We all use the internet the same way; we google things we are looking for. Unfortunately for consumers everywhere, the major resell platforms dominate the search rankings for sneaker results. If you’re looking for any sneaker online, you are guaranteed to have at least half of your results lead to websites that sell sneakers at a markup. Below are five websites to check before paying resale for a sneaker in no particular order. This is especially helpful for General Release (GR) sneakers and less hyped-up products. While a SoleSavy premium membership or DROPS app for mobile can help you find sneakers easier, here are some tips to use when looking for the sneakers you love.
Local Boutiques Online
Many times, your local boutique will carry products in stock longer than Nike and sometimes even at better prices. While Drop Alerts (link) makes it easier to reverse search these stores, here is a list of some of the best sneaker retailers out there to check for products at retail or less.
USA
| UNDFTD | https://undefeated.com/ |
| Notre | https://www.notre-shop.com/ |
| A Ma Maniere | https://www.a-ma-maniere.com |
| WISH | https://wishatl.com |
| Bodega | https://bdgastore.com |
| Concepts | https://cncpts.com |
| Social Status | https://www.socialstatuspgh.com |
| RSVP | https://rsvpgallery.com |
| Saint Alfreds | https://www.saintalfred.com |
| NOTRE | https://www.notre-shop.com |
| XHIBITION | https://www.xhibition.co |
| POLITICS | https://sneakerpolitics.com |
| FEATURE | https://feature.com |
| CRÉME | https://creme321.com |
| Trophy Room | https://www.trophyroomstore.com |
| UBIQ | https://www.ubiqlife.com |
| Lapstone and Hammer | https://www.lapstoneandhammer.com |
| The Darkside Initiative | https://www.thedarksideinitiative.com |
Canada
| Livestock | https://www.deadstock.ca/ |
| Haven | https://shop.havenshop.com |
| NRML | https://nrml.ca/ |
| Capsule | https://www.capsuletoronto.com/ |
| Courtside | https://www.courtsidesneakers.com/ |
EU
| SVD | https://www.sivasdescalzo.com/en/lifestyle |
| FOOT DISTRICT | https://footdistrict.com/en/ |
| OVERKILL | https://www.overkillshop.com |
| FOOT PATROL | https://www.footpatrol.com |
| END | https://www.endclothing.com/ca/ |
| SLAM JAM SJS | https://www.slamjamsocialism.com |
SKU Search in Google Shopping
Instead of searching page results for sneakers and using the name of the shoe, you should search via the SKU. For example, the Air Jordan 7 “Citrus” retro is CU9307-081. By searching this, you will get more accurate Shopping results on Google from boutiques and stores selling retail or less. Make sure to cross-reference the store you are buying from with our list above to avoid buying fakes, as DH Gate sells unauthorized sneakers and will be shown occasionally.
SoleSavy COLLECT app and Member Store
COLLECT is a peer-to-peer marketplace to buy, sell, and trade your sneakers, and with 0% fees for premium members and low fees for others, you will find more pricing that benefits you, the buyer, and makes prices lower. Before paying top dollar, see what the rest of the sneaker community is selling for retail.
After members get first dibs on a new sneaker that gets added to the SoleSavy Member Store, we open it up to the general public. You will always find our prices to be retail or less for mostly sold-out sneakers. It’s a great option for a curated selection of sneakers that normally sells for a premium on secondary marketplaces.
Check Brand Websites for Alternative Options
We understand we all want the new heat that’s dropped but stop and ask yourself, “is it really worth paying the current market price?” Does an alternative sneaker from the same brand appease your desire for this colorway? Next time you miss out on a sneaker, go to Nike.com, adidas.com, etc., and search for that model. See what else may get your attention that you will be happy to wear and won’t cost a small fortune. Most sneaker resale apps push FOMO (fear of missing out) on consumers, so you pay resale as soon as possible after release. When in doubt, take a pause and wait. If you absolutely need that sneaker for above retail, wait two weeks after release for the best prices.
Check For Used (VNDS)
One of the best ways to save up to hundreds of dollars is opting to go with a slightly used option. Like new cars, sneakers lose a significant amount of value after being worn, or Un-DS’d (un-deadstock). This means you can often find the sneaker you want in 9/10 condition for hundreds off. If you’re planning to wear the sneaker, that minimal wear won’t make a difference once you rock them. Many marketplaces offer used or pre-owned if you set your search for that.