Buying Used Sneakers: A Complete Guide To Finding the Best Deals

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Buying used sneakers can help you score fantastic footwear without the hefty price tag. But if you're not careful, you could run into problems like undisclosed wear, fake brands, or poorly repaired shoes.

Knowing the right secondhand shopping strategies helps you become a thrifting expert. By thrifting at premium stores, establishing a cleaning routine, and learning to spot unique gems, you can find excellent used shoes for less cash—and keep them out of landfills.

Follow our guide to learn the ins and outs of buying used sneakers.

Why should you buy used sneakers?

Buying used shoes has significant benefits, positively impacting your wallet and the planet. Here are the main reasons to thrift online at a secondhand sneaker store:

• Find lower price points: Used sneakers are typically much more affordable than new ones, letting you enjoy high-quality brands without breaking the bank.
• Reduce environmental impact: Buying preloved shoes gives them a second life and leads to waste reduction. People throw away 22 billion pairs of shoes annually, and those items take 30–40 years to decompose in landfills.
• Discover unique looks: Thrifting gives you easy access to exclusive footwear styles, including special edition sneakers, discontinued models, and hard-to-obtain sustainable brands.
• Explore vintage items: Secondhand sneaker stores allow you to buy vintage pieces like used Jordans, ’80s high-tops, and ’60s flats, opening the door to retro looks.
• Keep up with growing kids: Children outgrow their shoes quickly (sometimes in only a few months), and thrifting allows you to buy high-quality items more frequently.

Thrifted sneakers are a positive choice for sustainability, affordability, and convenience, and they aren’t always worn out or faded. With the right tips on hand, you can reap the benefits of buying used shoes while enjoying like-new quality.

Buying used shoes with confidence: 4 top tips

Thrifted sneakers are a positive choice for sustainability, affordability, and convenience, and they aren’t always worn out or faded. 

Here are our four best strategies to find the perfect pair of used shoes and elevate your thrifting game.

1. Buy from the best used sneaker websites

If you’re asking yourself, “Where can I buy used shoes?” head straight to a source like ThredUp. While stores like eBay and StockX are solid platforms, ThredUp shines with its detailed filtering and intuitive, advanced Search function.

Our smart search goes beyond simple keywords and uses natural language, so you can type in whatever you have in mind and get accurate results. For example, you can search for “white sneakers with a splash of color” and find spot-on results to browse. 

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ThredUp also offers a massive selection, with everything from Air Jordans to designer heels—and we receive 6,000 new items every day, so you’ll always find fresh styles.

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2. Find authentic looks for less

High-quality sneaker brands look great and last for years, and you can get pairs for excellent prices when you thrift. But with many less reputable sites, it’s essential to ensure the shoes are authentic.

Check if your shoes are legitimate by examining the tags, logo, and design and comparing them to online photos of the brand. You can also join forums and ask experts and hobbyists for their input.

To guarantee authenticity, though, always buy used sneakers from dependable websites. At ThredUp, high-quality, exclusive brands must pass through our authentication team, which carefully examines them for signs of counterfeiting.

Thrift like a pro and find these deluxe items by using our improved search and filters. For example, a quick query for “hightop Nike sneakers” delivers excellent results, and you can narrow down your search even more when you filter by “New Arrivals” and “Prices $25 to $50.”

3. Check for damage and wear

Review used shoes for critical damage. Avoid buying secondhand sneakers with faults that compromise their overall quality and lifespan, such midsole cracks, heel separation, and heel drag.

Remember that minor wear and tear, like faded colors or scuffs, is normal. You can easily mend or freshen up a pair with slight imperfections without affecting the shoe’s structure. For instance, hand sanitizer and baking soda are quick household items that help remove scuffs from sneakers. Unfortunately, heavily damaged shoes can be too far gone, so avoid buying those extra worn-out pairs.

But even if shoes in your own closet are looking too rough to wear again, it doesn’t mean they need to go to a landfill. Help our planet by upcycling old sneakers or donating them to recycling programs.

4. Perfect your cleaning routine

Some dust and dirt shouldn’t prevent you from getting the perfect pair of thrifted sneakers. Learn a few household cleaning hacks and keep them in your back pocket so you’re always ready.

Here are a few easy go-to cleaning tips:

• Cold wash cycle: A quick cold cycle in the washing machine removes most dirt and stains. Air dry for 24–48 hours to finish.
• Baking soda and vinegar: Mix one tablespoon of baking soda and one cup of vinegar, gently scrub it into your shoes with a brush, and rinse the mixture off with fresh water.
• Melamine sponges: These “erasers” have mildly abrasive surfaces that remove dirt without damaging the shoe. Moisten them and scrub your shoes—no rinsing required.
• Sneaker cleaner: Spray foam cleaner is a quick way to clean problematic areas, like the soles, that can become packed with dirt.

Pro tip: Always research your shoe brand and material before trying a new cleaning method to avoid damaging them.

Find your next favorite pair of sneakers on ThredUp

Buying used sneakers is a win-win: it’s better for the planet and easier on your wallet. Spot authentic brands, check for damage, and recognize dependable sites like ThredUp.

ThredUp is the ideal online thrift shop for quality secondhand shoes. Our massive range of styles and sizes means there’s something for everyone, and our search features make it easy to find your ideal style. Ask our Style Chat for a specific look and browse a selection of similar items. A prompt like “Give me a festival look with white sneakers” brings up shoes, jackets, and dresses—you can even see what your outfit looks like on a generated person.

Plus, you never need to worry about authenticity on ThredUp. Our top-notch quality standards and thorough evaluation ensure thrifters can confidently buy without worrying about fake brands.

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