Guide for UK resellers

How to start reselling trainers in the UK

Reselling trainers means buying pairs for less than people will pay for them, and selling them on. Here's where to find pairs, which ones sell, how to work out your profit, and what to know about tax.

1. Know your numbers before you buy

A pair is only worth buying if it sells for more than you paid after fees and postage. Check what the same pair in the same size has recently sold for, not what it's listed at, then take off the platform's cut. Here's one pair bought for £110.00, sold three ways:

The higher price isn't always the bigger profit. Try your own pair in the fee calculators, which also tell you the price you need to break even.

2. Where to find pairs

• Releases and raffles: limited drops from Nike SNKRS, adidas Confirmed and sneaker shops' raffles. The biggest margins, but you'll lose far more draws than you win.
• Sales and outlets: general releases that dropped in price but still sell well second-hand. Steadier, smaller margins.
• Underpriced listings: pairs on Vinted, eBay and Facebook Marketplace listed below what they sell for, often by people clearing out.
• Charity shops and car boots: cheap finds, especially older runners and retro pairs that sell well on Depop and eBay.

3. Which trainers resell

Limited releases and collaborations from Nike, Jordan, adidas and New Balance are what most resellers chase, but they're also what everyone else is chasing. Everyday pairs in good condition and popular sizes, roughly UK 7 to 10, sell steadily for smaller profits. Whatever you buy, check recent sold prices for that exact size first; demand varies a lot between sizes of the same shoe.

4. Where to sell

New, in-demand pairs usually go to StockX or GOAT; worn and general-release pairs sell well on Vinted and eBay, where private sellers pay no selling fee. Our guide to where to sell trainers in the UK compares what you keep on each.

5. Track every pair

Once you have more than a few pairs, it's easy to lose track of what you paid, what's still in stock and whether you're actually making money after fees. Keep a record of every pair from day one: what it cost, where it sold, and the fees and postage.

6. Tax

Buying trainers to sell on for a profit is trading, even as a side hustle. The first £1,000 of sales in a tax year is covered by the trading allowance; over that, you'll usually need to register for Self Assessment. Platforms also report sellers to HMRC after 30 sales or about £1,700 in a calendar year. The HMRC tax checker shows whether you're over either line.

This is general information, not tax advice. Check GOV.UK or speak to an accountant about your own situation.

Common questions

Is reselling trainers still worth it?

It can be, but the easy money from hyped releases has shrunk, so margins come from buying well: sales, outlets, underpriced listings and the right sizes. Work out your profit after fees and postage on every pair before you buy, not after.

How much money do I need to start?

You can start with one pair. Many resellers begin by flipping a few pairs bought in sales or second-hand, then reinvest the profit. Only spend money you can afford to have tied up for a few weeks while a pair sells.

Is reselling trainers legal in the UK?

Yes. Buying trainers and selling them on is legal. Selling fakes is not, and platforms will remove listings and ban accounts for it, so only buy from sources you trust.

Do I have to pay tax on reselling trainers?

Buying pairs to sell at a profit is trading. If your sales across all platforms are over £1,000 in a tax year (6 April to 5 April), you'll usually need to register for Self Assessment. Our HMRC tax checker shows where you stand.

What sizes resell best?

Popular men's sizes, roughly UK 7 to 10, sell most often, while very small and very large sizes can fetch more on scarce pairs. Check recent sold prices for your exact size before you buy.