Reselling shoes from thrift stores is an easy and profitable way for both veteran and new resellers to make money. Most shoes hold value, but some shoe brands are more profitable to resell than others.
Resellers look for specific shoe brands when finding cheap shoes to resell from thrift stores. The right sneaker brands will resell for a good amount of money and will sell quickly. You can use the eBay app to look up sold prices of used shoes and estimate their values while you’re at the thrift store.
The next time you’re looking for sneakers to resell at thrift stores or Goodwill outlet stores, be sure to keep these seven brands in mind. They bring in the most money and sell the fastest and will teach you how to find sneakers to resell.
- Brooks
- Vans
- Hoka
- Jordan
- Nike
- Merrell
- Converse
1) Brooks
Brooks are a great shoe brand for resellers to look for at thrift stores and garage sales. Brooks are a high-end running sneaker that retain their value because of how popular they are. They are one of the many profitable brands to look for at Goodwill.
Most new pairs of Brooks retail for around $100. Many buyers can’t afford to spend that amount of money on their favorite shoe, so they turn toward the used market to buy their pairs.
It’s rare to find a pair of brooks selling on eBay for less than $35 and that’s because of how sought after they are. Many buyers look for Brooks because the shoes are comfortable, lightweight running shoes that have a history of being high-quality.
If you find a pair of Brooks while thrifting, it’ll definitely be worth your time to check them out.
2) Vans
While Vans might not sell for the most money, they definitely sell quickly. It’s because of how popular the shoe brand is amongst the masses. Men, women and children all wear Vans, which makes it a fast-selling item to resell.
Vans are pretty durable and used pairs are usually given to thrift stores with lots of wear and life still in them. It doesn’t matter what color, size or cut Vans are, buy them if you see them at the thrift store.
The coolest part about Vans is most pairs are really easy to clean. The majority of Vans are made from canvas, which can be cleaned up quickly and nicely if done correctly. Use a shoe cleaner and you might be able to make a few more dollars from some beat-up Vans after restoring them.
In general, Vans are one of the best shoe brands to resell.
3) Hoka
Hokas are another great shoe brand to buy at the thrift store if you see a pair. It doesn’t matter the size color or model, all used Hoka in good condition will resell for good money.
Hoka shoes are lightweight, running and comfortable shoes that retail for more than $100. They have a huge following and their resell value reflects how much people want these shoes. Hoka shoes typically sell for around half of their retail value if they are in good used condition.
If you’re into hyped shoes, you might not have heard of Hoka before, but you should buy every used pair you can get at thrift stores. Just make sure they aren’t to beat up and have tread left on the bottom.
4) Jordan
Jordan Brand sneakers almost always resell for good money. Retro Jordans sell for the most money, but any pair of cheap Jordans you can find at the thrift store will likely turn a profit.
Jordan is a hyped streetwear and basketball sneaker brand that is well-known across the world. The sneakers name Jordan comes from legendary basketball player Michael Jordan.
One thing to look out for when thrifting Jordans to resell is fake pairs. Make sure you look up each pair before you buy them as there are many fake Jordan shoes out in the world.
5) Nike
Similar to Jordan sneakers, most Nikes resell for good money as well. Just make sure the Nikes are in good used condition. The best sneaker to sizes to resell for Nikes are men’s 12 and 13. They will usually sell for more than smaller men’s sizes or kids sizes.
Many buyers look to Nike for high-quality and comfortable sneakers, even if the shoes are used.
6) Merrell
Merrell hiking shoes and boots are an automatic buy at thrift stores. These durable hiking shoes are fast-sellers on eBay and can bring in a lot money quickly.
Many hikers prefer Merrell boots and shoes when going up and down mountains. Merrells retail for a lot of money and don’t fall in value on the aftermarket.
Even if you find a pair of Merrells that aren’t in the best condition, buy them and try to resell them. You might be surprised how quickly they are purchased.
7) Converse
Lastly, Converse is another shoe brand to watch for at thrift stores. You’ll likely only find one kind of Converse shoe at thrift stores: Chuck Taylors. But that’s OK because that’s the only model resellers look for.
Chuck Taylor low and high-top sneakers in any color or size are what resellers want to find at thrift stores. The sell-through rate on Chuck Taylors is ridiculously high, similar to Vans. It’s because anyone can wear them and they are such a classic and iconic sneaker.
Converse Chuck Taylors don’t have to be in the best condition to resell quickly. Most pairs are comprised of mainly canvas and rubber so they can be cleaned up to earn a little more money.
Conclusion
Brooks, Vans, Hoka, Jordan, Nike, Merrell and Converse are all shoe brands resellers should look for at thrift stores. They retain the most value as used shoes and sell quickly if they are in good condition. If you’ve ever wandered how do sneaker resellers get so many shoes, it’s because they know about several different brands.
Examining shoes at the thrift store is crucial for resellers. None of the shoe brands on this list will sell for good money if the sneakers are too trashed. Make sure you at least check for holes, stains and wear marks on the sole of the shoe.
Another note to keep in mind is for the most part, women’s running shoes sell more than men’s running shoes. Chances are high you will find a lot of running shoes at the thrift stores so don’t forget about looking at the women’s shoes as well as the men’s pairs.
