Is Adidas Worth Reselling? Complete Flipping Guide 2026
Adidas has been a cornerstone of sneaker culture for decades, and in 2026, the brand continues to offer tremendous opportunities for resellers. But is Adidas worth reselling? The short answer is yes—if you know which products to target and when to buy. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about flipping Adidas for profit.
Whether you’re new to the resale game or looking to diversify your inventory, understanding the Adidas market is essential. From retro silhouettes like the Samba and Gazelle to high-value collaborations and the lasting impact of the Yeezy era, there’s money to be made across multiple product categories.
Why Adidas Reselling Is Profitable in 2026
The athletic footwear and apparel market continues to grow, and Adidas holds a unique position within it. Unlike some competitors that focus primarily on performance or fashion, Adidas successfully bridges both worlds. This versatility creates multiple entry points for resellers.
Several factors make Adidas particularly attractive for flipping:
Cultural Relevance: Adidas has maintained its cool factor through strategic collaborations with designers, artists, and celebrities. The three stripes remain iconic across demographics, from streetwear enthusiasts to soccer fans to vintage collectors.
Price Point Diversity: While some Adidas products retail for under $100, others command premium prices. This range means resellers can work within various budgets and target different buyer segments.
Global Recognition: Adidas is truly international. Products that might sit on shelves in one market often sell out instantly in another, creating arbitrage opportunities for savvy resellers.
Consistent Release Calendar: Unlike brands that rely heavily on surprise drops, Adidas maintains a relatively predictable release schedule. This predictability allows resellers to plan inventory and marketing strategies in advance.
For a broader perspective on athletic footwear flipping, check out our Sneakers Flipping Guide.
The Best Adidas Models for Reselling
Not all Adidas products are created equal when it comes to resale value. Understanding which silhouettes consistently perform well separates profitable resellers from those sitting on dead stock.
Adidas Samba: The Reseller’s Best Friend
The Samba has experienced a remarkable resurgence, transforming from a classic indoor soccer shoe into one of the most sought-after lifestyle sneakers of the decade. Originally released in 1950, this silhouette has proven that heritage designs never go out of style.
Why Sambas Resell Well:
- Crossover appeal spanning sports, fashion, and casual wear
- Relatively limited production on premium colorways
- Strong celebrity endorsement (worn by everyone from fashion editors to musicians)
- Affordable retail price creates accessible entry point
Typical Profit Margins:
- Standard colorways: Buy at $100, sell for $130-150 (30-50% margin)
- Limited editions: Buy at $120, sell for $180-250 (50-100%+ margin)
- Wales Bonner collaborations: Buy at $180, sell for $350-500+ (100%+ margin)
The key with Sambas is targeting the right variations. Basic black and white colorways rarely command significant premiums, but seasonal releases, special materials (like premium leather or suede), and collaboration versions can yield excellent returns.
Adidas Gazelle: Timeless and Profitable
The Gazelle sits alongside the Samba as one of Adidas’s most enduring silhouettes. First introduced in 1966, this shoe has been reimagined countless times while maintaining its core appeal.
Current Market Dynamics: The Gazelle’s versatility makes it popular across age groups and style preferences. Platform versions have expanded the silhouette’s reach into women’s fashion, while collaboration releases attract collectors.
Profit Potential:
- Platform Gazelles: Buy at $110, sell for $150-180
- Gucci x Adidas Gazelle: Buy at $750 retail (if available), resell for $1,000-1,400
- Vintage 80s/90s originals: Source for $30-50, sell for $100-200 depending on condition
Adidas Forum: Basketball Heritage Meets Street Style
The Forum, originally a basketball shoe from 1984, has carved out its own niche in the resale market. Its chunky silhouette and prominent ankle strap give it distinct visual appeal that resonates with current fashion trends.
Resale Highlights:
- Bad Bunny x Forum collaborations remain highly sought after
- Low and Mid versions both perform well
- Limited colorways consistently sell above retail
Example Flip: A Bad Bunny Forum Low purchased at retail ($160) can resell for $280-400 depending on colorway and size. Even general release Forums in popular colors often yield 20-40% margins when sourced on sale.
Adidas Campus: The Sleeper Hit
Don’t overlook the Campus silhouette. While it may not generate the same hype as Sambas, the Campus has a dedicated following and frequently flies under the radar—which can work in a reseller’s favor.
Strategic Advantage: Because Campus releases don’t always sell out instantly, you can often purchase them at or below retail during sales, then wait for stock to deplete. As availability decreases, resale prices rise.
Typical Returns:
- Standard Campus: Buy at $90-100, sell for $120-150 after stock depletion
- Premium/collaboration versions: 40-80% margins
Collaboration Releases: Where the Real Money Is
Adidas has built its brand partially through strategic collaborations with designers, artists, and brands. These partnerships consistently produce the highest-margin opportunities for resellers.
Top Adidas Collaborations to Target
Wales Bonner: The British designer’s ongoing partnership with Adidas has produced some of the most coveted products in recent years. Wales Bonner pieces command premiums of 100-300% above retail.
