What Does Deadstock Mean in Shoes?

What Does Deadstock Mean in Shoes?

The term “Deadstock” is pretty popular in the shoe industry, but what does it exactly mean? Does it mean dead shoes or spoiled materials? The answer is no. In fact: 

Deadstock sneakers are brand-new, unused, and unworn. These are those pairs that do not get sold and eventually become collectible and rare. They come in their original packaging, with all the labels and accessories, and are sold at super-high prices. 

Sounds interesting, right? The following guide covers more about what does deadstock mean in shoes and why the world is so crazy about them! 

What Does Deadstock Mean in Shoes?

What Does Deadstock Mean in Shoes?

Deadstock shoes are when an authentic, fresh, and unworn pair of shoes comes in its original box, complete with the box top and shoe size label. "Deadstock" shoes may also have other accessories, like laces, that were originally included in the box when purchased.

Basically:

  • The shoes should be brand new; they must never be touched or worn and should be completely unused. 
  • The shoes should retain their original packaging. A pair of sneakers that doesn't come in its original packaging will not qualify as deadstock. 
  • Other than the box, the shoes should contain all the original labels and tags that were first included during the manufacturing process. 
  • All the accessories should be available in brand-new condition; this includes insoles, laces, etc. 

The goal here is to keep the shoes looking and feeling as if they've never been used or handled before. Any signs of wear or changes would mean they're not deadstock anymore. It's about keeping everything in a fresh, untouched condition that collectors and fans appreciate.

How to Spot a Deadstock Sneaker Online?

What Does Deadstock Mean in Shoes? 

Three things make a pair "deadstock"; these are brand-new condition, original box and labels, and untouched laces and other accessories. But how would you identify a deadstock sneaker, let's say online? 

The thing is, a pair of shoes can go deadstock as soon as they are no longer in production or circulation. This makes them instantly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. 

So, when looking for deadstock sneakers online, certain pointers can help you distinguish them from other options:

  • Not in stores or official websites: If you can't find the sneaker in regular stores or official sites, it might be deadstock.
  • Not on Nike/Adidas apps: If the shoe is sold out on apps like Nike SNKRS or Adidas Confirmed app, it's likely deadstock. 
  • Limited sizes online: If a specific size is no longer available, the sneaker might be deadstock.
  • Sold out for a long time: Popular sneakers that haven't been restocked in months or years are likely deadstock.
  • Profitable for sellers: If people are selling the sneakers for much more than the original price on platforms like eBay, it means the shoe might be deadstock. 

Basically, a sold-out status for a long time and then reselling at a much higher price than the original one often means the shoe has become deadstock. 

What are Ds, VNDs, and NDs in Shoes? Are They Similar? 

Ds, VNDs, and NDs are three levels of grading for deadstock shoes. Originally, deadstock meant shoes that are never touched, worn, or used, and come with all the packaging, labels, tags, and accessories. 

However, there are times when even brand-new shoes can be slightly used. And because even a little usage nullifies the deadstock status, the shoe industry uses three grading levels to show the different conditions of a deadstock sneaker. 

These three grading levels are Ds, VNDs, and NDs, where Ds stands for the most original shoes, VNDs are slightly used, and DNs are used a few times. 

Here is more detailed information on how Ds, VNDs, and NDs are different from each other:

Criteria

Deadstock (DS)

Very Near Deadstock (VND)

Near Deadstock (ND)

Condition

Brand new, never worn

Very minimal signs of wear, like new

Light signs of wear, well-maintained

Packaging

Original box, tags, and accessories

Original box may be present, minimal wear

May or may not have original box

Insoles & Laces

Untouched in brand-new condition

May show slight wear, still present

May have wear, may be replaced

Availability

Currently unavailable or rare in stores

May be available in some stores

May or may not be available

Price on Resale Market

Generally higher due to rarity

Slightly lower than DS

Lower than DS, more affordable

Collectibility

Highly collectible, sought after

Still collectible, but less rare

Collectible, but more accessible

In simple words, Ds are those shoes that are never worn or touched. VNDs or Very Near Deadstock can be worn a few times but they are never sold. Minimal signs of wear can be present, but VNDs shoes are still new because they never reach the selling stage. 

