Sneakers are the most liquid asset in fashion. A hyped pair can be bought and sold within hours, with live market prices you can actually chart. That liquidity makes the category beginner-friendly — but it also means margins are tight and authentication is everything.
Where to buy with confidence
- StockX — works like a stock exchange: live bids, asks and price history for every model. You see exactly what a shoe is worth before you buy. Every pair is authenticated in transit.
- GOAT — huge catalogue of new and used, with condition tiers and strong authentication. Better than StockX for older or used pairs.
- eBay — its Authenticity Guarantee now covers sneakers above a price threshold, often at lower prices than the dedicated platforms.
Where to sell for the best return
On StockX and GOAT, the trade-off is convenience versus fees — both take a seller commission plus payment processing, typically 10–15% all-in. For unworn, in-demand pairs the speed is worth it. For used or less hyped shoes, a direct sale on eBay or to the menswear crowd on Grailed usually nets more.
Condition is the whole game
Sneaker buyers grade obsessively. "Deadstock" (DS) means unworn and complete; "VNDS" is very-near-deadstock. The original box, extra laces and any accessories all add value — never bin them. Yellowed soles, creasing and sole separation cut a price fast, so store pairs out of sunlight and use shoe trees for structured silhouettes.
Know what you're holding
Before you list, check the live comps on StockX so you price against the real market, not nostalgia. Cataloguing your rotation in AGITE — with our value estimator for a quick range — keeps you honest about which pairs to flip and which to keep on feet.