Shoe Shopping at Amazon Return Stores
Shoes are one of the most commonly returned online purchases, which means bin stores see a steady flow of footwear. Here's how to find great deals on shoes.
Why Shoes Are a Bin Store Staple
Online shoe shopping has an inherently high return rate — fit is deeply personal, sizing varies across brands, and the gap between how shoes look in photos and how they look on your feet can be significant. Estimates suggest that online footwear returns run at 30–40% of all purchases.
This creates a steady, reliable flow of shoes through the Amazon liquidation pipeline. Visit any bin store on restock day and you'll almost certainly find footwear — ranging from athletic sneakers to casual shoes to dress shoes and boots.
For shoppers who know what to look for, shoe bins can be one of the most rewarding areas in the store.
What Types of Shoes You'll Find
Athletic and Running Shoes
The most common category. Sizes, colors, and brands are unpredictable, but major brands appear regularly:
Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Brooks, Saucony (running)
Hoka, On Running (performance)
Puma, Reebok, Under Armour (cross-training)
Athletic shoes are returned frequently because online buyers guess at their size and find the fit wrong. Many arrive with minimal or no wear — sometimes with the original box.
Casual and Lifestyle Shoes
Vans, Converse, Keds (canvas and casual)
TOMS, Rothy's, and similar sustainable brands
Leather casual shoes (loafers, boat shoes, oxfords)
Slip-on styles
Boots
Ankle boots (very common in women's footwear)
Work boots (Timberland, Red Wing occasionally appear)
Fashion boots (knee-high, combat, Chelsea)
Snow and winter boots
Sandals and Slides
Common in summer inventory cycles:
Birkenstock-style sandals
Athletic slides (Nike, Adidas)
Flip flops and pool shoes
Dress Shoes
Men's oxfords and derbies
Women's heels and dress pumps
Dress sandals
Sizing: The Fundamental Challenge
The same randomness that makes shoes available at bin stores is also the challenge: you get what's there, not what you're looking for. Some practical realities:
Most Common Sizes Are Claimed First
Standard sizes (men's 9–11, women's 7–9) are the most commonly returned and also the most sought after by shoppers. If you wear a common size, competition on restock day is real.
Less Common Sizes Are Often Overlooked
This is the bin store shoe opportunity for less-common sizes. Men's 14, 15, or women's size 4, 5 are less sought after by other shoppers. If one of these is your size, you may consistently find shoes in your size still available on Day 2 or 3.
Half Sizes and Wide Widths
Many returns come in sizing that online shoppers found didn't work for them. Half sizes and wide widths appear with meaningful frequency.
What to Inspect Before Buying
Sole Wear
Look at the bottom of the shoe. The wear pattern tells you how much the shoe has been used. A shoe with significant tread wear has been worn extensively, while an unworn sole indicates a return with minimal or no wear.
Upper Condition
Check for scuffs, scratches, creasing, and water damage. Leather uppers develop characteristic creasing with wear; a smooth, uncreased upper is a good indicator of minimal use.
Insole Condition
Look inside the shoe. Foam insoles that have taken on the shape of a foot (visible pressure points, compressed foam) indicate significant wear.
Odor
Don't skip this check. Shoes with strong foot odor have been well-worn and may be difficult or impossible to fully deodorize.
Structural Integrity
Check that the sole bond is intact (no separation starting at the edges), that eyelets for laces are secure, and that any buckles, straps, or closures function properly.
When Boxes Are Present
If a pair of shoes still has its original box, that's a positive indicator:
Verify the box label matches the shoes inside (size, colorway, model number)
A box suggests the shoes were returned closer to purchase and have been less handled
For resale, a box significantly increases the value and appeal of listing photos
Shoes for Resale: What Works
Footwear is an excellent resale category, particularly on eBay and StockX.
Best Resale Opportunities at Bin Stores
Brand-name athletic sneakers in popular colorways (Nike, Adidas, Jordan)
Less-worn premium shoes from recognizable brands
Hard-to-find sizes in popular styles
New or near-new work boots from quality brands (Timberland Pro, Red Wing)
Platforms for Shoe Resale
eBay: Best overall reach; use the authentication program for sneakers over $100
StockX: Premium sneaker marketplace for confirmed-authentic shoes
Poshmark: Good for women's footwear and fashion-oriented shoe categories
Facebook Marketplace: Local sales avoid shipping complications on footwear
Photographing Shoes for Resale
Good photos make or break shoe listings. Photograph:
Both shoes together from the front
Profile view (both shoes)
Sole of one shoe (showing wear or lack thereof)
Close-up of any identifying labels (size, model)
Any notable condition details (both positive and negative — honesty builds feedback)