- Wales Bonner Samba: Retail $180, resale $400-600
- Wales Bonner Country: Retail $160, resale $300-450
- Wales Bonner apparel: Often doubles in value
Bad Bunny: The Puerto Rican superstar’s Forum collaborations have been wildly successful. His releases typically sell out within minutes and maintain strong resale values.
Pharrell Williams: Though his Hu NMD line has cooled somewhat from its peak, Pharrell’s Adidas collaborations still draw collector interest, particularly archive releases.
BAPE: The Japanese streetwear brand’s Adidas collaborations have cult status. Superstar and Campus versions regularly command 2-3x retail.
Gucci: The luxury house’s partnership with Adidas created crossover products that appeal to both sneaker collectors and fashion enthusiasts. These pieces occupy a premium tier with corresponding profit potential.
How to Access Limited Collaboration Releases
Securing collaboration releases requires strategy:
- Enter raffles: Use the Adidas Confirmed app and follow partner retailers’ raffle systems
- Build relationships: Become a loyal customer at boutiques that receive allocations
- Monitor leak accounts: Early information lets you prepare entry strategies
- Consider alternative sizes: Less popular sizes (very small or very large) often have better odds
The Yeezy Legacy: What’s Still Worth Flipping?
The Yeezy era fundamentally changed sneaker reselling, and its impact continues in 2026 despite the partnership’s conclusion. Understanding the current Yeezy landscape helps resellers navigate this unique market segment.
Current Yeezy Market Conditions
Following the separation between Adidas and Kanye West, the Yeezy market has evolved:
Adidas Yeezy Inventory: Adidas released remaining Yeezy stock in waves under the “Yeezy” branding. These releases have largely satisfied demand for common colorways, but rare versions maintain value.
Still Profitable Yeezys:
- Yeezy 350 V2 (rare colorways): “Zebra,” “Bred,” “Oreo” still command premiums
- Yeezy 700 (Wave Runner): The original colorway remains iconic
- Yeezy Foam Runner: Unusual silhouette maintains cult following
- Deadstock pairs from pre-split: Verifiable DS pairs command collector premiums
Example Pricing:
- Yeezy 350 V2 “Bred” (DS): $300-400
- Yeezy 700 “Wave Runner” (DS): $350-450
- Common 350 V2 colorways: Often at or below original retail
Should You Invest in Yeezys?
The Yeezy market has become specialized. General colorways don’t justify the capital investment, but targeted purchases of rare versions can still yield returns. Focus on:
- Deadstock pairs with original receipts/tags
- Rare collaborations (particularly Red October era Nike Yeezys if sourced)
- Regional exclusives that had limited distribution
Vintage Adidas: The Untapped Gold Mine
While many resellers focus on new releases, vintage Adidas represents an often-overlooked opportunity with significant profit potential.
What Qualifies as Valuable Vintage?
Era Matters:
- 1970s-80s: Highest value, particularly Made in France/Germany
- 1990s: Growing collector interest, especially deadstock
- Early 2000s: Selected releases gaining vintage status
Valuable Vintage Categories:
- Track jackets (especially three-stripe designs)
- Original Run-DMC era Superstars
- Vintage Gazelles and Country trainers
- Soccer jerseys from iconic teams/eras
- Olympic collection pieces
Profit Examples:
- 1980s Adidas track jacket: Source at thrift for $15-30, sell for $80-200
- Vintage deadstock Superstars: Source for $50-100, sell for $200-400
- Retro soccer jerseys: Buy at $20-40, sell for $80-150
Where to Source Vintage Adidas
Vintage sourcing requires different strategies than new releases:
- Thrift stores: Inconsistent but can yield incredible finds at minimal cost
- Estate sales: Older collectors may have preserved deadstock
- eBay auctions: Search for misspelled listings or poorly photographed items
- European markets: Original European production pieces command premiums
- Goodwill bins/outlets: Time-intensive but potentially highly profitable
For detailed sourcing strategies, see our guide on Estate Sale Flipping Strategies.
Adidas Apparel: Beyond Sneakers
Smart resellers don’t limit themselves to footwear. Adidas apparel offers additional profit opportunities with often lower competition.
High-Value Apparel Categories
Track Suits and Jackets: Classic three-stripe track pieces remain perennially popular. Collaboration versions (like Wales Bonner or Ivy Park) command significant premiums.
Soccer/Football Jerseys: Authentic jerseys from popular teams (Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus) resell well, particularly vintage or limited editions.
Collaboration Apparel: Designer partnerships extend to clothing. Pieces from Gucci, Wales Bonner, and Pharrell often resell for 50-100% above retail.
Originals Line: Adidas Originals apparel maintains strong resale value, especially vintage-styled pieces and limited colorways.
Apparel Profit Margins
- Wales Bonner clothing: Buy at $150-300, sell for $250-500
- Vintage track jackets: Buy at $20-50, sell for $100-250
- Limited edition soccer jerseys: Buy at $90, sell for $150-200
- Ivy Park collections: 40-80% margins on popular pieces
Authentication: Protecting Your Business
As Adidas reselling has grown, so has the counterfeit market. Protecting yourself and your buyers requires authentication knowledge.
