Discovering The Sneaker Aftermarket
Searching through eBay, I filtered strictly by price and not by brand name. I was searching for items that were selling for around $500-1000 that I could make a profit from.
To my surprise, in the $1000 realm, among the name-brand luxury bags and other obviously expensive items were a pair of Nikes.
It was February 2015 and the shoes were the Air Jordan 2 Just Don.
Little did I know that this discovery would open the door to my most profitable flipping venture yet, and the one that would match and replace my job income.
I saw that many pairs were selling for nearly $1000 with a lot of bidding action. After doing some research, I found that these shoes were available at retail at $350. Instantly I knew that I wanted to start selling shoes.
Not only did these mark the checkbox of an item that sold for $500-1000, it exceeded my profit goal of $100 per item: I could make over $500 per shoe I sold!
I would only have to sell one shoe per week to make my $500 per week goal, and I could even make $1,000 in a week if I sold 2 shoes maybe even $1,000 in a day.
Nicks Notes: eBay takes a 10% fee on each sale.
My mind started spinning and I became super driven to learn all that I could about the shoe reselling game.
After spending hours of research and using the little money that I had saved, I bought my first pair of shoes to resell. It was a pair of Jordans that I bought for $190. I sold them hours later for $300 an $80 profit after shipping and fees.
Best Nike Shoes Of All Time
Nothing makes youmove as fast as a pair of good shoes. And when it comes to comfort and style,theres hardly any brand that can beat Nike. Ever since its inception in 1972, thisname has been revolutionizing the footwear industry with products that are betterthan their predecessors.
Fancy taking a look at some of the best produced shoes by the Swoosh? Here you go!
We bring to you ten best Nike shoes of all time. From Air Jordans to Air Maxs heres what makes the sneaker aficionados keep falling for the brand. For a detailed comparison of the best Nike shoes, wed recommend you to check RepublicLab.com. And youd love that you did!
For now, lets take you to theworld of Nikes best of the bests.
Nike Air Vapormax Flyknit 3
Adorning the brands excellentFlyknit construction, the Air VaporMax Flyknit 3 changed the game of running.From amazing looks to a breathable fit this pair offers everything to thelovers of running.
VaporMax Air technology ensures lightweightresponsiveness. And the Flyknit upper makes sure that good support andunbeatable stretch become your next best friends. With its springy bounce, ithas become a favorite of runners worldwide and continues to make new fans everyday.
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Q: Can You Customize Nike Sneakers
A: Nike has thought of everything, and while they already have plenty of options regarding styles, models and distinct color options already to choose off the shelf, they have gone that one step further with offering this customized NikeID service. This allows you to get creative and really personalize your sneakers, assuming that the model you have purchased is part of this innovative programme. Most of their most popular models are so you should be OK, and it really does make for a totally bespoke, unique, one of a kind experience. Imagine the satisfaction of knowing that you not only designed your own unique pair of Nikes but that no-one else will be wearing them. Well, unless you have a clone who opted to adapt their sneakers with precisely the same level of customization as you!
Multiple shoe styles and other products from Nike are offered for customization so check out their website. The one thing they wont allow is for you to submit an existing pair of shoes for customization. They have to be a new pair of Nikes.
In terms of what and how you can customize your items, well again, the number of options available to you will vary depending upon the style. The main components that you will typically be able to switch up are the colors of the various components along with creating a Personalized ID In some instances, you may even be able to further customize by changing the standard material, feature and fit.
A Brief History Of Nike
The company was founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight. It initially operated as a distributor for Japanese shoemaker Onitsuka Tiger, but by 1971, the company decided to launch its own footwear line, which was rebranded as Nike. It was named after the Greek goddess of victory.
The company then hired Carolyn Davidson, a graphic design student, to create a logo for their new brand. She made the Swoosh logo, which stands for speed, while its shape is inspired by the wing of the Greek goddess Nike. Carolyn charged a mere $35 for the logo, which has remained unchanged up until today.
Amare Stoudemire showcases a sampling of his very own shoe collection including the new Nike Air Max Sweep at Foot Locker Store in New York City on October 11, 2011
One of their most successful endorsements has been with Michael Jordan. Their collaboration resulted in the launch of the Air Jordan line of sneakers, which now has 33 flagship models. Forbes reported in May 2020 that Nike has paid the former basketball player an estimated $1.3 billion since they signed the deal with him in 1984.
Nike is undeniably one of the most popular shoe brands in terms of sports fashion. The brand has produced timeless sneaker designs that can be used for sports, casual wear, and other recreational activities.
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Scaling Up The Sneaker Flipping Operation
I kept reselling pairs in that range until I had enough money saved to buy a pair of shoes for $900. After a few anxious days of waiting, I was able to flip them at $1200 for a profit of about $200. I also began to learn how to secure these $1000 shoes at retail for insane profit margins of over $500 per shoe.
