How to sell trainers online in the UK
Trainers are one of the easiest things to sell secondhand: people search for exact models and sizes, and even worn pairs from the big brands hold some value. Here's how to get them found and sold.
Where to sell them
- Vinted for everyday worn pairs: Air Max, Stan Smiths, Converse, school trainers. Buyers expect used, and sellers pay no selling fee.
- eBay for higher-value or collectable pairs, rare colourways and bigger sizes. More buyers search there for exact models, and eBay runs extra authenticity checks on some higher-priced trainers.
- Depop for streetwear and retro styles: chunky trainers, skate shoes, vintage running shoes.
- Facebook Marketplace for kids' trainers and quick local sales where the buyer can try them on.
Not sure where to start? See the UK selling apps compared.
Find the style code
Most big brands print a style code (also called the product or SKU code) on the size label inside the tongue or on the inside wall, and on the box label. It looks something like DD1391-100.
Searching that code tells you the exact model name and colourway, which is what serious buyers search for. It also makes your listing look genuine. Put it in the description, and photograph the label.
Clean them (but don't hide wear)
Ten minutes of cleaning shows in every photo:
- Knock the dirt out of the soles and brush the treads.
- Wipe the midsoles with a damp cloth or a magic sponge.
- Wash the laces, or swap in a fresh pair if they're grey.
- Stuff them with paper so they hold their shape in photos.
Then show the truth: creasing, sole wear, scuffs and any yellowing. Buyers who know exactly what they're getting don't open "not as described" claims.
Photos buyers trust
Trainer buyers want to see the pair from every side. In daylight on a plain background, take:
- Both shoes from the side (the outside of the pair).
- The inside of both shoes.
- Front and back (toe boxes and heels).
- The soles, showing the tread wear.
- The size label inside the tongue, with the style code readable.
- Close-ups of any marks or creasing.
More on light and angles in how to take photos that sell.
Writing the listing
Lead with what buyers type: brand, model, colourway, size. Then the condition and the code.
Give the UK size, and the EU or US size if it's on the label: buyers filter by size, and getting it wrong is the most common reason for returns.
Pricing
Search the model (or the style code) on eBay and tick Sold items, or check sold listings on Vinted. That shows what pairs in similar condition actually went for, not what people are asking.
- Box, spare laces and receipt all add a little.
- Common sizes (UK 8 to 10 men's, 5 to 6 women's) sell fastest; rarer sizes can hold a higher price for longer.
- Heavily worn everyday pairs are often worth more bundled or listed cheaply to sell quickly.
For a repeatable method, see how to price items on Vinted.
Posting them
The box is the best packaging if you have it: put the box inside a bag or a bigger box so the original doesn't get marked. No box? Stuff the shoes with paper, wrap them, and use a sturdy box rather than a bag, so the toes don't get crushed. Weigh the parcel before you choose the postage size.
Snap the trainers, get the listing
Photograph the pair and the label, and Snappy writes the title, description, size, condition and a suggested price for Vinted, eBay or Depop.
Try Snappy free → 3 free listings · no card neededFAQ
Everyday worn pairs sell well on Vinted, where sellers pay no selling fee. Higher-value or collectable pairs often do better on eBay, and streetwear styles suit Depop.
Usually on the size label inside the tongue or the inside wall of the shoe, and on the box label.
Yes. Most worn trainers sell without one. The box matters more for newer or collectable pairs.
Yes: soles, midsoles and laces. But photograph any creasing or wear clearly rather than hiding it.