How to sell trainers on eBay and Vinted

• The exact model and colourway, ideally with the style code from the label inside the tongue or on the box.
• The size in UK, EU and US, because sizing differs between brands and buyers abroad shop in their own system.
• Sole wear: how much tread is left, heel drag and any separation where the sole meets the upper.
• Creasing across the toe box, scuffs, stains and yellowing on white or icy soles.
• The insides: insole wear, heel lining rubs and whether the insoles are original.
• Whether the box, spare laces, tags or receipt are included.
• For hyped pairs, signs that they're genuine: stitching, labels, fonts and the box label matching the shoe label.

1. Both shoes from the side, outer edge facing the camera.
2. The pair from the front and from the back (heels).
3. Soles, flat and in good light, so tread wear is obvious.
4. Top-down view showing the toe box and any creasing.
5. The size label inside the tongue, readable, with the style code.
6. Insoles and heel lining.
7. Close-ups of every flaw: scuffs, marks, glue stains, sole separation.
8. The box and its label, plus any extras such as spare laces.

• Start with the brand and model, then the colourway name if it has one.
• Add the size with its system, for example UK 8, and add EU if there's room.
• Include the style code: collectors search by it and it removes any doubt about which version it is.
• Finish with condition shorthand and key extras, such as box or new laces.
• Leave out words like 'rare' or 'hype': they waste characters and buyers ignore them.

Example title

Nike Air Max 90 White Grey UK 8 EU 42.5 DM0029-100 Worn Twice With Box

Words buyers search for

• brand and model (Air Max 90, Samba, 550)
• colourway name
• UK size and EU size
• style code or SKU
• men's, women's, kids', unisex
• deadstock or DS (only if unworn)
• with box, OG box
• retro, OG, low, mid, high

• Size in UK, EU and US, as printed on the label, not converted by guesswork.
• Insole length in centimetres if the insole comes out: buyers use it to check fit across brands.
• Width fitting if it's not standard (wide, narrow, 2E and so on).
• Whether the pair runs large or small, but only if you've worn them and know.

• Say exactly how much they've been worn, for example 'worn about ten times, mostly indoors'.
• Describe sole wear in words and show it: 'light wear on the heel, tread clear everywhere else'.
• Mention creasing, yellowing and any cleaning you've done, including whether you used a machine wash.
• Only use deadstock or DS for pairs that have never been worn, even indoors.
• Name any smell, insole wear or missing original laces rather than leaving buyers to find it.

Everyday trainers in wearable condition tend to suit Vinted, where buyers browse by size and brand and often bundle a pair with clothes.

Sought-after models, limited releases and pairs with the box often reach more collectors on eBay, where buyers search by style code and expect detailed photos.

It's worth listing on both and removing the other listing as soon as one sells, so a pair can't sell twice.

• Post trainers in their box, then put the box inside a slightly larger outer box or a thick mailing bag so the shoe box doesn't get crushed or written on.
• Without a box, stuff each shoe with paper so it keeps its shape and wrap the pair in a bag before boxing.
• A boxed pair of adult trainers usually goes over the large letter size and often over a small parcel's depth, so measure the packed parcel.
• Weigh the packed parcel, not just the shoes: boxes and wrapping add more than you'd think.
• Never post a shoe box with tape and a label stuck straight on it if you've promised the box as part of the sale.

Not sure which parcel size you need? Check the postage size guide.

• Photographing only the sides and hiding the soles.
• Giving one size without saying which system it is.
• Calling worn pairs deadstock or 'like new' when the soles show wear.
• Leaving the style code out, so collectors can't find the listing.
• Shipping the shoe box with no outer protection.
• Calling a pair genuine without checking labels and codes match.

Should I clean trainers before selling them?

A gentle clean with a soft brush, mild soap and warm water usually helps, and buyers like to see clean soles. Say in the description that you've cleaned them and how, and avoid harsh products that can yellow or crack the materials.

Where do I find the style code?

On most brands it's on the size label inside the tongue or on the box label. It's usually a mix of letters and numbers next to the size information.

Do I need the original box?

No, but some buyers, especially collectors, prefer pairs with the box. Say clearly whether it's included and pack carefully either way.