Refurbished Running Shoes Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Performance Shoes, Casual Shoes), By Gender (Men, Women, Unisex), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By Region & Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The global Refurbished Running Shoes Market was valued at USD 8.31 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 14.92 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 10.31% during the forecast period. The market is currently witnessing growing demand, fueled by heightened consumer awareness of environmental concerns and the cost advantages of buying refurbished products. Notable trends include the increasing acceptance of pre-owned items among younger consumers and the expansion of online platforms that support the resale of athletic footwear. Despite this momentum, the industry still faces challenges, including consumer doubts about product quality and potential limitations in supply chain consistency that need to be effectively managed. The affordability of refurbished running shoes also appeals to budget-conscious consumers. While new performance running shoes generally cost between $100 and $200, refurbished pairs are usually priced 30% to 50% lower, making them an attractive option for many buyers. This price advantage is especially appealing to younger demographics, who often have limited disposable income.

Market Drivers

Growing Environmental Awareness and Sustainability Trends

Environmental consciousness among consumers is a primary force driving the refurbished running shoes market. With increasing awareness about the environmental impact of fast fashion and overconsumption, many buyers are shifting towards sustainable alternatives. The production of new running shoes involves significant water usage, carbon emissions, and waste generation. Refurbished shoes, which are pre-owned shoes that have been cleaned, repaired, and restored for reuse, offer an eco-friendly alternative by extending product life cycles and reducing waste. Brands and consumers alike are recognizing the importance of reducing their carbon footprint. Environmental certifications, sustainable manufacturing practices, and corporate social responsibility initiatives are also influencing buyer decisions. Refurbished footwear aligns with the circular economy model, encouraging reuse rather than disposal. This appeal to eco-conscious consumers is fueling demand and making sustainability not just a value, but a competitive advantage for brands in the refurbished space. For instance, In January 2023, ASICS introduced a recycling program that lets consumers trade in their old shoes for discounts on new purchases, supporting the creation of a circular economy. Through this initiative, ASICS repurposes materials from used shoes to create new products, such as the ASICS Nimbus Marai shoe. The program is available in several markets, including the U.S., UK, Netherlands, France, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

Cost-Effectiveness and Economic Appeal

Affordability is a significant driver for the refurbished running shoes market. Brand-new, high-performance running shoes can be quite expensive, especially from premium athletic brands. Refurbished shoes offer similar functionality and performance at a fraction of the original cost, making them accessible to a broader consumer base, including students, fitness enthusiasts on a budget, and value-conscious shoppers. As inflation and economic uncertainty continue to affect purchasing power in many regions, more consumers are looking for ways to save money without compromising on quality. Refurbished shoes provide a smart solution, allowing consumers to access top-tier brands and technologies at a lower price. This economic appeal is not only helping increase adoption but is also reshaping perceptions of refurbished goods from being “second-best” to “smart choice.”

Expansion of Online Marketplaces and Resale Platforms

The rise of digital platforms specializing in resale and refurbished products is another major driver of this market. Companies like eBay, Poshmark, and dedicated refurbished gear retailers have made it easier for consumers to access and trust second-hand goods. These platforms often authenticate, grade, and sometimes restore items before resale, building consumer confidence. E-commerce’s growth has removed geographical barriers, enabling refurbished running shoes to reach a global audience. Enhanced user experiences, secure payment methods, and detailed product listings contribute to a trustworthy ecosystem for buying used and refurbished items. As digital resale continues to grow and gain legitimacy, it provides the infrastructure needed for the refurbished footwear market to scale efficiently and sustainably. 

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Key Market Challenges

Perceived Quality and Hygiene Concerns

One of the most significant hurdles for the refurbished running shoes market is overcoming consumer skepticism regarding quality and hygiene. Unlike electronics or hard goods, footwear is directly associated with personal hygiene and wear-and-tear. Consumers may worry that refurbished shoes won't provide the same support, cushioning, or durability as new ones, especially since running shoes are often evaluated based on performance and longevity. Furthermore, hygiene is a major concern. Many potential buyers hesitate to wear shoes previously owned by someone else, fearing bacteria, odors, or foot-related infections. Even if the shoes are thoroughly sanitized and restored, the psychological barrier can be strong. Brands and sellers must invest heavily in cleaning technologies, clear refurbishing processes, and transparent communication to reassure customers that the products are clean, safe, and functionally sound. Consumer education and marketing efforts are essential to change the perception of refurbished footwear from being “used and worn out” to “certified, cleaned, and like-new.” Until this stigma is fully addressed, it will remain a considerable challenge for market expansion.

Inconsistent Supply and Inventory Management

Unlike new shoes that are mass-produced, the supply of refurbished running shoes is unpredictable and inconsistent. Refurbished inventory depends on the return, donation, or resale of used shoes, which makes it harder to standardize products, sizes, or models across inventory. This inconsistency can lead to limited choices for consumers and makes it difficult to maintain a steady product offering. Retailers must also deal with varying levels of wear and damage, meaning each shoe requires a different level of restoration. This inconsistency increases labor and processing costs and complicates logistics. Managing and categorizing inventory accurately, especially when dealing with multiple sizes, brands, and refurbishment grades, is a complex and resource-intensive process. The lack of scalability and supply standardization can prevent businesses from meeting rising demand efficiently, especially as the market grows and customer expectations increase.