I started as an absolute outsider and 4 months in I cleared $10,000 for the month.
Once you know what youre doing and you take the time to build your reputation and stay on top with sneaker news, the consistency and ease of selling aftermarket sneakers amazes me to this day.
How We Chose These Shoes
Weve tested many of the shoes below, and the others were in the process of testing. That means getting feedback from our Runners World staff and team of over 350 wear testers, as well as analyzing the shoes in our lab. Weve performed a battery of mechanical tests to assess the energy return of Nikes carbon-fiber plates, the softness of ZoomX midsoles, and the breathability of Flyknit versus Vaporweave upper materials. The options below incorporate Nikes newest top-shelf innovations, and include both flagship models and picks that suit the needs of trail runners and overpronators. Where possible, weve linked to full reviews for a more in-depth look at an individual shoes performance.
BEST DAILY TRAINER
- Thicker midsole, now with React foam, provides bottomless cushioning
- Heel fit felt slightly loose to some testers
Nearly everything above the outsole on the latest version of the beloved Pegasus is new. The Cushlon foam used in previous iterations has been replaced with React foam , and a new, extra-large forefoot Zoom Air unit delivers even more energy return at toe-off. Nike made other tweaks, too: The Zoom Air unit is tuned to a lower pressure in the womens model, which makes it less stiff and slightly softer, and both the mens and womens uppers now use an interior midfoot band for a more secure fit. Take the 37th Peg off road too, with the recently released Trail 2 and Trail 2 GTX versions, or brave wintery slush and black ice in the weatherized Shield 37.
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How Do You Manage Inventory
The short answer is I dont I try and sell each pair as quickly as I buy them!
When selling shoes, it can be easy to amass a bulky collection that you have to keep somewhere. To avoid that, I focus on brand new releases or shoes that are really hot classics I know will sell quickly.
This strategy translated into less headache and hassle storing and tracking the inventory, and also let me turn my cash over to reinvest in the next flip faster.
The Best Nike Running Shoes 2021
If youre a fan of the Swoosh and are thinking of investing in a pair of Nike running shoes, we dont need to tell you that the choice is overwhelming. From the carbon fiber plates worn by Eliud Kipchoge, to the Pegasus running shoes your friend swears by, knowing where to start, especially when shopping online, can be the first hurdle to a more comfortable run.
Lets start by saying, theres no such thing as the best Nike running shoes. Like choosing a running watch or finding the perfect sports bra, its a personal choice and depends on how you run, your foot shape, and the ground youre covering. That said, theres a reason why Nike is one of the biggest brands in the world – love them or loathe them, they know their stuff when it comes to creating exciting shoes.
Since Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman started experimenting with shoe designs in 1964, Nike has had one goal – to help runners go faster and further than ever before. Here, we’ve rounded up some of our top picks – from the shoes that will help you run faster than ever on race day, to the best pair to pick for your first 5K.
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What Are The Best Nike Running Shoes
After pounding the pavements in the top models this year, we think the best Nike running shoes to buy right now are the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38. The Pegasus 38 is a safe and reliable choice. The Pegasus 38 has a higher and wider toe box than the Pegasus 37, a react midsole that offers a brilliant amount of cushioning, that is still on the firm and responsive side rather than pillowy. This makes the Pegasus 38 brilliant for everything from long training runs to shorter speedier stuff, its a great all-rounder.
Alternatively, if youre looking for a speedier shoe to help you get your next PB, the Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% are our top choice. Theyre far cheaper than the Vaporfly Next% or the Alphafly Next% on race day and they make speedwork and training really fun. In addition, you can wear them for just about all your runs, and you can even use them for race day too.
Most Popular Nike Shoes And Best Nikes Of All Time
Just like fashion trends, sneaker styles are also constantly evolving. Design and function-wise, sneakers have indeed changed a lot over the years. They were originally invented for athletics purposes, but they eventually turned into a fashion statement.
But while shoe designs are changing, there are shoe brands and styles that will always remain iconic. Take, for example, Nike.
From their small beginning in Oregon, Nike has grown into the worlds largest athletic footwear and apparel manufacturer, with a brand value of $29.6 billion in 2017. Their iconic Swoosh logo has also become one of the most recognized and counterfeited brand logos of all time.
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How Do You Deal With Fakes
Although there are plenty of fakes on the market, there are also plenty of resources that will educate you on fakes and how to spot the differences.
As a buyer, you can ask for detailed, tagged pictures and compare them to the numerous tutorials on YouTube or on sneaker forums that will give you a good idea of whether theyre authentic or not.