Red Flags for Fake Adidas
Footwear Authentication Points:
- Boost material (Yeezys, Ultraboosts): Should have distinct, firm pellet texture
- Tag placement and font consistency
- Stitching quality and pattern alignment
- Box label details (sizing, SKU, barcode)
- Insole branding quality and placement
Apparel Authentication:
- Tag construction (fakes often have thin, low-quality tags)
- Three-stripe spacing and alignment
- Embroidery quality on logos
- Country of manufacture (some fakes claim origins that don’t match the item)
Authentication Resources
- CheckCheck app: Paid authentication service for sneakers
- Legit Check by Ch: Community-based verification
- Entrupy: Professional authentication for high-value items
- Platform protections: Sell through marketplaces with authentication (eBay Authenticity Guarantee, GOAT, StockX)
Building Trust with Buyers
Even when selling authenticated items, build buyer confidence through:
- Detailed photographs from multiple angles
- Original receipts when available
- Clear return policies
- Honest condition descriptions
For more tips on building your reselling business, explore our Best Things to Flip for Profit 2026.
Best Platforms for Selling Adidas
Different platforms serve different market segments. Strategic platform selection maximizes returns.
Sneaker-Specific Platforms
StockX:
- Best for: New/deadstock sneakers, high-value items
- Fees: ~12-14% total
- Advantage: Built-in authentication, fixed pricing
GOAT:
- Best for: Both new and used sneakers
- Fees: ~15-20%
- Advantage: Accepts pre-owned, strong buyer trust
General Marketplaces
eBay:
- Best for: Variety of items, vintage pieces, apparel
- Fees: ~13% for sneakers (includes authentication)
- Advantage: Massive buyer base, Authenticity Guarantee program
Poshmark:
- Best for: Apparel, women’s sneakers
- Fees: 20% over $15
- Advantage: Social selling features, engaged community
Mercari:
- Best for: Quick sales, moderate-value items
- Fees: 10%
- Advantage: Easy listing process, local selling option
Building Your Selling Strategy
Consider using Underpriced.app to analyze market values before listing. Understanding current market prices ensures competitive pricing while protecting margins.
Timing Your Adidas Flips
Market timing significantly impacts profitability. Understanding seasonal patterns and release cycles helps optimize returns.
Seasonal Considerations
Back to School (August-September): High demand for lifestyle sneakers as students update wardrobes. Sambas, Gazelles, and Campus silhouettes perform particularly well.
Holiday Season (November-December): Peak demand across categories. Limited editions released for holidays often command premiums that increase into the new year.
Summer: Performance footwear (Ultraboost, running shoes) sees increased interest. Lifestyle models may soften slightly.
Release Timing Strategy
Pre-Release: Build hype awareness through social media and sneaker news. Plan entry strategies for anticipated releases.
Immediate Post-Release: Highest premiums typically occur in the first 1-4 weeks after release as demand outstrips supply.
Long-Term Hold: Some releases appreciate over time as stock depletes. Collaboration pieces and limited editions often gain value with age.
Building Your Adidas Reselling Business
Success in Adidas reselling requires systematic approaches rather than random flipping.
Capital Allocation
Start with clear budget allocation:
- 60% on proven performers (Sambas, Gazelles, established collabs)
- 30% on calculated speculation (new releases, trend bets)
- 10% on high-risk/high-reward (rare vintage, limited drops)
Inventory Management
Track your inventory carefully:
- Purchase prices and dates
- Current market values
- Storage costs (if applicable)
- Age of inventory (avoid holding too long)
Staying Informed
The sneaker market moves fast. Stay current through:
- Sneaker news sites (Hypebeast, Sole Collector, Nice Kicks)
- Social media accounts dedicated to releases
- Reseller communities and forums
- Adidas Confirmed app notifications
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others’ errors to accelerate your success:
Overbuying General Releases: Not every Adidas release will appreciate. General releases often end up on sale, destroying resale margins.
Ignoring Fees: Platform fees, shipping costs, and payment processing eat into profits. Always calculate true margins before purchasing.
Neglecting Authentication: One fake sale can destroy your reputation. When in doubt, authenticate.
Poor Condition Assessment: Accurately grade condition to avoid returns and negative feedback.
Emotional Purchasing: Buy what sells, not what you personally like. Data beats preference.
Final Verdict: Is Adidas Worth Reselling?
Absolutely—with the right approach. Adidas offers diverse opportunities across price points, product categories, and market segments. The brand’s cultural relevance, consistent collaboration strategy, and heritage appeal create ongoing demand.
Focus on:
- High-performers: Samba, Gazelle, Forum silhouettes
- Collaborations: Wales Bonner, Bad Bunny, designer partnerships
- Vintage: Undervalued market with strong margins
- Apparel: Often overlooked by competitors
Success requires research, patience, and strategic buying. Don’t chase every release—target products with proven resale track records or strong indicators of demand.
Ready to start your Adidas flipping journey? Use Underpriced.app to analyze any item’s potential value before purchasing. Our AI-powered platform helps you make data-driven decisions that maximize your reselling profits.
Looking for more reselling guides? Check out our Vintage Clothing Flipping Guide and learn strategies that apply across brands and categories.