Can Your Old Sneakers Be Resold? A Guide on How to Resell Shoes

If you’ve got a pile of old sneakers sitting in your closet, you may be wondering: how to resell shoes or whether it’s better to recycle them. The sneaker resale market has exploded in recent years, with sneakerheads and casual sellers alike making big profits on rare and gently used shoes. However, not all sneakers hold resale value, and some may be better suited for recycling instead of resale.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to resell shoes, when it makes sense to sell versus recycle, and how to determine the best option for your old sneakers. Whether you’re looking to make some extra cash or want to make an eco-friendly choice, we’ve got you covered. Plus, if resale isn’t an option, you can always recycle your sneakers with SneakerCycle to keep them out of landfills!

How to Resell Shoes: Key Factors to Consider

Before you list your old sneakers for sale, it’s important to assess whether they have resale potential. Here are the top factors that determine a sneaker’s resale value:

1. Brand and Model

Not all sneakers are created equal when it comes to resale. High-demand brands like Nike, Adidas, Jordan, and Yeezy tend to have strong resale markets, while lesser-known brands may not be as profitable.

If your sneakers are limited edition, collaborations, or from a hyped release, they are more likely to fetch a high resale price. Some of the most valuable sneaker models include:

• Nike Air Jordan 1 (especially collaborations and retro releases)

• Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2

• Nike Dunk Low and High (especially SB editions)

• New Balance 550 and 2002R collaborations

• Reebok and Puma collaborations

2. Condition of the Sneakers

Sneakers in excellent condition (minimal wear, clean soles, and intact insoles) will command higher prices. If your shoes have heavy creasing, scuffed midsoles, or excessive dirt, their value drops significantly.

Most resellers classify sneakers using these conditions:

• Deadstock (DS) – Brand new, never worn, original box and tags.

• Near Deadstock (NDS) – Worn once or twice, very minimal wear.

• Used (VNDS – Very Near Deadstock) – Lightly worn but in great shape.

• Heavily Used – Noticeable wear, creasing, sole dirt, or fading (low resale value).

3. Market Demand and Timing

Sneaker prices fluctuate based on market trends and hype cycles. Before listing your sneakers, check platforms like StockX, GOAT, and eBay to see what similar pairs are selling for.

Timing also matters—selling right after a sneaker’s release or during peak shopping seasons (like back-to-school or holiday periods) can lead to better prices.

When Should You Recycle Instead of Resell?

Not all sneakers are worth reselling. If your shoes are heavily worn, damaged, or from a brand that doesn’t have strong resale demand, recycling might be a better option. Here are the signs that your sneakers should be recycled:

1. Too Worn for Resale

If your sneakers have:

• Holes in the upper or soles

• Completely worn-out tread

• Torn or missing laces

• Broken air units (for Nike/Adidas models)

Then they likely won’t sell for much and are better suited for recycling.

2. Off-Brand or Low-Demand Models

Not every sneaker has a resale market. If your shoes are from lesser-known brands or general releases with little hype, they might not attract buyers. Instead of throwing them away, consider recycling them.

3. Helping the Environment

If you care about sustainability, recycling is a fantastic option. Over 300 million pairs of sneakers end up in landfills each year, taking decades to break down. Choosing to recycle helps keep waste out of the environment and contributes to a circular economy.

How to Recycle Sneakers Responsibly

If your sneakers aren’t suitable for resale, SneakerCycle offers a simple, eco-friendly way to dispose of them. Here’s how it works:

1. Gather Your Sneakers – Collect any old, worn-out sneakers you no longer wear.

2. Ship or Drop Off – Use SneakerCycle’s program to send in your sneakers for recycling.

3. Make an Impact – Your old sneakers will either be refurbished and reused or broken down into materials for new products.

Recycle Your Sneakers Today with SneakerCycle!

Should You Resell or Recycle? A Quick Decision Guide

If you’re still unsure whether to resell or recycle, here’s a quick guide to help:

If your sneakers have resale value, take advantage of platforms like StockX, GOAT, or eBay to make extra cash. But if they’re too worn or don’t hold market demand, choosing to recycle is the best way to reduce waste and help the planet.

Final Thoughts: Give Your Sneakers a Second Life

Whether you decide to resell your sneakers for profit or recycle them for sustainability, making a conscious decision about your old footwear is important. Selling can help you earn extra cash, while recycling ensures sneakers don’t end up in landfills.

By choosing to resell or recycle, we are here to help you at SneakerCycle. You’re taking a step towards a more sustainable and profitable way to handle your old sneakers. Let’s keep sneakers out of landfills and give them a second life!