A rack of unworn or barely-used shoes is money waiting to be freed – and learning to sell shoes online free means none of that value disappears in fees. From sneakers you never broke in to designer pairs and quality boots, footwear has one of the most active second-hand markets there is. This guide covers where to sell shoes with no commission, what sells best, and how to clean, photograph and ship for a fast sale.
Where to sell shoes online for free
“Free” should mean no listing fee and no commission – not just free to post. Many platforms let you list for nothing, then take 10-20% when the pair sells, which on a $150 sneaker is $15-30 gone. Compare your real take-home:
| Platform | Cost to sell | You keep on a $120 sale |
|---|---|---|
| WishThrift | No fee, no commission | $120 |
| eBay | ~13% final value + extras | ~$104 |
| Poshmark | 20% ($2.95 under $15) | $96 |
| StockX (sneakers) | Seller fee + payment | ~$108 |
| Mercari | ~10% + payment fee | ~$104 |
Fees are indicative for 2026 and change – check current terms before listing.
WishThrift is genuinely free on both sides: no listing fee, no commission, and you keep 100%. Selling on WishThrift takes minutes and reaches buyers worldwide.
What shoes sell best second-hand?
| Type | Why it sells | Typical resale |
|---|---|---|
| Popular-model sneakers | Searched by exact model | 50-150%+ |
| Designer footwear | Strong pre-owned market | 40-70% of retail |
| Quality leather boots | Durable, hold value | 40-60% |
| Name-brand trainers | Everyday demand | 30-50% |
| Kids’ shoes (outgrown) | Bought in lots, cheap | 30-50% |
The best returns come from clean, complete pairs – the original box adds value and trust, especially for sneakers. For sought-after models, authentication matters; the principles in our how to spot a fake designer item guide apply directly to sneakers and designer shoes.
How to clean and photograph shoes
- Clean the uppers and soles – wipe down, brush off scuffs, and air them out.
- Refresh the laces if they are worn; it transforms how a pair looks.
- Photograph from every angle – top, both sides, soles, heels, insoles and any flaws.
- Use good light and a plain background – bright, clear photos sell pairs faster.
Got shoes you never wear? List them free, keep 100%, and turn them into cash.
How to price and ship shoes
Search sold listings for your exact model and size, then price slightly below the cheapest comparable pair in similar condition to sell faster. Ship in a sturdy box – ideally the original shoe box inside a mailer, since collectors value the box – stuff the shoes lightly to hold their shape, and use tracked, insured shipping for higher-value pairs. For the wider selling method, see how to sell used clothes online and our roundup of the best things to resell for profit.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I sell shoes online for free?
WishThrift lets you list shoes with no listing fee and no commission, so you keep 100% of every sale. Facebook Marketplace is also free for local sales. Free matters most on sneakers and designer footwear, where a percentage-based commission elsewhere would take a meaningful cut of a higher-value sale.
What shoes sell best second-hand?
Popular-model sneakers, designer footwear, quality leather boots and barely-worn name-brand trainers sell fastest because buyers search by exact model and size. Condition, the original box and accurate sizing are the biggest drivers of how quickly a pair sells and for how much.
How do I clean and photograph shoes to sell?
Wipe down uppers, clean the soles, replace worn laces if needed, and let them air out. Photograph in good light from multiple angles – top, sides, soles, heels and any flaws – against a plain background. Clean, well-lit photos and honest condition notes are the difference between a fast sale and a stale listing.
How should I ship shoes I sell online?
Ship in a sturdy box – ideally the original shoe box inside a mailer to protect it, since collectors value the box. Stuff the shoes lightly to hold their shape, use tracked and insured shipping for higher-value pairs, and confirm the buyer’s size before posting to avoid returns.
Item-by-item guides
Detailed guides for specific items, each covering what it is worth, the photographs that sell it, what to put in the title and the questions buyers will send you:
- How to sell ankle boots — £18 to £80
- How to sell boots — £20 to £90
- How to sell brogues — £15 to £70
- How to sell chelsea boots — £25 to £100
- How to sell cycling shoes — £20 to £85
- How to sell dance shoes — £12 to £55
- How to sell flats — £8 to £35
- How to sell flip flops — £4 to £20
- How to sell football boots — £15 to £60
- How to sell golf shoes — £20 to £80
- How to sell heels — £12 to £60
- How to sell hiking boots — £25 to £90
- How to sell knee high boots — £25 to £110
- How to sell loafers — £15 to £70
- How to sell oxford shoes — £18 to £85
- How to sell running shoes — £15 to £70
- How to sell sandals — £8 to £35
- How to sell skate shoes — £15 to £55
- How to sell slippers — £5 to £25
- How to sell sneakers — £20 to £120
- How to sell stiletto heels — £12 to £55
- How to sell trainers — £18 to £100
- How to sell wellington boots — £12 to £50
- How to sell work boots — £25 to £110
Maya Chen is Senior Editor at WishThrift, where she writes about the global secondhand market, sustainable shopping, and the resale economy. Her work focuses on practical buyer guides — designer authentication, online thrift tactics, used-book hunting, and what to look for on every listing before you pay. She edits the WishThrift seller knowledge base and reviews every guide published on the site.