Key Market Trends

Integration of Technology in Refurbishment Processes

A major trend transforming the refurbished running shoes market is the adoption of advanced technology in the refurbishment process. Innovations in cleaning, repair, and restoration are making it possible to bring pre-owned running shoes closer to “like-new” condition. High-grade sanitization techniques such as ozone treatment, UV sterilization, and anti-bacterial sprays are now standard practices in many refurbishment facilities. These technologies help eliminate odors, kill germs, and restore cleanliness to a professional standard. Additionally, 3D scanning and printing are being used to replicate and replace worn-out components like midsoles, insoles, or outsoles. Some startups and refurbishers even use AI to assess wear levels and automatically classify the condition of returned shoes. These tech integrations not only improve efficiency and consistency but also boost customer trust by ensuring product quality. The result is a more polished, reliable product that appeals to a broader audience. As these technologies become more accessible and scalable, they are expected to become the industry standard, significantly raising the quality bar for refurbished shoes and accelerating the market’s growth.

Rise of Eco-Conscious Consumerism and Circular Fashion

Another defining trend is the rapid growth of eco-conscious consumer behavior and the rise of circular fashion. More consumers—especially millennials and Gen Z—are prioritizing sustainability in their purchasing decisions. They’re actively seeking brands and products that align with their values, such as reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting ethical consumption. Refurbished running shoes perfectly fit this ethos. They offer a practical solution for minimizing the environmental impact of footwear, one of the most waste-intensive industries. Social media and influencer marketing have further amplified this trend by promoting thrifted, upcycled, and refurbished styles as cool, responsible, and desirable. This movement is not limited to individual consumers. Institutions, sports clubs, and schools are also turning to refurbished shoes to save costs and lower their carbon footprints. As circular fashion continues to gain cultural momentum, the refurbished running shoes market is expected to grow alongside it, driven by both ideological support and financial logic.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

Performance shoes was the dominant segment in the refurbished running shoes market, driven by high demand from athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and casual runners seeking quality footwear at a more affordable price. These shoes are designed with advanced technology for support, cushioning, and durability, making them highly valued even in their refurbished state. One of the key reasons for their dominance is cost savings. New performance running shoes from top brands like Nike, Adidas, or Asics can be expensive, often priced well above $100. Refurbished versions allow consumers to access similar benefits—like responsive midsoles, breathable uppers, and ergonomic designs—at a significantly reduced price, making them an attractive alternative. Additionally, performance shoes are often built to last, with higher-quality materials and construction. This durability means they can be successfully refurbished and still meet performance expectations. Many refurbished shoes in this category are lightly used or were returned after minimal wear, making them suitable for resale after basic restoration. As health and fitness trends continue to rise globally, so does the demand for reliable, high-performance footwear. This makes the performance shoe segment a critical growth driver in the refurbished market, appealing to consumers who want both value and function without compromising on athletic performance. 

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Regional Insights

North America was the largest region in the refurbished running shoes market, driven by a combination of strong consumer demand, environmental awareness, and the presence of major athletic brands. Consumers in the U.S. and Canada are increasingly embracing sustainable lifestyles, and refurbished products—especially in fashion and footwear—are gaining popularity as part of this shift. With rising awareness about climate change and the environmental impact of fast fashion, many North American shoppers are turning to refurbished goods as a conscious alternative. The region also benefits from a mature e-commerce ecosystem and a growing number of resale and refurbishment platforms, such as eBay, Poshmark, and specialized sneaker marketplaces. These platforms make refurbished running shoes easily accessible, while offering authentication and quality checks that build consumer trust. Moreover, North America is home to some of the world’s largest athletic brands, including Nike, which has launched its own refurbishment program in the U.S. This brand involvement further legitimizes the market and drives demand. Coupled with a fitness-focused culture and widespread participation in sports and running activities, North America’s refurbished running shoe market is well-positioned for continued growth, leading the way in innovation, supply chain development, and consumer acceptance of refurbished footwear.

Recent Developments

• In 2023, Nike introduced a line of refurbished running shoes as part of its circular economy initiative called "Move to Zero," which aims to reduce waste and lower carbon emissions across the entire product lifecycle. As part of this sustainability effort, Nike also experimented with design for disassembly by developing the ISPA Link Axis—a shoe specifically engineered to be fully recyclable.
• In 2023, Adidas announced a collaboration with Fashion for Good, a sustainable fashion initiative, and FastFeetGrinded, a footwear recycling innovator, to enhance the quality of materials used in refurbished shoes. The partnership is focused on advancing the shift toward a circular footwear industry by exploring innovative recycling technologies and developing supportive infrastructure for sustainable production.
• In 2023, New Balance expanded its commitment to sustainability by introducing a platform called "Reconsidered," which enables customers to trade in gently used New Balance shoes in exchange for vouchers toward future purchases. This initiative goes beyond traditional refurbishment by including a resale program, offering both in-store drop-off and mail-in options to make participation convenient and accessible.

Key Market Players

• Nike Inc.
• Adidas AG
• New Balance Athletics, Inc.
• ASICS Corp.
• Kering SA
• Skechers USA, Inc.
• Under Armour Inc.
• VF Corp.
• Puma SE
• Relaxo Footwears Ltd.

Report Scope:

In this report, the global Refurbished Running Shoes Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

•  Refurbished Running Shoes Market, By Type:

o   Performance Shoes

o   Casual Shoes       

•         Refurbished Running Shoes Market, By Gender:

o   Men

o   Women

o   Unisex

•         Refurbished Running Shoes Market, By Distribution Channel:

o   Online

o   Offline

•         Refurbished Running Shoes Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  Germany

§  Spain

§  Italy

§  United Kingdom

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  Japan

§  India

§  Vietnam

§  South Korea

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

§  Turkey

§  Kuwait

§  Egypt

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the global Refurbished Running Shoes Market.

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Global Refurbished Running Shoes Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).