How to Price Used Hiking Boots and Running Shoes

Start with the current retail price, not what you paid

Buyers compare against today’s price for the current model, and against the sale price of last year’s version. Look up the current model and note whether it is discounted — that sets your ceiling.

If your model is discontinued, use the closest current equivalent. Out-of-production classics can beat that number, but only for buyers who know what they are looking for.

The condition bands

• Like new — worn once or twice, original box: 60 to 70 percent of retail.
• Lightly used — a season of use, tread intact, no structural wear: 40 to 55 percent.
• Well loved — visible wear, sole edges rounded, still functional: 25 to 35 percent.
• Project or parts — flaws that affect use: 10 to 20 percent, if you list it at all.

For running shoes, mileage beats appearance

A running shoe that looks perfect can be finished. Foam compresses long before the outsole shows wear, so price from mileage: under 50 miles is nearly new, 50 to 150 is lightly used, and past 250 it is a walking shoe and should be priced like one.

State the mileage in the title or first line of the description. Buyers trust a number more than an adjective.

For hiking boots, the sole tells the story

Look at the heel and the ball of the foot. Sharp, square lugs mean low mileage. Rounded, polished lugs mean a lot of road and rock. Check the flex point of the midsole too — a boot that folds easily in the middle is worn out.

A resolable leather boot with a worn sole can still be worth 40 percent of retail to the right buyer; a glued budget boot cannot.

Check comps in the same size

Footwear prices move with size. US 9 to 10 sells at a premium because that is where most demand sits; 13 and up and half sizes at the extremes take longer and sell lower.

Search sold listings for the exact model and size, then place yourself at or slightly below the median — the cheapest credible listing gets the message.

Know what the buyer is actually paying

On Second Wind the buyer pays your price plus flat postage, a 6 percent marketplace fee and a small service charge, so a $60 item costs them roughly $70 all in. Price with that in mind: a listing at $55 often converts far better than $60.

You receive your asking price less card processing, which is why a slightly lower price that sells this week usually beats a perfect price that sells in two months.

When to move the price

Views without messages means the price is wrong. Messages without a sale means the description or photos are. Drop by 10 to 15 percent after two quiet weeks, and never more than twice — after that, the item is a donation.

Offers are part of the process

Expect buyers to offer 10 to 20 percent below asking. Price slightly above your true floor so an offer lands where you wanted to be, and decline politely rather than ignoring messages — a seller who answers gets repeat buyers.