Also, if its a new release, only deal with people who include the receipt from the store that they purchased. That way youll know theyre real and also if its your intention to turn around and resell them, then you can prove to buyers theyre the real deal as well.
Another issue when dealing with fakes is selling authentic shoes but having the buyer try to claim that theyre fake. This can be solved by including a receipt as mentioned previously, or you can take detailed pictures as youre shipping to prove that you are in fact shipping authentic shoes.
Be sure to include tracking with signature required and insurance so the buyer also cannot claim that he or she never got the kicks.
Taking A Side In The Foam Wars
Nike does its chemistry in-house, and its foams are the products of years of experimentation. One early success was Lunarlon, a blend of EVA and bouncy nitrile rubber that debuted in the Lunaracer in 2008 and won a following for its springy, responsive feel. Nike honed this formula in its newer React foam to maximize cushioning, energy return, and durability while maintaining a low weight. ZoomX, made from blown Pebax, is Nikes most energetic foam and used in shoes like the Pegasus Turbo 2, Vaporfly, and Alphafly. Currently the fastest shoe in Nikes lineup, the Alphafly can deliver as much as 85 percent energy return Eliud Kipchoge wore a prototype of the shoe for his historic sub-two hour marathon in October 2019.
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Bestselling Nike Air Jordan Shoes
The Air Jordan never go out of style. Nikes famous sneakers live a golden moment at the beginning of last year , it became public that five of their models had sneaked into the top 10 best-selling shoes of the in the United States.
Sports industry analyst Matt Powell explained that this anomaly may be due to that Nike has increased the number of pairs of each model of Air Jordan that it distributes. Thus it is satisfying the demand of some buyers with a very short offer.
Such cheap shoes and special designs do not usually sneak into the rankings of the most sold, cheap jordans,where they compete with generic and much more affordable models such as the Nike Tanjun.
For this reason, Powell predicts that Air Jordan sales figures may increase in 2020 when fans of the brand have their favorite sneakers to their credit. In any case, here are the best-selling Air Jordan shoes. Read on!
Nikes Advanced Upper Constructions
Many Nike shoes utilize a Flyknit upper construction, where a lightweight yarn is woven tightly in some areas of the shoe and loosely in others. The loose weave allows the shoe to flex with your foot for greater comfort, and the tight weave provides support in key areas where you need it. More recently, Nike debuted the Atomknit material on the Alphafly Next%. Its made by stretching and steaming Flyknit fabric, resulting in an even lighter upper. Theres also Vaporweave , a blend of TPU and nylon thats lighter than Flyknit and also doesnt absorb moisture, so rain and sweat wont weigh it down.
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What You Need To Know Before Buying Nike Shoes On Aliexpress
Buying shoes from Aliexpress may seem like a simple task, but it could go wrong and here are a few tips to keep you safe when buying those Nike Aliexpress shoes!
Buy from the right seller
Weve made a list of the best value Nike shoe sellers for this reason. There are a lot of sellers who are not trustworthy. Here are a few steps to identifying a good Nike seller on Aliexpress
- Has been around for a few years
- Has a good rating on the store
- Has a good rating on the products
- Has a good response rate
- Has a good return and replacement policy
Check the size of the Nike Shoe you are buying
Nike shoes from China MIGHT be different from the ones you buy from the U.S, U.K or Europe because of the size differences. A size 5 or 6 in China is different from a size 5 or 6 in the U.S. This is because Asian feet are much smaller. So make sure to check the size guide before you buy your shoes!
Choose the right shipment type
Cheap shipment isnt always the best shipment. If you want your Nike sneakers from China to come quickly, then you better choose FedX or DHL as the shipment partner. If you do choose Free shipping, it might take some time as the local Chinese post or the postal system in your country might be a bit slow.
Communicate with the seller
When in doubt, always communicate with the seller. Ask them questions regarding the shoes you want to buy, ask them send pictures etc. Their answers will help you decide if they are the right seller or not.
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Some Common And Costly Mistakes
Although I had done my research, I was still in over my head and had a lot to learn. After my biggest month, I made some preventable mistakes that nearly caused me to lose everything I had earned.
First, I ended up with some fakes and it was a mess trying to get my money back from the seller or PayPal.
Nicks Notes: As you might expect with shoes that sell for $1000, theres a thriving black market for counterfeit sneakers.
The other issue I ran into was with my PayPal account itself. They werent used to me taking in such large amounts of money per month, so PayPal put a hold on my money. Since I relied on reinvesting that income into more inventory, that hold took me several months to recover from.
I think I could have avoided that if Id warned them in advance that I would be taking in as much money in a month that I used to take in in a year, but then again I had no idea that I would make so much money so quickly!
Fortunately, I made a recovery and have gathered more knowledge than if it had been smooth sailing from the very start.
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