On the other hand, NDs or Near Deadstock show some light signs of wear and they are worn a bit more compared to VNDs. Unlike VNDs, NDs can enter the selling stage, but they are still well-maintained and in good condition and are often more affordable than DS or VND options.

Why Deadstock Shoes are SO Hyped Up in the Modern World?

Deadstock shoes are so hyped up in today's world that people go crazy for them. While there are still some people who have no idea about different statuses assigned to shoes, like deadstock, there are also those freaks who would do anything to get a pair of these shoes. 

It's because shoes today are more like a part of the entire outfit and show your status, interests, and where you stand in your sense of fashion. And this why the following reasons justify why there is so much hype about deadstock shoes in the real world:

  • They're Rare Items: Deadstock shoes are rare to find; getting them is like owning a special edition pair that only a few people have. These shoes are limited, and once they're gone, they're gone. This scarcity makes people really want them.
  • They Tell a Story: Each pair of Deadstock shoes has a story. They were made at a certain time, maybe tied to a special event or collaboration. People love that, and it makes the shoes more than just something to wear.
  • Freshness Factor: Everyone loves new things, right? Deadstock shoes are the freshest pairs you can get. They haven't touched the ground or been through the usual wear and tear. 
  • They're Hard to Get: Deadstock shoes are often tricky to find. They're not sitting on every store shelf. You will have to do a lot of research online or go to special retailers to get them. That difficulty adds to the thrill and ends in finding that one pair nobody has. 
  • Resale Hype: Some people buy Deadstock shoes not just to wear but to sell them later. If a particular Deadstock pair becomes really popular, its resale price can shoot up. So, it's not just about style; it's like a sneaker investment process.
  • Status Symbol: Let's be honest; wearing Deadstock shoes can be a status thing. People like feeling unique, and Deadstock shoes give that vibe.
  • Collector's Thing: Some people collect Deadstock shoes like others collect stamps or coins. It's like a hobby they have; these people can have a whole bunch of shoes, each with its own story and significance, so they really become crazy over Ds shoes. 

Things to Remember Before Buying Deadstock Sneakers

Before you buy a deadstock sneaker, remember the following tips to make the most of your money:

  • Always check the authenticity of the pair you're considering. Check for details like stitching, logo placement, and overall quality.
  • Whether you're buying from a website, an individual seller, or a platform, research the seller's reputation. Look for reviews and feedback from other buyers to avoid falling into a scam.
  • Deadstock doesn't mean brand new every time. They might be labeled as VNDs or NDs; make sure you know what you are buying. 
  • Always double-check the shoe condition before you buy. Some Deadstock sneakers stay in stores for a while, and because of this, they can have signs of slight yellowing or aging. 
  • Deadstock sneakers come with original packaging and accessories. Confirm that the shoes have the correct box, tags, and any additional items that were part of the original package. 
  • Research market prices beforehand to avoid overpaying. Check various platforms and sellers to get a sense of the current market rates.
  • Since you can't physically inspect the sneakers before buying, ask for detailed photos. Ask the seller for pictures from different angles, close-ups of key features, and shots of the soles. 

Looking for Stylish Sneakers? Explore the Finest Collection at FreakyShoes.com!

Are you a sneaker freak who likes collecting unique and stylish shoes? If yes, you should check FreakyShoes because they have the finest collection of unique sneaker styles. They even let you customize your shoes and the best thing? The process is really easy! 

At FreakyShoes, all you have to do is:

  1. Visit FreakyShoes.com.
  2. Select your preferred sneaker style (high-top, low-top, slides, etc) and click on the “customize now” button. 
  3. This will take you to the customizing room where you can style your own sneakers with different colors, patterns, and themes! 

Once you place an order, your shoes will be delivered to the best quality and safely. So, visit FreakyShoes.com now and start customizing your shoes! 

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Pete Oliveri

CEO / AUTHOR of Freaky Shoes®

Meet Pete Oliveri, the creative force and driving visionary behind Freaky Shoes. A New Jersey native, Pete is an accomplished American artist dedicated over 20 years to the consumer products industry, leaving an indelible mark in various domains such as graphic and packaging design, illustration, and product development. His extraordinary talent has earned him accolades, including the prestigious Bio Comics Award for his exceptional comic book content development work. However, Pete's ultimate achievement lies in his role as the Founder, CEO and creative genius of Freaky Shoes.

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