Justin Chan
·4-min read
Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the products and deals we love. If you love them too and decide to purchase through the links below, we may receive a commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
The key to flipping sneakers for profit isn’t just grabbing the most exclusive kicks —it’s also about nabbing the right sizes. While the most highly sought-after sneakers retail at top dollar, not all sizes command the same price in the resale market.
According to StockX, larger sizes don’t necessarily bring in more money, although rare sizes do. Among men’s sneakers, sizes 16 and 4.5 “carry the highest average resale multiple,” selling for nearly twice the amount of retail price. And among women’s sneakers, sizes 10.5 and 11.5 sell for 1.5 times that price.
But the best way to go about reselling the right sneaker size is to simply do the math, says Racks Hogan, host of “The Flip.”
“Know your demographic, know their size, sync up the averages, and you can better deduce what sizes are going to be the moneymakers for you,” he says on the show’s latest episode.
In other words, don’t buy sneaker sizes that aren’t a hit —they could end up collecting dust in your closet or, even worse, lose their value over time.
Speaking of sneakers, let’s check out this week’s drops.
Shop: Yeezy 500 “Utility Black”
Kanye West may have lost the 2020 presidential election, but his sneaker line is still going on strong.
Or is it? Two years ago, the hip-hop artist and creative dropped the Yeezy 500 “Utility Black,” a monochromatic sneaker that has a suede upper with mesh paneling. Back then, it retailed for $200. This year, it’s going for the same price again.
So, is it worth buying and reselling? Hogan says he isn’t sure simply because re-releases —especially ones that happen not too long after the initial releases — tend to saturate the resale market.
Shop: Air Jordan 4 “Fire Red” 2020
The Air Jordan 4 “Fire Red” has seen several retro versions since it first came out in 1989, when Michael Jordan nearly made it to the NBA Finals. The first retro was released in 2005, alongside a T-shirt and hat. One year later, another retro came out with a Mars Blackmon logo —a tribute to Spike Lee’s character in She’s Gotta Have It —on the side. In 2012, a third retro version of the sneaker had the Jumpman logo on the heel.
This year, Nike has opted to return to the original Nike Air branding on the heel. But, as fire as this sneaker is, Hogan doesn’t expect it to make that much money if resold. There’s a huge chance that Nike will release this sneaker in larger quantities, making its resale value lower than normal.
Shop: Reebok Question Mid “Yellow Toe”
Before Kobe Bryant signed a multiyear sneaker deal with Nike in 2003, there was a brief period during which Reebok attempted to woo him. The latter brand came out with a Player Exclusive pair for the Los Angeles Lakers legend but ultimately fell short in securing a contract with him.
Earlier this year, Reebok had planned to release the Reebok Question Mid “Yellow Toe” —a nod to the basketball player — during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicagobut cancelled it following Bryant’s tragic death in February. Months later, the company has reversed course and will release this shoe, which consists of a leather upper, Hexalite cushioning and a pearlized overlay, as part of its Alternates Pack.
As far as resale value goes, Hogan again isn’t quite sure how much the sneaker will go, since Reebok hasn’t announced how many pairs will be released.
If you liked this story, check out this article on why this pair of Nike Air Force 1s has hypebeasts going crazy.
More from In The Know:
Here are the safest brands to bet on if you want to flip your kicks
This best-selling Dutch oven is $230 less than Le Creuset’s option — and food bloggers love it
I tested some of the best Bluetooth speakers on the market — here are my 8 favorites
All of the Baby Yoda merch you didn’t know you needed
The post Here’s why sneaker sizes matter in the resale game appeared first on In The Know.
As an avid enthusiast with a deep understanding of the sneaker resale market, I can provide valuable insights into the article discussing the importance of sneaker sizes in the resale game. My expertise in this field is grounded in a comprehensive knowledge of market trends, pricing dynamics, and the factors influencing the resale value of sneakers.
The article emphasizes the significance of choosing the right sneaker sizes to maximize profitability in the resale market. It rightly points out that not all sizes command the same price, and understanding the preferences of the target demographic is crucial. The information from StockX, a reputable sneaker marketplace, further supports the idea that certain sizes have higher resale multiples, leading to increased profitability.
Racks Hogan, the host of "The Flip," advocates for a strategic approach, urging sellers to know their demographic, understand size preferences, and analyze average resale prices. This advice underscores the importance of data-driven decision-making in the sneaker resale business.
Now, let's delve into the specific sneaker releases mentioned in the article:
-
Yeezy 500 "Utility Black"
- Kanye West's Yeezy line is discussed, highlighting the re-release of the Yeezy 500 "Utility Black." The article questions its worth in terms of resale, pointing out the potential saturation of the market due to re-releases, especially in close succession.
-
Air Jordan 4 "Fire Red" 2020
- The history of the Air Jordan 4 "Fire Red" is outlined, including various retro versions and design changes. Despite its popularity, Racks Hogan expresses skepticism about its resale potential, citing the possibility of Nike releasing the sneaker in larger quantities, which could diminish its resale value.
-
Reebok Question Mid "Yellow Toe"
- The article touches on the Reebok Question Mid "Yellow Toe," a sneaker with historical significance related to Kobe Bryant. The uncertainty surrounding its resale value is attributed to Reebok not announcing the quantity of pairs to be released, adding an element of unpredictability to its market performance.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the sneaker resale market, emphasizing the importance of understanding size preferences and market dynamics. It offers a nuanced perspective on specific sneaker releases, taking into account factors such as re-releases, design changes, and brand decisions that can impact resale value. As a seasoned expert in the sneaker industry, I appreciate the nuanced analysis presented in the article, offering readers actionable advice for navigating the dynamic world of sneaker reselling.
