Which Sneakers Are Worth Reselling? How to Check Value and Spot Fakes

Sneakers are one of the biggest resale categories on the internet. Some pairs sell for well above retail on release day, some vintage pairs are valuable to collectors, and a lot of perfectly good shoes sell for a fraction of what they cost. Knowing which is which is the whole game.

This guide explains what makes a pair worth reselling, how to identify exactly what you have, how to check real prices, and how to avoid fakes.

What makes a pair worth money

Limited supply. The pairs that sell for more than retail are almost always limited releases: collaborations, special colorways, and anything released in small quantities through raffles and drops. General releases that were easy to buy at retail rarely sell above it.

The model and colorway. Certain silhouettes and colorways carry most of the resale market, especially Air Jordans, Nike Dunks, and a handful of other popular models from major brands. The original colorways of classic models tend to hold value better than general colorways.

Condition. Deadstock, meaning brand new and never worn, with the original box, sells for the most. Worn pairs sell for much less, and the drop depends on how much wear there is.

Size. Common sizes sell most easily. Very small and very large sizes can sell for more or less depending on the model.

The box and extras. The original box, with its label, and any extra laces, tags or accessories that came with the pair add value and make buyers more confident the shoes are genuine.

How to identify exactly what you have

Every pair from a major brand has a style code, sometimes called a SKU. On Nike and Jordan shoes, it is printed on the tag inside the tongue and on the box label. It usually looks like a string of letters and numbers, such as a six-character code followed by a three-digit color code.

Search that code, and you will find the exact model, colorway and release year. This matters because many pairs look similar but have very different values.

How to check what a pair sells for

Look at sold prices, not asking prices. StockX and GOAT show recent sales for most popular pairs, broken down by size, which is useful for deadstock shoes. For worn or older pairs, eBay sold listings are the best guide: search the style code or model and colorway, filter to Sold items, and match the size and condition.

Remember that marketplace prices do not include the fees you will pay as a seller, which can take a real bite out of your profit. The general method for checking sold prices is laid out in the guide to finding out what an antique is worth.

If you are not sure what a pair is, the Valued app will identify it from a photo and give you a starting estimate, which is a quick way to sort a closet or a thrift store haul.

How to judge condition

Buyers look closely at:

• Creasing on the toe box and across the top of the shoe.
• The soles, for wear on the tread and heel.
• The midsole, for yellowing, paint chipping and scuffs.
• The inside, for worn heel lining, insole wear and odor.
• The box, for damage and whether it is the original box.

Photograph all of these clearly when you sell. Honest photos of wear prevent returns and disputes.

Old sneakers: the crumbling problem

Older pairs, including vintage Jordans and other shoes with foam midsoles, can deteriorate over time even if they were never worn. The material can harden, crack and crumble, and some older soles separate from the upper. A pair that looks perfect in the box may not survive being worn.

Collectors still buy these pairs for display, but they will pay less if the shoes are not wearable. Be honest in listings about the age of the pair and whether it has been worn recently.

How to avoid fakes

Counterfeit sneakers are extremely common, especially for the most popular models. Check:

• The style code. The code on the tongue tag should match the code on the box label, and both should match the model and colorway.
• Stitching and shape. Genuine pairs have neat, even stitching and the correct shape. Fakes often have uneven stitching, misshapen toe boxes and wrong proportions.
• Materials and smell. Cheap, plasticky materials and a strong chemical smell are common in fakes.
• Logos and printing. Check that logos, fonts and printing on the tongue, insole and heel match genuine pairs.
• The price. A rare pair selling far below market price is a major warning sign.

For expensive pairs, use a platform that authenticates sneakers. eBay offers its Authenticity Guarantee on sneakers above a minimum price, and StockX and GOAT check pairs before they reach the buyer.

Tips for reselling

Keep the box. Store sneakers you might resell in their original boxes, away from sunlight and humidity.

Clean gently. Light cleaning improves photos and value, but harsh chemicals can damage materials. Test any cleaner on a small hidden area first.

Know your fees. Different platforms charge different fees and handle shipping differently. Compare what you will actually receive, not just the sale price.

Buy at retail, sell at the right time. For new releases, prices are often highest right after release and can fall as more pairs reach the market.

Common questions

How do I know if my sneakers are worth money?

Find the style code on the tongue tag or box label, search it to identify the exact model and colorway, then check recent sold prices on StockX, GOAT and eBay for your size and condition. Limited releases, collaborations and deadstock pairs of popular models are the most likely to be worth more than retail.

What does deadstock mean for sneakers?

Deadstock means brand new and never worn, usually with the original box and everything that came with the pair. Deadstock pairs sell for the most. Even trying shoes on can affect the price if it leaves creases or marks.

Where do I find the style code on my sneakers?

On most Nike and Jordan shoes, the style code is printed on the size tag inside the tongue and on the label on the side of the box. Other brands put it in similar places. Searching the code identifies the exact model and colorway.

Is it worth reselling used sneakers?

Sometimes. Used pairs of popular, limited or vintage models can still sell well, especially in good condition with the original box. Worn general releases usually sell for much less than retail. Check sold prices before assuming a pair is worth listing, the same way you would with vintage clothing or any other collectible.