Sell sneakers online

To get started with selling sneakers online, you’ll first want to thoroughly research the types of sneakers you’d like to sell. Pre-owned, refurbished, and brand new in box (BNIB) are the three main categories. Once you’ve decided, you can use Shopify to start your store and upload images and descriptions of your sneakers. Taking high-quality photographs of the sneakers using a modern camera or smartphone will help you win customers. Note the condition of the sneakers in your product description to set the right customer expectations and build trust.

You can sell sneakers online using your own store built with a platform like Shopify, a third-party marketplace, social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook or TikTok where your sneaker audience hangs out, or on one of several niche websites such as Kixify, StockX, FightClub or Stadium Goods.

Yes. Shopify allows merchants to build beautiful online stores and sell directly to customers. Plus, Shopify merchants can sell their sneakers directly on marketplaces like Instagram and Facebook — the channels where their buyers shop — with social channel integrations.

Selling sneakers can be a profitable business, with some sneaker stores able to generate thousands up to millions annually. However, several factors come into play when determining which sneakers will sell best, including shoe brand, current popularity, and availability.

To determine the best price for your sneakers, add up the costs of bringing your product to market. After that, research the potential profit margins for the types of sneakers you wish to sell. Are they made by popular brands such as Air Jordan or Yeezy? Are the sneakers limited edition with only a few numbers available? These factors can take your profit margins from $20-50 up to hundreds of dollars.

Rare, limited edition sneakers made by brands such as Nike and Adidas sell the best online. The latest releases from brands like Air Jordan and Yeezy or sponsored by athletes such as Kevin Durant and LeBron James also fall into this category. Other niche sneakers, such as those custom-designed for specific audiences, like runners or gym enthusiasts, can sell well online.

Nice Kicks is an excellent example of a store created using Shopify that focuses on popular brands that “sneakerheads” would want to buy. Another example can be found in startup fashion brand Allbirds that uses the Shopify platform to help run its omni-channel marketing and sales strategy.