Depending on how much you need the money, I’d hold onto sneakers for at least half a year and always keep an eye on price trends in the market. It’s best to check eBay, Vinted, or StockX every now and then. If they’re collaborations with artists or brands, I’d check those out from time to time as well, since you’ve probably noticed that the price of the sneakers tends to fluctuate with the artist’s or brand’s image.

Which sneakers should I buy?

It really depends on what’s trending and how many pairs are hitting the market. For example, adidas YEEZYs were very popular in 2018, and the Nike Dunk in 2022. My recommendation is to always stay up to date on what’s coming out and where demand is generally very high. It also depends on whether you plan to hold onto the sneakers for a short or long time. In general, you should look for the following:

• What is the current price? Is a price increase expected? (This only applies to pairs you’re purchasing yourself on the resale market!)

• What is the condition like? Are the sneakers all OG?

• How many were produced? (Do your research! The lower the number, the better!)

Should I only buy sneakers at retail price?

If you weren’t able to get them at release but strongly believe the sneakers will still go up in value, you can also buy them on the resale market. The profit margin isn’t as high there, but sneakers in DSWT condition often increase in value after a certain amount of time. For the simple reason that the longer the shoe is on the market, the fewer unworn pairs of that model remain.

How many pairs of sneakers should I buy?

How many pairs you want to buy depends on your budget. But if you’re sticking to the €1,000 limit, my personal recommendation would be not to limit yourself to just one model or colorway, but to buy several different pairs of sneakers. However, if you’re convinced and have done your research on the sneakers, it’s also possible to buy more than one pair of the same model.

When should I sell my sneakers?

Under no circumstances would I sell sneakers if their value drops below market price. If you’re not under any pressure, I’d wait until the price goes back up. In about 50% of cases, the price of the sneakers will rise again sooner or later. It’s best to sell them when you think they won’t go any higher.

Where should I resell my sneakers?

Where to sell your sneakers depends on how much effort you’re willing to put in. If you want to maximize your profit, I recommend listing them privately on eBay, Vinted, or other platforms and waiting for the right offer. If you want to minimize the effort, you can also just send them to StockX. You won’t get the maximum profit there, but you won’t have to deal with any negotiations. However, more and more competitors are emerging that also buy sneakers from private sellers, such as Klekt or GOAT.

How should I store the sneakers?

It’s best to always buy them with a receipt and all accessories—like laces and insoles. This makes a significant difference in the resale price. It’s best to store the sneakers in their box along with the receipt and make a note of which sneakers you have and how much they cost to keep track of them. You’re also welcome to use the Portfolio feature in the StockX app. There, you can directly monitor the condition, purchase price, and market trends!

We’ve also recorded a podcast on this topic—feel free to give it a listen!

➡️ On Spotify

How do I win on the Nike SNKRS app?

We’ve made a full video on this topic. We’ve linked it directly below, along with our tips and tricks on how to win on the Nike SNKRS app!