NB* all the reseller sites we have mentioned below are 100% trusted and recommended by us.
The sneaker resale market has been booming globally despite the occurring ups and downs and even the current pandemic.
The global sneaker resale market is currently valued at $6 billion, according to data provided by StockX (an online marketplace for buying and selling sneakers and streetwear).
So what keeps the resale market alive? or drives the hype?
Well, it all comes down to keeping the supply below the demand. Time and time again, sportswear giants like adidas and Nike release exclusive and limited sneakers with collaborators like Kanye West, Virgil Abloh, and not forgetting the very much “hyped” retro models existing in their archives. With thousands and thousands of consumers across the world who all want to get their hands on those pairs, brands will often opt to release limited quantities, creating a buzz and a crazy hype that will only drive higher prices for the secondary market.
In South Africa, the sneaker resale market has been on the rise due to more consumers wanting to buy sneakers that they cannot purchase at retailers due to low quantities supplied by the brands.
The structure of the resale market goes back to the Sneaker Exchange days, which gave resellers a platform to connect easily with consumers.
Fast forward to today, the secondary sneaker market has evolved into one with professionalized online marketplaces and has given birth to platforms like Sneaker Spaza, Court Order, Lafamilaia, Cape Kickz, and the non-existing/forgotten Soledout. These are some of the well-known platforms in the local sneaker reselling market, catering to different audiences with competitive secondary prices.
THESE PLATFORMS EXIST BECAUSE:
- There is someone who wants to buy or sell sneakers.
- It is a form of business.
- They are stocking those rare products that don’t arrive at local retailers.
- They assist in making the transaction between buyer and seller easier, knowing that there’s a middle man to make everything go smoothly.
- They are go-to platforms in addition to other norm listing sites when dealing with uncertainty and a total stranger.
- The current pandemic has also played a role in giving more advantages to the resale market.
On the other hand, the counterfeit market is another part that cannot be ignored when we talk about the resale market. This market alone has been problematic in South Africa, where we see scammers taking advantage of consumers who have no clue about sneakers. But it cannot be ignored that this market also exists because there is some sort of demand. The counterfeit market is also harming the usual retailers because it drives most consumers out of their stores and the items they sell are at a lower price tag.
At the end of it all, it all comes down to the existence and comfort of online shopping: consumers are looking to buy products without worrying that they will be caught up in a scam trap.
So to make you feel at ease, we have rounded up a list of the Best Sneaker Reseller Sites that you should definitely check out next time when you feel like doing a Sneaker shopping spree. See the list below:
Sneaker Spaza
Site: www.sneakerspaza.co.za
Instagram: sneakerspaza
Since its launch in 2016, Sneaker Spaza has become one of the leading sneaker marketplaces—a sneaker exchange platform that connects consumers and sellers anonymously. This online-only-based marketplace allows users to buy, sell, and trade brand-new, even used or worn sneakers. Sneaker Spaza sets itself apart from the rest with reasonable prices and the lowest consignment fee. You can browse the marketplace online for some of the sneakers that you might have missed out on recently.
Court Order
Started straight from Cape Town, Court Order is a consignment shop and also an online marketplace offering a variety of sneakers, accessories, and streetwear. The consignment-based store is owned by Ahmed Seedat and boasts two physical locations—one in Joburg and another in Cape Town. Its site features a ton of Nike, adidas, and Jordan brands, along with streetwear pieces from Supreme, BAPE, Palace, and more.
Site: www.courtorder.co.za
Instagram: courtorderza
La Familia Street Culture
You cannot mention sneaker reselling without naming La Familia, founded by Kayde Psiroukis — famed Vato Kayde. He started running the reselling business from his mom’s house, moved inside a gym space, and now La Familia is located in a well-built space that carries the rarest and most exclusive sneakers, apparel, and accessories. The space also houses a barbershop, a lounge, and a courtyard area. La Familia also exists online.
Site: lafamiliastreetculture.com
Instagram: lafamiliagallery
Cape Kickz
Cape Kickz is the home of all things hype — offering sneakers and streetwear. Founded by Grant Baron, a collector and sneakerhead, the platform specializes in importing sneakers not available to the local market and also procuring the local drops. Their site is filled with a variety of sneakers from YEEZY, Air Jordan, Nike X Off-White, and streetwear brands including Supreme, KITH, and more.
Site: capekickz.com
Instagram: cape_kickz
Story Cape Town
Story is a premium sneaker, streetwear, and collectible consignment store in Cape Town as well as online. Story has quickly become one of the biggest names in Cape Town, headed by Chris Jack and Lukas J Marais. Their premium space houses a variety of sneakers, rare apparel pieces, and accessories.
Site: story.capetown
Instagram: story.capetown
Limited Run
The recently launched Limited Run also adds to the list of the best reseller sites. So far, the platform has some of the most recent Air Jordan releases, as well as some YEEZYs and apparel.
Site: limitedrun.co.za
Instagram: limitedrunshop
The Back Door
The Back Door comes latest as one of the go-to marketplaces for all things sneakers, apparel, and accessories. The store offers buy, sell, consign, and trade services available online and has a physical store. Visiting the store, you’ll definitely bump into the most recent drops from Jordans, YEEZYs, and other limited drops.
Site: thebackdoor.co.za
Instagram: the_back.door
The Sole Provider
A freshly launched and new addition to our trusted marketplaces, The Sole Provider is an online-based store carrying some of the key sneaker drops that you might have missed out on. Some of the products that make up the online store are Air Jordans, YEEZYs, a couple of Nikes and Hefted Laces.
Site: thesoleprovider.co.za
Instagram: thesoleprovider_sa
Swest Kicks
Swest Kicks is a strictly online South African sneaker and streetwear marketplace, serving all things sneakers and streetwear. The platform maintains its stability by carrying the latest sneaker releases. You can name anything from the Dunks, YEEZY’s, and other heated Jordan Brand offerings.
Site: swestkicks.com
Instagram: swest_kicks
Sole Reserve
Sole Reserve was founded at the beginning of 2020 with the aim of serving the most recent hyped sneakers and streetwear. The platform offers extended services, including selling your sneakers, trading, and sourcing pairs. Shopping wise, you can pick up anything from the Jordan brand, YEEZY’s, Off-White streetwear, and some cool accessories.
Site: solereserve.co.za
Instagram: sole.reserve
NB* We will keep updating this list throughout the year.
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